Attractions and Places To See around Spay - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Spay include a variety of historical sites, natural parks, and cultural points of interest. The region offers diverse landscapes, from urban settlements to expansive natural areas with forests, lakes, and rivers. Visitors can explore historical architecture and enjoy outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Spay
- The most popular attractions is Moulinsart Island, a leisure area in a natural setting. It features a picnic area, a bar-restaurant, playgrounds for children, cultural spaces, and a vegetable garden.
- Another must-see spot is Arche de la Nature, a vast natural park of 450 hectares. It offers trails, rivers, lakes, and forests for exploration.
- Visitors also love L'Épau Abbey, a Cistercian architectural example founded in 1229. Its interior features vaulted ceilings and arched windows.
- Spay is known for its historical buildings, natural parks, and cultural sites. The area provides a range of attractions to see and explore, from ancient abbeys to modern leisure areas.
- The attractions around Spay are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 120 upvotes and 19 photos shared.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
L'Épau Abbey
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Le Mans
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Arche de la Nature
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Moulinsart Island
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Botanical garden
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The flower gardens in the Jardin des Plantes are located in the northeastern part. On Sundays, music and dancing take place around the pavilion on certain dates.
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Founded in 1229 by Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, it constitutes one of the most beautiful Cistercian jewels in France. It was acquired by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. The Royal Abbey of Épau constitutes one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France. In 1229, Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, decided to found this abbey at the gates of Le Mans, where she was buried a year later. During the Revolution, the abbey, almost deserted by monks since the 18th century, was sold as national property to an industrialist. Then transformed into an agricultural operation, the abbey experienced many vicissitudes before its purchase by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. A vast restoration program, still in progress, is giving it a second wind, making the abbey one of the most important places cultural heritage of Sarthe. The abbey also hosts the sessions of the departmental assembly of which it has been the seat since the 1970s. Since July 1, 2016, its management has been entrusted to the Sarthe Cultural Center whose mission is to offer it a new dimension, in order to strengthen its cultural role in the region. Recently, the research of Father Michel Niaussat, a Cistercian monk writer, has shed light on the royal character of the building. L'Épau Abbey then became Royal Abbey of l'Épau in March 2017. Alongside this cultural and tourist growth, another flagship project which will guide the development of the abbey in the coming years: the transformation of the park into permacultural garden. It must then be remembered that times of prayer and work were equivalent in the Cistercian rule. This agricultural dimension is at the heart of the departmental project, the ultimate objective of which is to restore as faithfully as possible the original principles of the place. The abbey, which has preserved almost all of its buildings, is located at the gates of Le Mans. It is inserted in a 13 ha enclosed park delimited by a surrounding wall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular attractions around Spay?
Visitors frequently enjoy Moulinsart Island, a leisure area with picnic spots, playgrounds, and cultural spaces. Another favorite is Arche de la Nature, a vast 450-hectare natural park perfect for exploring trails, rivers, and forests. The historic L'Épau Abbey, a Cistercian architectural marvel from 1229, is also highly regarded.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Spay?
Yes, Spay offers several family-friendly options. Moulinsart Island features playgrounds and entertainment, while Arche de la Nature provides ample space for children to explore nature. The historical L'Épau Abbey is also listed as family-friendly, offering an educational experience.
What natural features can I explore around Spay?
The region boasts significant natural beauty, particularly at Arche de la Nature. This expansive natural park covers 450 hectares and features diverse landscapes including trails, rivers, lakes, and forests, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
What historical or cultural sites are worth visiting near Spay?
For history and culture, L'Épau Abbey is a must-see. Founded in 1229, this Royal Abbey is a beautiful example of Cistercian architecture, with impressive vaulted ceilings and arched windows. The city of Le Mans, a Celtic foundation conquered by the Romans, also offers rich historical context.
Are there good cycling routes around Spay?
Yes, Spay is a great starting point for cycling. You can find numerous routes, including easy road cycling loops like the 'Mulsanne straight loop from Spay' (28.6 km) or touring bicycle routes such as the 'Moulin Sart Island – Moulinsart Island loop from Spay' (19.2 km). For more options, explore the Cycling around Spay guide.
Where can I go for mountain biking near Spay?
Mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails around Spay. Options include the 'View of the Sarthe River – Logistra France Mural loop from Spay' (26.9 km, easy) or the 'View of the Sarthe River – Le Moulin du Barrage loop from Spay' (36.9 km, moderate). Discover more trails in the MTB Trails around Spay guide.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond exploring the attractions themselves, the area around Spay offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling, touring bicycle rides, and mountain biking on various routes. For specific routes and difficulties, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Spay, Cycling around Spay, and MTB Trails around Spay guides.
Is there a botanical garden or a large park in the area?
Yes, the Botanical garden is a beautiful park in the city center, featuring diverse trees, artificial grottos, and waterways. Its flower gardens are particularly lovely, and on certain dates, music and dancing events take place around the pavilion.
What is there to do at Moulinsart Island?
Moulinsart Island is a leisure area set in a natural environment. It provides a picnic area, a bar-restaurant, playgrounds for children, cultural spaces, and a vegetable garden. During the summer, visitors can also enjoy various entertainment options.
What is special about Arche de la Nature?
Arche de la Nature is a vast 450-hectare natural park located on the outskirts of Le Mans. It's characterized by its extensive network of trails, rivers, lakes, and forests, making it an ideal spot for exploration and enjoying diverse natural landscapes.
What are the entry fees for L'Épau Abbey?
Entry to L'Épau Abbey costs €5.50 for adults. Reduced rates of €4.00 are available for job seekers, students, and individuals with disabilities. Children aged 10-17 pay €3.00, and admission is free for children under 10 years old and accompanying persons.
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