Le Perche is an area of natural beauty situated around the town of Belleme in the south-east of the Orne department of southern Normandy, around Nogent-le-Rotrou within the neighbouring Eure-et-Loir department and La Ferté-Bernard in the Sarthe department.
The Le Perche region includes the 'Natural Regional Parc du Perche',
France This Way review: the countryside and environment of Le Perche lends itself perfectly to a relaxing trip for a few days, unwinding in a gentle countryside, walking or cycling on peaceful roads, or perhaps horseriding on one of the famous local 'percheron' horses.
Where is Le Perche?
The term "Le Perche" actually refers to three regions, all here in the same part of northern France but with different boundaries:
- Le Perche was originally the name of a historic province of France, which ceased to exist after the revolution
- it is now the name give to a natural region that is more extensive than the original province
- it is also used for the Natural Regional Park of the Perche, within the natural region but not as extensive
but none of this probably matters because visitors are here to enjoy the Perche region whichever is being referred to!
Explore the Perche Natural Regional Park
It is the scenic variety that attracts visitors to Le Perche, and there is a great diversity to discover among the rolling hills, separated by valleys and small rivers, fields and forests, and with marshland environments.
It is this mixed countryside that gives Le Perche its appeal nd because the region is less than two hours from Paris it is also a popular destination with weekend visitors from the city.
You will come across several scenic villages and small towns as you explore and manor houses nestling quietly in the landscape, adding further to the charm of the area.
Any of the towns can provide you with useful local information but really we suggest you start your visit to Le Perche at the headquarters for the region in a 15th century manor house at Courboyer, Nocé.
The principal towns in Le Perche include:
- Bellême (Orne)
- Nogent-le-Rotrou (Eure-et-Loir)
- Mortagne-au-Perche (Orne)
- La Ferté-Bernard (Sarthe)
It is also worth visiting the Ecomusee du Perche to learn more of the history and heritage of this relatively undiscovered region (along with various entertaining activities for the children).
While here you can visit the lovely Priory of Saint Gauburge: both sites are together, half way between Belleme and Nogent-le-Rotrou.
Pre-planned touring routes through Le Perche
Exploring Le Perche by car is very pleasant, and the Parc suggest two 'pre-planned routes', one to explore the forests and the other following the small lakes and castles of the region.
Each of the routes is signposted and less than 100 kilometres long (so cycling the routes in a day is possible), and a good way to explore the area.
You can find the routes and guides to highlights that you will see en route in any of the information centres in Le Perche.
You can find more travel ideas in the Orne guide and the Normandy guide.
Arrange a visit to Le Perche
Reserve excursions
Book hotels, car hire and flights
Hotels in Le Perche
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Map of Le Perche and places nearby
Visit near Le Perche with France This Way reviews
Nogent-le-Rotrou
Within the Perche Regional Natural Park, in Nogent-le-Rotrou you can discover the castle and other ancient monuments
Nogent-le-Rotrou guide
Belleme
Belleme is one of several small attractive villages within the Perche Natural Regional Park
Belleme guide
Mortagne-au-Perche
There are several places of historic interest to discover here at Mortagne-au-Perche, within the Perche Natural Regional Park
Mortagne-au-Perche guide
La Ferte-Bernard
The medieval character and picturesque setting make La Ferté-Bernard one of our favourite towns in this region
La Ferte-Bernard guide
Sees
The cathedral is the famous attraction at Sees, but there are other sites of interest in the town and the nearby Ecouves Forest to explore
Sees guide
Beaumont-sur-Sarthe
It is the countryside around Beaumont-sur-Sarthe that is the main attraction, but the town itself has several places of interest
Beaumont-sur-Sarthe guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Orne
Address: Bellême, Mortagne-au-Perche, Normandy, 61130, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 48.400375, longitude 0.792005
Plan your visit to Le Perche, Orne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Perche: regional natural parc
- Jardin de la petite Rochelle: remarkable garden (4 km)
- Nogent-le-Rotrou: recommended detour (9 km)
- Tourouvre: village d'etape (24 km)
- Le pré Catelan: remarkable garden (35 km)
- Forêt de Perseigne: site of natural beauty (40 km)
- Chateaudun: recommended detour (55 km)
- Abbaye de l'Epau (Yvre-l'Eveque): religious monument (58 km)
- Coulaines: ville fleurie 4* (61 km)
- Cathédrale Saint Julien (Le Mans): religious monument (62 km)
- Le Mans: secteur sauvegarde (64 km)
The French version of this page is at Le Perche (Francais)