Alencon town centre (10 mins drive) which is famous for ;Lace making and its stunningNotre Damecathderal is a pretty market town with lots of good eating places,shops,brocantes and museums.There is an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and a lovely park which has animals and a play area it also hosts weekly events throughout the summer.
The Alpes Mancelles is only 10 min drive and has the most incredible views of the countryside together with some of the most prettiest villages in france.
Bangnoles de l'orne has a beautiful chateau and casino.
The Harras du Pin is the national stud farm and is only 40min drive where you will see spectacular dancing horse events on throughout the summer.
If you prefer a bit more excitement Le Mans which is famous for its 24hr motor racing, very good shopping and sight-seeing, a very large indoor/outdoor pool with wave machine and an indoor adventure playground/soft play nearby (30 mins) and very accessible by train or car with the added attraction of an adventure park Pappea (with a very good water park)
Eurodisney is only 1 hr 30min away by the fast TGV train, and 21/2 hrs by car
Cocco Plage (a man made beach) is situated in Sille de Guilliume which is about 25 mins drive and is a very good alternative to a real beach with watersport activities, a bar and restaurant, play area and unlimited FREE parking, boat hire, pedalos, crazy golf horse riding and fishing. There is a train ride available to take you around the lake if you prefer a change from walking, and the forest is ideal for walking and cycling.
Fresnay sur Sarthe(10 mins) has a traditional weekly market SATURDAYS and medieval ruins offering an excellent view of the town . An outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts are also available at Fresnay sur Sarthe.
The village of Gesnes Le Gandelin itself, is within easy walking distance, it offers a bar/restaurant (open daily serving coffees, alcoholic beverages and good local food), a boulangerie, a post office, hairdressers, a play park, a grass area for playing and picnicing along with an area especially made for playing the famous game of Boule.
One of France' top zoos at Parc Zoologique de La Fleche, is definitely worth a visit. The park is ideal for a family day out with cafes and attractive riverside setting. Over 1,200 animals from all over the world can be observed in their natural surroundings from polar bears underwater to elephants in the African savannah.
See tigers, Chinese pandas and more. The zoo is known for its amazing shows with sea-lions, parrots, and falconry displays on horseback. Open daily all year and only approximately 45 mins drive just outside Le Mans.
St Leonard des Bois is only 10 mins drive away, and offers lots of outdoor activities, including horse riding, water sports, for the adventurous- an 'in the trees ' adventure park, along with a very pretty trail walk to see some of the most prettiest views and animals. You can also find a selction of traditional bars and restaurants.
St-Ceneri-le-Gerei (6km) is found in the Orne department of Normandy to the south-west of Alencon.
A very pretty village in a lovely wooded setting on a bend in the River Sarthe in the heart of southern Normandy, Saint Ceneri is classified as a 'most beautiful village of France'.
The village is very popular with artists, drawn by the unspoiled character of the village and several artists have established galleries and workshops here.
There are some pretty houses along the river banks - the two banks are joined by an old bridge.
The village has an attractive 11th century romanesque style church, with some notable frescoes, and pretty views down the river valley. There is also a very little 15th century chapel.
Nearby the Gardens at La Mansoniere are also recommended, with several different 'garden rooms' to be explored.
All bookings are direct with the owner 