Looking for a creative and revitalizing experience? We offer you an immersion in the heart of Mayenne accompanied by our local artists and artisans for Slowlydays stay in DIY (Do It Yourself)… Just for the pleasure of having the satisfaction of creating something yourself and then telling your friends “I did it”!! Simplicity, creativity, disconnection and concentration are the recipe for this slow weekend…
Kindness and authenticity at the rendezvous
Choose the Slowlydays accommodation that suits you!
The first step, even before setting off for a slow tourism weekend, is to find the accommodation that best suits you. Here's our selection of SlowlyDays-sponsored accommodations nearby. The owners make a point of welcoming you with warmth and generosity, values they hold particularly dear. If you have any questions or specific requests before your stay, don't hesitate to contact them: they will be happy to help you and accommodate your needs.
The soul of an artist for a morning:
Hands in the earth:
Want to get your hands dirty with clay? We offer a workshop with Anne CORRE, a ceramic sculptor, located in the heart of a peaceful and preserved bocage. You can indulge in clay modeling: slip, coil, chamotte, engobe, firing... The vocabulary of ceramics will soon hold no secrets for you
Collage, cutting, assembly…
Create your own artist's book alongside visual artist Viviane. Collage, cutting, word assembling, folding, inking... this fun workshop will bring you back to the carefree, creative moments of school, with fun and relaxation. The reward: the pride of having created your unique work!
Afternoon of reconnecting with nature
Ethological walk:
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Sainte-Gemmes-le-Robert or the surrounding area, treat yourself to a horseback ride with Frédéric, an ecotourism enthusiast and ethology specialist. This approach emphasizes understanding and respect for horses. After getting to know your faithful four-legged companion, set off to explore the valleys and sunken paths from his equestrian farm. For approximately two hours, Frédéric will guide you through nature, adapting to your level, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider.
Botanical walk:
If you're more drawn to wild and aromatic plants, take a walk with Marie, our local ethnobotanist. She'll reveal all the secrets of the plants that surround us, whether in our gardens or along the trails. Throughout the year, stops and discovery days "meeting the plants" are organized.
Explore the surrounding nature and its heritage
For this second day in Mayenne, we invite you to discover what is known as the pearl of Maine: Sainte-Suzanne. An unmissable and emblematic place in the region, we recommend starting with the panoramic view of Mound Ganne, in order to start this day with a breathtaking view (hoping you will have some left for the rest of the day 😄).
Once upon a time…
One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France®: Sainte-Suzanne!
Want to immerse yourself in the history of Sainte-Suzanne? Whether you choose a guided tour or a simple stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval city, you'll be charmed by the atmosphere of a small medieval town. Every stone of the castle invites you to take your time and enjoy the moment.
If you are in a group (family, friends, association, etc.), you can organize a guided tour on request for groups of 10 or more. Otherwise, don't panic, we also offer regular tours scheduled in our calendar. And for the more independent, there are two options: borrow a free audio guide from CIAP (Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage) or pick up a discovery trail, available in our tourist offices, or on this website.
Lunch: feet under the table or on the tablecloth?
A slow tourism weekend is also about taking your time and savoring the moment. That's why we offer two very different ideas for your lunch break: with your feet under the table by settling into one of Sainte-Suzanne's restaurants or with your feet on the tablecloth, opting for the picnic option (option to buy your sandwiches directly from the bakery).
Discovering an old milling industry
The mills promenade
In the Middle Ages, the 22 wheels of the Sainte-Suzanne watermills (operating without an engine and solely using hydraulic power) played a vital role in local production. Most were dedicated to flour production, but some also produced paper. Still others were used for activities such as fulling (textile processing) or tannin extraction (for leather).
Over time, these mills sometimes changed their activity, switching from one production to another depending on needs. Installed below, along the river, they supplied raw materials to the city's artisans and merchants, thus forming a crucial link in the local economy.
