Conlie is a town in Sarthe, in the Pays de la Loire region, 22 km north-west of Le Mans.
Its territory of 17 km² is located in the heart of the natural region of "Champagne conlinoise", with landscapes dotted with small limestone hills, and mainly composed of groves, pastures, orchards and groves.
The first dwellings of the future village were established in Antiquity, the site of Conlie being a stopover on the Gallo-Roman road linking Le Mans to Mont Saint-Michel. The village then developed in the Middle Ages, and the activity there is mainly dedicated to agriculture and crafts.
In 1870, during the war against Prussia, it was in Colie that thousands of Breton and Vendée volunteers gathered in a vast camp. Supposed to "learn their skills" there, they were never equipped or trained, but a few were nevertheless sent to the front. On the contrary, in 1871, the Prussians blew up the fortifications of the camp.
Conlie, which has nearly 2000 inhabitants, is now renowned for its heritage, its green environment and its leisure offer (museum, hiking trails, pond).
In terms of heritage, the town has a site classified as historical monuments: it is the chapel of Verniette, housed in a rural setting. You can admire 13th and 14th century wall frescoes and 17th century terracotta furniture (altarpiece, Christ on the cross) made by sculptor Pierre Lorcet. The tours are guided by volunteers: contact +33 7 82 74 36 94 or +33 6 37 35 79 09.
In the village, the Saint-Vigor church was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Recently restored, it houses rich furnishings including stalls, altarpieces, and terracotta works. Its beautifully crafted wooden vault also testifies to the wealth of the village under the Ancien Régime.
Finally, in addition to an old washhouse, there are two monuments in the locality commemorating the episode of the Breton Volunteers Camp in 1870. One is located in the cemetery and dates from 1873, the other was inaugurated in 1913 at the top. from the coast overlooking the camp.
On the cultural level, after having been established in Saint-Aubin-de-Locquenay then in Lavardin, it is finally in Conlie that since 2001 the museum of the Second World War "Roger Bellon", named after 'an enlightened enthusiast who, from the Liberation, collected objects and documents related to the conflict. On 450 m², are exposed some 100 mannequins dressed in authentic uniforms with their accessories, military vehicles (Jeep Willys, tank, German motorcycle NSU), photographs and documents of the time, objects of daily life, weapons, carved panels. The museum gives a special place to women engaged in combat. Donations regularly enrich the collections. In addition to the visits, temporary exhibitions, meetings and thematic hikes are scheduled. Open from April to September. Entrance: 1.50 to 6 euros. Information on +33 2 43 29 39 49 or +33 2 43 20 90 35 (off season).
At the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry media library, photographic exhibitions, meetings with writers, and shows combining reading and music are offered throughout the year. Contact on +33 2 43 29 34 05.
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure, there are tennis courts, a bowling alley, and a bi-cross field available to tourists and visitors. Information on +33 2 43 20 50 35.
Still in this area, the lake to the west of the village on the edge of which a campsite, picnic and play areas and a multi-sports ground are revealed. popular all year round. Swimming is prohibited but fishermen are welcome (inquire at +33 6 24 60 98 22).
For lovers of hiking in a bucolic environment, note that three marked trails are traced on Conlie, 5 to 10 km long (Camp trail, Verniette trail, forest trail). It is also easy to reach the neighboring town of Sillé-le-Guillaume (its forest and its leisure center). Maps and information on +33 2 43 20 10 32.
