Given that the château de la Groirie is an historic monument, the words culture and heritage have a different ring to them for the members of the team at la Groirie. Here at the hotel de la Groirie we have a number of suggestions for discovering the Le Mans region and the magnificent tourist heritage in the department (72) that surrounds us. Here are some ideas for cultural activities in Le Mans and the surrounding area for old and young alike. Set off on a voyage of discovery of the cultural heritage through the museums of Le Mans and its old town, known as the “Cité Plantagenêt”, an enchanting venue both by day and by night…without forgetting the marvellous abbey of l’Épau and the museums of Le Mans and its surroundings.
Located in Le Mans and close to the hotel de la Groirie, the “Carré Plantagenêt” is a museum devoted to the archaeology and the history of the Maine region from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Every summer, in July and August, Le Mans offers a superb night-time walk to discover the old town (“cité Plantagenêt”). Eight magical locations and a unique itinerary taking in both legend and history.
18 minutesRight in the heart of the city of Le Mans we find the Tessé museum, the city’s fine arts museum. It is one of the oldest museums in France, opening its doors in 1799. It offers a number of guided tours on a variety of themes, and is home to a major collection of French, Flemish and Italian paintings, and a sizeable Egyptian collection.
Near the cathedral of Le Mans, occupying three magnificent carved timber-framed houses and listed as an historic monument, this charming museum of ethnography and local history (ceramics, furniture, iconographic documents) is well worth a visit.
The hotel de la Groirie suggests a visit to the Royal Abbey of l’Épau in Le Mans.
Founded in 1229 by Queen Berengaria of Navarre, the widow of King Richard the Lionheart, the Royal Abbey of l'Épau is one of the finest examples and jewels of Cistercian architecture in France. It offers a wide range of visits all year round.
The Sarthe Cultural Centre, which manages the abbey on behalf of the Department, is currently carrying out a major planning project to adapt the gardens to permaculture.
In addition, in May or early June, the abbey hosts the festival of l’Épau, a renowned classical music festival full of emotions.
The hotel de la Groirie suggests a visit to the “Musée Vert”, or Green Museum. This is the city of Le Mans’ natural history museum, where you can discover nature and science: minerals, the wild areas of the Sarthe region and their hidden fauna.
The “Cité Plantagenêt” is the historic medieval centre of the city of Le Mans. The name “Cité Plantagenêt” was proposed and adopted in 2003. It offers you the chance to discover beautiful timber framed houses.
Located in the centre of Le Mans, the Saint-Julien Cathedral is a magnificent Romanesque and Gothic building. It is renowned for its stained-glass windows, its upside down Y-shaped flying buttresses and its Gothic choir.