You are passing through, you have 2 hours and you would like to visit Sainte-Suzanne, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, without missing its must-sees?
To discover the Medieval city, you have the possibility to make a in guided tour, or to follow our discovery trail, to explore Sainte-Suzanne at your own pace.
Come on, follow us, we'll take you to discover the most beautiful places in this medieval village!
Visit the medieval town of Sainte-Suzanne
If you opt for a brisk walk, you can explore the medieval town and stroll along the mill promenade in about two hours. However, if you prefer to take your time and discover every little gem of the village, plan a full day in Sainte-Suzanne.
The flowery alleys
During your visit to Sainte-Suzanne, begin by strolling through the charming cobbled streets of the village. Be amazed by the many tarot cards that adorn its streets! You can also walk past the Parc de la Butte Verte to admire the magnificent manor house located there. The Sainte-Suzanne les Coëvrons Tourist Office is also housed in this building… come and see us for information!
The Castle
Next, head to the castle , which now houses an Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre (CIAP). You can delve into the region's history while exploring the various rooms and exhibits. Within the castle grounds, you'll also find an 11th-century keep , a former bakery, and a sheepfold, all testaments to the rich medieval heritage of Sainte-Suzanne.
Place Hubert II in Beaumont
Upon arriving in the square, you'll feel the atmosphere of a small village, where people enjoy gathering around a good meal in a restaurant or nibbling on a treat in a tea room. Don't hesitate to step inside the church, which was renovated in 1884. There you'll discover true treasures: statues dating from the 14th to the 17th centuries . Among them are the statues of John the Baptist and Saint Susanna, the patron saint of engaged couples.
The Watchtower & Postern Promenade
To end your visit in style in one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, climb to the top of the West Watchtower ! From there, your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Then, head towards the Promenade de la Poterne for a pleasant stroll with views of the castle, before arriving at the medieval garden. By following this itinerary, you'll discover the most beautiful places to visit in Sainte-Suzanne , in the Mayenne region.
Walk along the mills promenade
You are now an expert on the history of the medieval city of Sainte-Suzanne ?
So, let's head there mill walk for a bit of nature and freshness!
The paper mill
On the way to the Sainte-Suzanne paper mill , which belonged to the lords of Beaumont in the 11th century. If you have the chance to return for a future visit, and you have more time in the village, don't miss the tour of the paper mill , given by the master papermaker himself! It's one of the last mills in France to produce its paper pulp by hand , using the techniques of the 13th-century master papermakers.
The Ladies' Path
During your walk, you will pass near the source of the Saltière River . From the Pont-Neuf (New Bridge ), you can see the wheel of an old fulling mill. Continue your stroll to the Hameau des Choiseaux (Hamlet of Choiseaux ), which once boasted three mills. You will gradually reach the Sentier des Dames (Ladies' Path ), which runs alongside the Erve River, leading you to the dam of the "La Mécanique" mill, a former water-powered sawmill.
The River Hamlet
This charming hamlet was once home to 17 mills along the banks of the Erve River. It alone boasted the largest concentration of paper mills in the Maine region. Paper mills, watermills, tanneries, and fulling mills all tell the story of an industrial activity that flourished in Sainte-Suzanne during the Middle Ages. Along this walk, you'll see the Moulin du Gohard , the most imposing of Sainte-Suzanne's seven paper mills!
The Chapel of Saint-Eutrope
Before heading back up the vineyard path , which offers a view of the castle, continue your stroll to the discreet Saint-Eutrope Chapel , dating from the 18th century. Also known as the Mazeri Chapel and the Covered Cross Chapel, statues , including one of Saint Eutrope, were discovered there. These were moved to the Church of Sainte-Suzanne in 1968. Along the vineyard path, you can see traces of the rows of old vines, which were abundant in the Middle Ages.
