The Erve Valley is one of the Natura 2000 sites. A protected and listed area, the valley is home to a rich flora and fauna unique to the north of the Loire. It's the perfect place for all nature lovers who want to escape for a day.
The Erve Valley, a Natura 2000 site
The Erve Valley, located in Coëvrons, in Mayenne, is an exceptional natural area, recognized by the label Natura 2000.
It takes its name from the small river that runs through it: the Erve. From Vimarcé to Sablé, the Erve winds through the valley, revealing several prehistoric cavesThese caves are located mainly in the communes of Thorigné-en-Charnie, Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve et Saulges.
As you walk along the Erve Valley, you will be amazed by the variety of its preserved landscapes.
This will be the perfect opportunity to test one of its 50 hiking trails !
In fact, did you know that the Coëvrons in Mayenne, included more than 500 km of hiking ?
The formation of the Saulges Caves site
La Saulges Caves Valley is made up of limestone cliffs in which caves have gradually formed.
You'll see a 345-million-year-old limestone formation, one of the oldest in France. 310 million years ago, the rocks were lifted, causing a folding process called the Hercynian. You can still see it today thanks to the unique inclination of the rock layers.
As they tilted, the limestone layers cracked, and erosion caused by the weather created caves. This erosion called "karstic", is at the origin of the formation of the caves.
Prehistoric caves in Mayenne!
Today, there is a twenty known cavities, some of which were used as shelters by Neanderthals, then by homo sapiens. Among them, the Margot Cave, stands out as one of the only decorated caves in the North of the Pays de la Loire, containing precious prehistoric engravings and drawings.
For an immersive experience in the time of prehistoric man, venture to the Prehistory Museum, where you will learn more about their daily lives and lifestyles.
Then head to the Rochefort Cave or Margot Cave, for an guided tour captivating! The Goat Cave, for its part, can be visited freely.
Sporting events in the heart of the Valley!
If you are looking for a activity A fun activity to share with the family, during your stay in Les Coëvrons, in Mayenne, why not venture into the heart of the Erve Valley? Not only will you be able to enjoy a natural setting, but you will also be able to attend sporting activities that will delight young and old alike. It's the ideal opportunity to combine discovery and pleasure in this enchanting setting.
Throughout the year, you can try out many activities. You will have the opportunity to do an initiation to climbing and caving.
And for the more athletic, many hiking trails marked trails will allow you to explore the valley of caves, or to discover it differently thanks to our trail route !
Visit the Museum of Prehistory and the Saulges Caves
Come and discover the prehistoric caves of Saulges, through a guided tour, including a stop at the Museum of Prehistory!
