Located near Paris, Chartres and Le Mans, the Perche region is a veritable natural paradise. A popular holiday destination for city dwellers, it's an invitation to let go. Here, everything is nature and relaxation. Let yourself be carried away by the dolce vita made in France, in the heart of the Perche regional nature park. No chance of getting bored! Your stay will be punctuated by exciting visits to castles, forests, religious buildings and fascinating museums. Planning a reunion with loved ones? Welcome to the perfect place! Let's discover 13 of the most beautiful places to see in the Perche region.
1. The Perche Regional Nature Park
Looking for the perfect place to spend a weekend less than 2 hours from Paris? You've found it! The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche has a seductive geographical, landscape and architectural identity. With 36,000 hectares of forests, hedgerows, meadows, ponds and moors, it's home to exceptional biodiversity. At the heart of this landscape, the Perche's architectural heritage is revealed through its manor houses, farmhouses and charming villages.
The Maison du Parc, nestled in the manor house of Courboyer, is a first-rate tourist and cultural site. Here you'll find a wide range of activities, including
- tours of the manor,
- exhibitions
- stores selling Perche products,
- a gourmet area.
It's a charming place to discover during a weekend in the region!
2. Les petites Cités de Caractère du Perche
If nature is beautiful in the Perche, its villages of character are also worth a visit. Among the best known, Bellême with its strong medieval influence. From the top of its hill, this "Petite Cité de Caractère" (small town) in the Orne region offers a wealth of attractions, both in the village itself and in its panoramic views.
In the family of perched villages, La Perrière is another magnificent place to visit in the Orne. The charming Roussard stone houses give this village a very special charm. Don't hesitate to end your visit at the Eperon site, with its breathtaking panoramic views over the Sarthe and the Perseigne forest. This forest, like many others, is also well worth a visit.
Finally, you can't miss Longny-au-Perche, near the Réno-Valdieu forest. You'll be seduced by its pretty brick and stone buildings with typical regional architecture.
3. Escape to the Bellême forest
With its streams, valleys and tall forests, the Bellême forest is one of the most beautiful in the Perche region. Is there only one you need to do? You've found it! Before becoming state property, it was a royal forest in the XIIIᵉ century. Classified as a Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Écologique Floristique et Faunistique, it promises wonderful discoveries in a protected environment, with on the program:
- the Étang de la Herse,
- the Fontaine de la Herse,
- the Canadian oak tree,
- the school oak,
- the druids' stone,
- ancient camps.
In all, more than 2,400 hectares are available for beautiful walks, particularly towards La Perrière. A great way to kill two birds with one stone!
4. Visit La Chapelle-Montligeon
Here's the catch: you're not visiting a chapel, but a village! Located near the Réno-Valdieu state forest, La Chapelle-Montligeon offers one of the most beautiful walks in the Perche region. Its impressive Notre-Dame basilica is well worth a visit. Sometimes nicknamed the "cathedral in the fields" because of its privileged location, it boasts superb stained-glass windows and a rich history.
Once you've completed this exceptional visit, hop on your bike, or set off on foot to explore the many footpaths. We've warned you: the Perche region lies between heritage and nature, and everywhere it's easy to combine the two!
5. The quiet roads of Perche
Would you like to discover the Perche between nature and culture? Follow the quiet roads of Perche, through 9 circuits. Ranging in length from 62 to 106 km, they will lead you to discover villages, manor houses and numerous natural sites. Between lush forests and architecture, meet the Counts of Perche and their history... These routes, which as their name suggests, are to be enjoyed quietly, are the perfect opportunity to discover the region in 1001 ways, boldly blending nature and history.
Some routes start in Brou, Nogent-le-Rotrou or Senonches. Among the must-sees is the Route des Manoirs et Tradition. Don't hesitate to contact a tourist office to find the perfect itinerary for your vacation or weekend in the Perche!
6. Discover the authenticity of Mortagne-au-Perche
Another "Petite Cité de Caractère", Mortagne-au-Perche is a blend of natural, cultural and historical heritage. A stopover not to be missed! This peaceful, authentic village offers an idyllic setting for a weekend getaway. The cobbled streets lead you from beautiful homes to private mansions, while you discover the remains of the ramparts of this ancient fortified town:
- the Porte Saint-Denis,
- the Saint-André crypt,
- the former collegiate church,
- notre-Dame church,
- the cloister and the chapel of Saint-François.
The capital of black pudding, Mortagne-au-Perche also has many other secrets to reveal, starting with the famous Percherons, the region's emblematic horses.
7. Nogent-le-Rotrou, the capital of Perche
The town of Nogent-le-Rotrou is one of the best places to visit in the Perche region. The Château des Comtes is a must-see. The tour takes you on a journey of discovery of the Counts of the Perche, through an ultra-modern museum, some of whose period features have been reproduced in 3D. A true marvel!
A little further down the road, the Pâty district plunges you into the resolutely historic atmosphere of the town. The mansions of former notables still stand here, offering an immersion in the bourgeois life of another era.
Good to know on Saturday mornings, Nogent-le-Retrou's Place Saint-Pol comes alive with its market, whose origins date back to the XIXᵉ century.
8. Senonches: forest and castle
We mentioned it earlier: Senonches, among other places, is home to one of the Perche's quiet roads. To take full advantage of the region's natural magic, head for the state forest of Senonches! This vast forest, one of the largest in France, can be visited on foot, on horseback or by bike. Home to remarkable trees and ponds, it's the ideal playground for nature lovers and hikers. Take advantage of your visit to discover the Château de Senonches, witness to a small part of the region's history.
Close to the forest of La Ferté-Vidame, it offers a harmonious whole, true to the Perche's reputation for tranquil nature.
