Attractions and Places To See around Vaunoise - Top 20

The area around Vaunoise, situated within the Perche Regional Natural Park, offers a mix of charming medieval villages, historical sites, and natural landscapes. You can explore places like Bellême with its 15th-century porch and castle remains, or the picturesque village of La Perrière, known for its colorful facades and views of the Percheron countryside.

Yes, several attractions in the area are suitable for families. The charming villages of Bellême and La Perrière are both categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant strolls and historical exploration. Additionally, the nearby forests, such as the Bellême Forest, provide opportunities for nature walks that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Vaunoise is located within the Perche Regional Natural Park, known for its scenic landscapes. You can explore the Bois et coteaux calcaires sous Belleme, a Natura 2000 conservation site with diverse biodiversity. Nearby forests like Forêt de Perseigne and Forêt d'Écouves offer extensive natural beauty. The Bellême Forest is particularly noted for its century-old oaks and rich biodiversity, including mushrooms.

Beyond Bellême and La Perrière, the region boasts several historical gems. Mortagne-au-Perche, about 19 km away, has many sites of historic interest. You can also visit Monthimer Castle, which features a 15th-century tower. Other notable towns include La Ferté-Bernard with its medieval architecture, Nogent-le-Rotrou with its castle, and Sees, home to a famous cathedral.

To experience local life and find regional produce, you can visit the vibrant markets in nearby towns. Markets are held on various days, such as in Mamers (Monday), Mortagne-Au-Perche (Saturday), La Ferté-Bernard (Saturday & Monday), and Nogent-le-Rotrou (Saturday). These markets offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

The area around Vaunoise is excellent for hiking. You can find a variety of trails, including easy loops like the 4.5 km 'La Perrière loop from La Perrière' or moderate options such as the 10.9 km 'La Perrière – Monthimer Castle loop from La Perrière'. For more hiking ideas, explore the Hiking around Vaunoise guide.

Yes, there are several cycling routes catering to different skill levels. You can enjoy moderate rides like the 29.9 km 'Site de l'Eperon and the fôret de Bellême — loop from Bellême' or more challenging routes such as the 97 km 'Sites and panoramas'. Discover more options in the Cycling around Vaunoise guide.

Absolutely. The region offers mountain biking trails, including easy forest roads loops from Bellême (14.1 km) or Saint-Ouen-de-la-Cour (7.9 km). For a moderate challenge, consider the 28.5 km 'Bellême – Hôtel Bansard-des-Bois loop from Igé'. Find more MTB adventures in the MTB Trails around Vaunoise guide.

The Vaunoise area, with its focus on natural landscapes and outdoor activities, is generally best visited during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring charming villages, hiking in the forests, and enjoying local markets. The Bellême Forest is particularly famous for its mushrooms, which can be discovered during guided walks or international mycological days every October.

Visitors particularly appreciate the authentic charm of the medieval villages and the serene beauty of the natural surroundings. For instance, Bellême is loved for its medieval atmosphere and character, while La Perrière stands out for its charming houses and magnificent views of the Percheron countryside. The extensive forests, like the Bellême Forest, are also highly valued for their tranquility and biodiversity.

Yes, the region has several historical structures. The village of Bellême still has visible remains of its castle walls and features 17th-19th century mansions. You can also visit Monthimer Castle, notable for its 15th-century tower. The Saint-Sauveur Church in Bellême is another significant historical building, known for its impressive size and unique interior features.