Description:

Introduction

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is classed as one of the 100 most beautiful in France with stone houses that overlook the River Sarthe as it flows round a rock promontory. The town has a bridge crossing the river and a castle of which only a few remains can be seen today.

In the Middle Ages, the town's importance came from its strategic position and geographic location at the border between the Duchies of Normandy and Maine.

The castle was built around 1040 by the Duke of Mayenne. The castle was taken first by William the Conqueror in 1060 and again by his son, Henry I of England in 1118 before being destroyed by the English in 1434 during the 100 Years War.

The town has links with artists since the 12th century but it was in the 19th century when the landscape and the light brought artists such as Corot to the town and the Auberge Moisy and the Aberge Legangneux (now Auberges des Peintres) where on rainy days they painted on the walls.

Geography

The small town of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is south of Caen (123km) and to the south west of Alençon (13km) at the southern limit of the Orne department. The town is at the heart of the Alpes-Mancelles in the the Normandie-Maine Natural Park. The region is characterised by the valley of the River Sarthe. The town is 15km from the A28 motorway.

Commerce

The town has artists studios and places to eat.

Tourism

The Gothic style,15th century chapel which is said to have been built on the original shelter of Saint Cénari. The Roman style church Saint Martin de Mont Rocheux which dates back to 1089 and has wall paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries.

For further information contact the Mairie – Telephone: 02 33 26 60 00

or visit the town's web site: http://www.saintceneri.org/

Worth a Visit

The workshops of the artists of today and the town's two annual events: La Rencontre des Peintures (meet the painters) which is held over the Whitsun weekend when artists come from all directions to take over the village. La Foire à la Brocante, a collectors fair on the last Sunday in July when the place de l'Eglise becomes the domain of those in search of a good deal.

Sporting and other activities

The town's rural location on the River Sarthe provides good leisure opportunities: walking, kayaking, fishing in the Sarthe and the Sarthon, cycling and rock climbing. For those interested in mechanical sports, there is a 4x4 driving course nearby. The town aslo has a campsite

The town has a number of walks. The Promenade du Chemin des Gaulois, part of the GR36, which leads to the old 'fontaine miraculeuse' whose water is said to have curing properties; the Promenade des Mezallières where a traditional layed hedge can be seen; the Promenade du Moulin de Trotte, where the ruins of the Forge de la Bataille and the old water mill can be seen and the Promenade de la Pierre Becue which has spectacular views.