Attractions and Places To See around La Selle-Craonnaise - Top 5

The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, particularly at the La Rincerie Pond and its surrounding leisure center. Here you can enjoy fishing, hiking, orienteering, mini-golf, mountain biking, and various water sports like catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. The region also boasts 26 km of pedestrian paths for exploring the Mayenne countryside. For more structured routes, you can find MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Cycling routes around La Selle-Craonnaise.

Yes, the region is rich in history. You can visit the Abbaye de la Roë, a religious building founded in 1098 with remarkable Romanesque architecture. The nearby town of Craon, the old town, is also a must-see, featuring architectural jewels, half-timbered houses, and historical monuments. Additionally, the 12th-century Romanesque Église St-Martin in La Selle-Craonnaise itself has a well-preserved choir, and the Château de Craon is another notable historic building in the vicinity.

The area is characterized by its green spaces and water bodies. The La Rincerie Pond is a significant natural feature, offering views of water, forest, and wildlife, including a protected ornithological reserve. You can also explore the Vallée du Misangrain, Parc de la vallée de l'Oudon, and the Forêt communale de Combrée. The Murier Lake provides another beautiful setting for leisurely strolls.

Absolutely. The Base de Loisirs de la Rincerie, centered around La Rincerie Pond, is an excellent spot for families. It offers a wide array of activities suitable for all ages, including mini-golf, various water sports, and hiking trails. The Murier Lake also features a supervised swimming area, a solarium, and a children's play area, making it ideal for family outings.

The western part of La Rincerie Pond is a protected natural zone, perfect for observing migratory birds and aquatic flora and fauna. La Selle-Craonnaise is also home to an ornithological site, providing dedicated opportunities for birdwatching. Educational panels and a booklet are available at La Rincerie to guide visitors in discovering the local wildlife.

Craon, the old town, is an old fortified town renowned for its architectural jewels, half-timbered houses, and historical monuments. A walk through its streets is highly recommended to appreciate its charm and history. You can also visit the Saint-Nicolas church, a neo-Gothic structure with a remarkable facade and rich interior.

The best time to visit La Selle-Craonnaise largely depends on the activities you plan. Spring and summer (May to September) are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports at La Rincerie Pond, with pleasant weather for exploring the natural landscapes. Autumn offers beautiful foliage for walks, while historical sites like Abbaye de la Roë can be visited year-round.

Yes, the Museum Robert Tatin, located in Cossé-le-Vivien, is an interesting cultural site in the vicinity. In La Selle-Craonnaise itself, the Salle socio-culturelle de l'ORION hosts concerts, cultural events, and theatrical performances. For a unique historical insight, La Mine Bleue near Noyant-la-Gravoyère offers a look into a former slate mine.

While specific cafes and pubs directly adjacent to every attraction are not detailed, nearby towns like Craon and Renaze host local markets on Mondays and Fridays respectively, offering local produce and a glimpse into local life. These towns also provide options for cafes and restaurants.

The region is well-suited for cycling. You can find various routes for different types of cycling, including MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Touring Bicycle routes. Many routes incorporate scenic views of the countryside and pass by natural features like La Rincerie Pond and historical sites.

From the church square of Saint-Nicolas in Craon, you can admire a view of the Oudon river and the surrounding countryside. The natural areas around La Rincerie Pond and Murier Lake also offer picturesque settings with views of water, forest, and wildlife.

The Abbaye de la Roë is the oldest abbey of the order of canons regular founded in the diocese of Tours. Established in 1098 by Robert d'Arbrissel, it showcases impressive Romanesque architecture in its church, convent buildings, and abbot's house. It's set within a peaceful environment of forest and a pond, offering a serene historical experience.