La Petite Rouvadin is situated in an ideal position, set deep in the heart of rural France in an area of particularly outstanding natural beauty, close to the borders with southern Normandy and Brittany. The outstanding scenery of the Alpes Mancelles and Sarthe river are 10 minutes drive away.


Places to visit:

Lassay Les Chateaux:- A very attractive old town. The Chateau is open – ask us for details. There are good walks around the town and longer ones taking in all three Chateaux as well as a Matisse Walk.

Domfront:- Is a very lovely mediaeval town. The centre was bombed during the war by the allies and don't forget to peer through the gate at the end of the castle grounds and read the notice there. Town walk maps are available at the tourist office by the castle entrance.

Bagnoles de l'Orne:- Is our local “ Belle Époque” Spa town, amazing buildings, a casino. Fine shops and restaurants. Good walking and wooded adventure play area – pony rides, pedalos, tennis, golf and riding stables.

Jublains:- A very large scale Roman Town, excellent museum also fort, theatre, temple and baths. A wealth of information. Mayenne:- Our riverside town with the oldest castle in Europe, shops, cafes, supermarkets – electric boats for hire from the Halte Fluviale. In the little town nearby of Fontaine Daniel you will find the centre of fabric making.

Carrouges:- With a beautiful Chateau, the headquarters of the National Park.

St. Leonard des Bois:- A lovely village with an old church, river walks, canoes – visit St. Ceneri de Gerei which is close by and said to be one of the prettiest villages in France – home to artists - their studios are often open, good restaurants. Walk along the river and enjoy the old church.

St. Loup du Gast:- Has a Velo rail a unique form of transport. There are dozens of walks and a lovely picnic area down by the river.

Ambrières les Vallées:- Is a pretty town on the riverside. There are canoes and pedalos available by the leisure area and nearby at La Haie Traersaine there is a water sport centre with windsurfing and sailing.


About 3/4 of an hour's drive away you can visit:

Laval:- Is the 'county town' of the Mayenne with a very attractive old town centre, boat trips on the river and shopping of course.

Alencon:- The county town of Orne, in Normandy, centre of the lace-making trade, with a lace museum, good shopping, and a castle and its grounds to enjoy.

Sillé Le Guillaume:- A pretty little town but it has a very large lake nearby if you follow signs to “la plage” with beach area and swimming, pedalos and lovely forest walks as well as bike trails, pony rides and so forth. A place to enjoy summer and winter.

Sainte Suzanne:- A lovely medieval town with jousting on Sundays in the summer – marvellous walks around the walls down to the millstreams below the town. Then go on to the Caves at Saulges OR The Tatin Museum at Cosse le Vivienne.

Fougeres:- Boasts a wonderful castle which is often used in film sets such as Joan of Arc as it is one of the best preserved large castles in France. There are excellent gardens to visit in the vicinity.