Looking for a gentle and eco-friendly adventure ? Put on your helmet, hop on your bike, and discover the Mayenne region in a whole new way! Just 2 hours from Paris, take advantage of a long weekend to explore the Coëvrons area and immerse yourself in slow tourism : rolling landscapes, quiet country roads, picturesque villages… On a bike, everything takes on a new dimension, so here's our suggestion for a Slowlydays cycling getaway to recharge your batteries in complete serenity. Pedal at your own pace, breathe in the fresh air, reconnect with nature, and let yourself be carried away for a long weekend.
Select the accommodation that suits you
Glamping, a bed and breakfast, or a cottage? Here are three Slowlydays® accommodations. The owners are committed to welcoming you with kindness and sharing (strong values in their eyes). Don't hesitate to contact them if you'd like to learn more before your stay; they'll be happy to help and adapt to your needs.
If you choose to arrive by train, you can disembark at Évron station. From there, you have two options:
- You already have your bike and you're ready to go!... you can then head towards Sainte-Suzanne or take the time to discover the town centre of Évron and its majestic Notre-Dame-de-L'Épine Basilica. .. Scan the QR code at the entrance to the building and it will reveal many of its secrets to you.
- Don't have a bike!... no worries, one of our Slowlydays staff offers bike rentals (suitable for everyone, electric or not, depending on your preferences). After reserving your bike before your stay, they will deliver it to you upon your arrival at Évron train station for your greatest comfort.
Heading towards the valley of the Saulges caves
For this second day, after a leisurely breakfast, hop on your bikes and take the cycle route towards the Saulges Caves Valley (approximately 20 km). Along the way, take the opportunity to admire the rolling landscapes. Before arriving in Saulges, you'll pass through the charming village of Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve ; take a break and stretch your legs. This little village is well worth a visit. If you come between mid-June and mid-September, a major art exhibition called " In Situ " features nearly 400 works, hidden here and there in the narrow streets and inside some buildings. However, some of the works are permanent, so you'll be able to admire a few during this stop.
Lunch break: picnic or restaurant? That is the question…
After the effort, comes the reward... If you feel like relaxing, there are several restaurants in the town of Saulges, located in different locations. But if you've opted for a picnic, no worries; picnic tables and restrooms are available in the valley, near the Museum of Prehistory. However, remember to order and pick up your picnic beforehand at the Sainte-Suzanne bakery.
History & Prehistory
After a good meal, you can opt for a nap by the water or set off to explore the valley, a place steeped in history.
To do this, there are several options:
- Book your visit to the Rochefort and Margot caves online with a guide and finish at the Prehistory Museum.
- Stroll through the village of Saulges and discover one of the oldest churches in France
- Go hiking (8,5 km) to discover the different facets of the valley
- If you have booked, you can also try climbing, accompanied by a guide from the federation.
- Located at the water's edge, you also have the possibility (if you are equipped) of fishing in the Erve river, with a fishing license (for the day, week or more)
- In July and August, cool off in the natural swimming pool at the Saint-Cénéré leisure center.
Easy level
Take the time to visit one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France®: Sainte-Suzanne!
Embark on a guided tour or let yourself be carried away by your instincts in the alleys of the medieval city of Sainte-Suzanne. You will surely be surprised by this stroll full of history and where each stone of the castle invites you to slow down the tempo. If you come in a group (family, friends, association, etc.) guided tours on request are possible from 10 people, otherwise visits are regularly scheduled in our events calendar. However, two other possibilities are available to you: the audio guides to be collected free of charge at the CIAP: Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage of Sainte-Suzanne or the paper discovery trail distributed in our tourist offices or sent by email on request.
Chill & Gourmet Afternoon
To end your stay in style, we recommend that after your lunch break you continue strolling through the city's narrow streets or go down to the river to follow the mill walk (4km). For those with a sweet tooth, we highly recommend stopping for a snack or coffee before you leave!
