The 9 things to do in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

Would you like to visit Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei in Normandy? So discover the 9 things to do in this most beautiful village of France!

Treasure of the Mancelle Alps, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is classified as "Little Character City". Visit Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei will dazzle you by the picturesque charm of the village, considered as one of the treasures of our country.

Nestled in the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park, this village is also the ideal starting point to discover the beautiful surrounding nature. Would you like to discover this charming village of Normandy? In this article you will find the 9 essential things to do in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei during your stay!

1. The Church of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

Ranked Historic Monument, this building is a must-see if you are visiting Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei. Legend has it that soldiers assailing the church were themselves attacked by a bee swarm. They then threw themselves from the rocky spur in the Sarthe.

A plaque still commemorates today this hive: “Bees continue to protect the church”. This Romanesque church of the 11th century is also known for its monumental paintings of the 14th century, as well as for its cross path. The latter is the work of the Malezieux giroi sculptor.

2. The Village

Pittoresque and preserved, the village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is ideally discovered by strolling through its alleys. Take the time to imbue yourself with its unique atmosphere and admire its beautiful old houses. Some are beautifully decorated with edges.

During your visit to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, also stop near the Sarthe. You will then contemplate its beautiful stone bridge that spans the river.

3. The chapel of Saint-Céneri and its miraculous fountain

If you're visiting Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, you can't miss visiting his chapel and miraculous fountain. The latter, drowned in the greenery, in front of the chapel, would once have sprung to water the thirst of Saint Céneri and his disciple.

According to legend, its water would have healing properties. It would thus treat, and according to the said, certain diseases of the eyes. As for the chapel, it was built towards the end of the 14th century at the site where Saint Céneri would have built his shelter. In Gothic style, it fits perfectly into the bucolic landscape surrounding it.

4. L’Auberge Moisy

Also called the "inn of the Sisters Moisy", this 18th century building was one of the gathering places of many famous painters. They came to find their inspiration in the Mancelles Alps and the village at the end of the 19th century.

This must-see in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei reveals, thanks to a playful and original scenography, the relationship between painting and landscapes of this most beautiful village in France. Don’t miss a trick!

5. The Auberge des Peintres

The Auberge Legangneux, now Auberge des Peintres, was once another meeting place for the painters of the village. This 19th century home is thus listed as a Historic Monument. These facades and roofs, the ground floor room and the two rooms on the first floor include wall paintings.

Today, it houses one of the best places to eat in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.

6. The last vestiges of the Castle

If you come to visit Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, you can't miss the ruins of his castle. Built in 1049 by Geoffroy de Mayenne , vassal of the Count of Artois, he suffered many seats and assaults, especially during the Hundred Years War. It was destroyed by the English in 1434.

7. Workshops of artists

Village of painters and artists, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei still houses many workshops today. Since 1988, the artistic life of the village has been dynamic thanks to the efforts of local artists and associations. If you are visiting Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, don't miss to discover some local workshops and galleries.

Each summer you can also enjoy concerts, organized as part of the Saint-Céneri Academy.

8. The gardens of the Mansonière

Nestled on one of the hills overlooking the Sarthe, “Les Jardins de la Mansonière” are a charming garden of atmosphere. They invite you here to dreams, reflection and beatitude. The gardens are thus divided into several floral spaces.

Each has a different atmosphere, tones and colors, thanks to different flowers and plants. This place is obviously one of the must-sees in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.

9. Les Alpes Mancelles

Built in the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park, the Mancelles Alps also derive their name from the legends surrounding Saint Céneri and his disciple. They are from Italy . At the beginning, they promised to stop their march only in the presence of a landscape telling them of alpine sites.

This beautiful region is characterized by encashed valleys, where Sarthe and other tributaries flow peacefully.

Numerous high points and circuits allow you to discover beautiful landscapes. Among them are the rocks of the Haut-Fourché and the Narbonne near Saint-Léonard des Bois. The Toyères cliff overlooking the village circus is also a must-see in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei. The Mancelles Alps can also be visited via mountain biking or canoeing routes.

How to get to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei?

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is located in the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. The nearest big cities are Alençon, less than 30 minutes by car, and Le Mans, at an hour's drive. To reach and visit Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, you will ideally need your own vehicle, car or bike.

From Caen , Rennes or Paris Intercity or Ter trains will easily take you to Alençon, sometimes passing through Le Mans. Once you arrive in Alençon, you can rent a vehicle, take a taxi or reach the Mancelles Alps by bike. On-demand transport (Altobus) takes some days from the train station to the village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.

If you have a car, go to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei will obviously be easier:

• From Le Mans, take A28 towards La Nouvelle France/D310 in Coulombiers. Take Exit 20 then follow the D310, D338 and D56 to the village.
• From Paris, you can take the A11 until Le Mans or the N12 until Alençon. You will then have to take the D1 exit and follow the D1 and D101 to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.
• From Rennes, you can follow the N157, l’A81 then the N162 towards Mayenne. Then follow the D113, D121 and D144 towards Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.
• From Caen, follow the N158, then A88 and A28 towards Lonrai (Alençon). Take the D1 exit and follow the D1 and D101 to the village.

Where to stay in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei?

If you plan to visit Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, you will necessarily ask where to stay. This most beautiful village in France is fortunately not without housing options. You can opt for a hotel, a charming gite or some unusual accommodation in the Mancelles Alps. For this, don’t hesitate to go on a hotel comparison .