4.0
(31)
1,189
runners
59
runs
Jogging around Changé offers diverse routes through riverine landscapes, green spaces, and varied terrain. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Mayenne River, providing a serene backdrop for running along its extensive towpath. Beyond the riverbanks, Changé features countryside settings with "vallons secrets" and general "campagnarde" topography, offering both gentle and challenging inclines. These natural features create a compelling environment for outdoor activities, including running.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.3
(9)
46
runners
7.39km
00:50
50m
50m
Jog the 4.6-mile Boulevard Nature Loop in Le Mans, a moderate route through natural areas and past L'Épau Abbey.
4.3
(4)
280
runners
16.9km
01:49
60m
60m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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1.0
(1)
67
runners
4.12km
00:29
40m
40m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
runners
14.3km
01:37
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
runners
30.6km
03:27
190m
190m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Arche de la Nature is a vast natural space located near Le Mans. Among its various places of interest, we find the Maison de la prairie, composed of a vegetable garden and a farm.
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Very good cycling club
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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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VISITS Free individual visits Individual guided tours Average duration of the individual visit: 1:30h Groups welcome from 10 people Free group visits Guided group tours Guided group tours on request Educational group visits Average duration of the group visit: 1:30h Point of interest visible without visit Languages available Spoken: French, English Panels: French, English Audio: English, French ACTIVITIES Specific thematic animation Workshop for adults Children's workshop Conferences Temporary exhibitions Sound and light
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PRICES Individual price adult: €5.50 Individual price reduced: €4.00 Job seeker, student, RSA, person in disability situation, Cezam card, CE Individual price child: €3.00 10-17 years old Free: €0.00 Under 10 years old and accompanying person
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The Loudon ponds are located in the town of Parigné l'Evêque, in the heart of a forest. They are surrounded by peat bogs, wet and dry heaths, lawns and vast forests. They are the starting point for many hikes and it is not uncommon to see large mammals there, notably wild boars. The site is classified in the national inventory of Natural Areas of Ecological Fauna and Flora Interest.
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L'Arche de la Nature is a vast natural park of 450 hectares located on the outskirts of Le Mans. Trails, rivers, lakes and forests to discover during your run.
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The Loudon lakes are a special place to visit with a diverse habitat of bogs, wet and dry moorland and forest. If you are lucky, you may even see wild boars.
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There are over 60 running routes around Changé, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels. These include easy loops, moderate trails, and more challenging long-distance runs.
Yes, Changé offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed jog. For example, the Étang loop from Abbaye Royale de l'Épau is an easy 4.5 km (2.8 miles) trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Absolutely. For experienced runners seeking a challenge, Changé has several difficult routes. The Arche de la Nature – Épau Abbey loop from Changé is a demanding 30.1 km (18.7 miles) trail that typically takes over 3 hours to complete, leading through varied and engaging landscapes.
Yes, a significant draw for runners in Changé is the picturesque towpath along the Mayenne River. This tranquil greenway offers continuous stretches alongside the river, providing a serene environment free from motorized traffic. You can enjoy woodland scents and diverse flora while jogging.
Running in Changé offers a diverse range of scenery. You can expect picturesque riverine landscapes along the Mayenne River, expansive green spaces, and varied countryside terrain, including 'vallons secrets' (secret valleys). The area also features routes around the scenic Golf Club de Laval, providing a mix of natural beauty and well-maintained grounds.
Many of the running routes in Changé are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A popular moderate option is the Boulevard Nature Loop, which is 7.4 km (4.6 miles) long and offers a balanced experience through natural surroundings.
Many natural trails and towpaths in Changé are generally dog-friendly, especially if your dog is well-behaved and kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check local signage for any specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or private areas, but generally, you and your canine companion can enjoy the scenic runs together.
Yes, Changé offers several routes suitable for families looking for a pleasant jog or walk. Shorter, easier loops, often around green spaces or the Plan d'eau de Changé, are ideal for families. These routes provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages to be active outdoors.
While running in Changé, you can encounter various interesting sights. Along the Mayenne towpath, you might spot historical elements like châteaux, lock houses, and old water mills. Other notable attractions include the serene Loudon Ponds, the expansive Arche de la Nature, and the historic L'Épau Abbey.
Yes, parking is generally available at common starting points for many running routes in Changé, such as near the Plan d'eau de Changé or other local green spaces. Specific routes like the 'Changé tour du golf' also have parking facilities associated with the golf course.
The running routes in Changé are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Nearly 900 runners have used komoot to explore Changé's varied terrain, often praising the tranquil Mayenne River towpath and the diverse countryside settings.
Changé is enjoyable for running throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also great, especially for early morning or late evening runs to avoid the midday heat. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, providing a peaceful, crisp running experience.
Changé has an active running community, including the local running association 'US CHANGE JOGGING'. The area also hosts events like the '5 et 10km de Changé', which highlight the vibrant running scene and offer opportunities to participate in organized races.
While some routes might be accessible via local bus services, public transport options directly to all trailheads may be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules in advance if you plan to rely on public transport to reach specific starting points for your run.
Yes, for those who enjoy a mix of environments, routes like 'Un trail pour Changé' offer options that combine countryside and urban sections. This particular trail, which also has an 8 km option for beginners, can include technical and hilly segments, appealing to more experienced trail runners. You can find more details about this trail via Laval Tourisme.


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