After some thought, you thought a day in Sainte-Suzanne might be a good idea? Well, you're absolutely right! But now you're probably wondering what you can do for a whole day in Sainte-Suzanne!? Here's the ideal program, in our opinion, for spending a day with family or friends in this Most Beautiful Village of France® located in Mayenne.

How to get to and park in Sainte-Suzanne?

For a perfect day out, nothing beats leaving your car without worrying about the weather! And guess what? Parking is free here . Several car parks are available, including the one located at Place de la Cité, at the bottom of Rue du Camp des Anglais on the D9. This one is quite close to the heart of the medieval town, and you have access to public restrooms before setting off to explore the village.

If you are coming in a motorhome , you have three options: parking at the motorhome park with all services: water, electricity, wifi, etc., the glamping in Sainte-Suzanne or the carpooling and motorhome area at the exit of the village, towards Évron on the D7, which is completely free.

Travel back to the Middle Ages in the medieval city of Sainte-Suzanne

The first thing to do is visit the Butte Verte manor house at the Tourist Office. They will provide you with a map of the town and the mill promenade, giving you more information on the must-see places in Sainte-Suzanne. You can also follow the medieval town road trip on your smartphone or download the discovery trail.

Alexandre Lamoureux – Mayenne Tourism

A morning in the medieval city

The first thing to do when you visit Sainte-Suzanne is to stroll around the town.

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Photo © Mathieu Lassalle – French Wanderers – Mayenne Tourism

The cobbled streets

Once you have your map, the route will take you through the narrow, cobbled streets of the town. You can admire the authentic charm of this village, and also discover some historical treasures hidden here and there around every corner.

A must-see at the Château and the CIAP

Upon arriving at the castle, enter the courtyard (free of charge). Inside, you can admire the 11th-century quadrangular keep , and even climb to its top to admire the rolling landscape of the Coëvrons region. If you wish, visit the main building, which now houses a CIAP (Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage). For just €4 per adult, you can learn more about the historical and natural heritage of the Mayenne region.

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Photo © Philippe CAHAREL – Mayenne Tourism
Mathieu Lassalle – French Wanderers – Mayenne Tourism

Afternoon by the water

After a well-deserved meal, how about a digestive walk along the river?

In the Middle Ages, no fewer than 22 mill wheels were installed below the medieval town of Sainte-Suzanne, along the Erve River. Today, some mills still stand, and you can still see the wheels turning.

Sainte-Suzanne paper mill
Sainte-Suzanne paper mill, © Sainte-Suzanne les Coëvrons Tourist Office

The paper mill

The Sainte-Suzanne paper mill is the only one still in operation. From the outside, you can see the wheel, and even in good weather, the paper drying upstairs through the windows. During the summer, the master papermaker offers guided tours. If you're coming in a group (more than 15 people), tours can be scheduled upon request.

Hiking or Strolling?

After passing the paper mill, you have a choice. Should you rather take a stroll along the mills' discovery trail or hike?

Hiking

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Three hikes pass by the river and the mills: No. 28 Erve and Charnie (8,5 km), No. 29 – La table des Diables (16 km) and the large hiking loop No. 2 of 43 km

Candy of

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