Chateau near Les Aulnaies

 

Ponce-Sur-Le-Loir

The chateau, built in the sixteenth century with its magnificent gardens, is well worth a visit, especially as it is so close. There is a tree covered maze and a museum set within a rural home and artisans cottage, depicting the country life in Sarthe in the 18th and 19th centuries. Open from March to November on various days.

Also in Ponce, you can visit the workshops of artisans - in modern ceramics, painted furniture and art glassware. The village itself has huge character with its troglodyte dwellings and beautiful architecture, set around the Romanesque church with newly restored fresscos.

Chateau de Courtavaux - at Besse sur Braye

You can visit the park, gardens and main courtyard for free everyday, there is a lovely short walk aound the lake with activities for children as they walk round, play park and picnic area or just sit and enjoy the lovely gardens. There is an hour long guided tour of the chateau between May and September, however you can reserve a tour at other times in the year.