9. Discover the grounds of Château de La Ferté-Vidame
Nearby, as mentioned above, La Ferté-Vidame is waiting to welcome you. While its forest offers pleasant walks, its hidden gem is its castle. Unfortunately looted after the French Revolution, this castle still has many secrets to reveal... The park, surrounded by ponds, the castle ruins and other beautiful discoveries, offers you one of your most beautiful discoveries in the Perche.
Unusual : discover the insect discovery trail, with a free booklet available to children at the tourist office. Six-legged beasts still present in these parts? It's worth investigating!
10. Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, one of the most beautiful villages in the Perche region
Welcome to the Alpes Mancelles, in the heart of one of France's most beautiful villages! Nestled in a verdant setting, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei has inspired many an artist over the centuries... and it's easy to see why! With its charming houses and stone bridge, not to mention its churches, this adorable village overlooking the local river Sarthe is an invitation to escape. Continue your little daydream at the Jardins de la Mansonière, whose scented garden and rose garden, to name but two, delight the senses with every step.
11. Château de Frazé, a historic nugget in the Perche region
As you stroll through the enchanting gardens of the Château de Frazé, the breathtaking scene of a medieval defensive fortress is revealed. Dominating the small town, the Château de Frazé is a remarkable example of military architecture, skilfully harmonizing defensive function with elaborate sculptural ornamentation. Embellished with dry moats, machicolations and a drawbridge, it is adorned with flamboyant Gothic decoration. Unfortunately, access to the interior of this historic gem is not permitted. You can, however, explore its majestic exterior on a guided tour, available on reservation.
12. The Perche eco-museum, an unusual visit
Discover the rural and craft life of the region, from the XIXᵉ century to 1960, at the Perche eco-museum located in Saint-Cyr-la-Rosière. From carpenter to saddler, via apple work, you'll plunge headlong into the atmosphere of the domestic and professional lives of local inhabitants. The Perche region is famous for its mansions, count's castles and royal forests, but there's much more to its history than that. It's through the life of the people, highlighted in this eco-museum by objects and testimonies from the past, that the region has also developed. A fascinating visit!
13. The most beautiful churches in Perche
The most beautiful places to visit in the Perche region also include its religious buildings. Erected in times when religion was omnipresent, they often have many stories to tell... Set in the heart of unspoilt villages and surrounded by nature in full bloom, they blend perfectly into the landscape. Among the must-see sights are :
- saint-Hilaire church in Nogent-le-Rotrou,
- chêne Galon priory, Belforêt-en-Perche,
- saint-Martin church, Saint-Martin-du-Vieux-Bellême,
- the priory of Sainte-Gauburge, in Saint-Cyr-la-Rosière, home to the eco-museum.
The list goes on and on, but this small sample will give you an idea of the beautiful buildings to visit along the way.
What to do in the Perche when it rains?
Take advantage of a rainy day to visit the Haras du Pinone of the most famous in the Orne region! An absolute must-see in the region, it takes you on a journey of discovery of the Percherons, in the purest tradition. Are you near Mortagne-au-Perche? A visit to the Musée Les Origines du cinéma is a great way to pass the time when it's raining. In nearby Tourouvre, an even more original museum awaits you: L'Inzolite. It's all in the title!
And what if you took advantage of the bad weather to tour the beautiful religious buildings of the Perche region? We can recommend the Abbaye de la Trappe, the Basilique Notre-Dame de La Chapelle-Montligeon, as well as all the churches mentioned above. And when it's raining in the Perche region, you may also want to visit some of the beautiful châteaux.
What are the most beautiful châteaux to visit in the Perche?
The most famous is, of course, the Château des Comtes du Perche in Nogent-le-Rotrou. From the Middle Ages to the Revolution, the château and its museum take you on a journey through time. On the edge of the Bellême forest, the château de Monthimer, with its imposing circular tower, is also well worth a visit.
The Château de Frazé is also worth a visit. Although only the gardens are open to visitors, it's a 100% Instagrammable stroll. The medieval Château de Senonches is a listed historic monument. It also houses a museum focusing on the ecology and history of the adjoining forest, as well as the industry that has developed around the site over the centuries. Another magnificent little nugget to discover is the Château de Carrouges. Built during the 100 Years' War, it has survived the centuries with panache, and remains one of the region's symbols to this day. A true marvel!
Do you love castles? Discover the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley, located close to Le Perche! They're the perfect complement to your historical tour.
What are the most beautiful villages to visit in Perche?
By the end of this article, you'll have understood that the Perche region is full of typical, character-filled villages. Making a choice will be difficult, but we'll give it a try! Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, named "most beautiful village in France", is one of the region's little wonders. Its Romanesque church with its remarkable frescoes is one of the treasures to be found in this superb village.
The village of Bellême is another must-see in the Perche region. From its medieval remains to its national forest, the charm of this small town of character knows no bounds.
Frazé is also well worth a visit. In fact, the village took part in the "Le village préféré des Français" TV show in 2019. Although it didn't win first prize, its participation alone proves the interest that can be shown in this charming Perche village.
Other beautiful villages to visit include:
- Mortagne-au-Perche,
- Moutiers-au-Perche,
- La Perrière,
- Longny-au-Perche,
- Montmirail,
- La Chapelle-Montligeon.
Finish your tour with Nogent-le-Retrou and Senonches, and you've got the perfect recipe for a successful stay!
How could you fail to fall under the spell of this little paradise, nestled just a stone's throw from Paris, Normandy and several major cities? Come and take a breath of fresh air with your family - it's the perfect place to do so! Are you lucky enough to be visiting the area for a week or more? Take advantage of your stay to discover the 21 must-see things to do in Normandy, a region very close to Perche. You can also take advantage of your getaway to visit Chartres, a magnificent city located nearby. Discover the 17 must-sees in Chartres, so you can make the most of your stay.
