The earliest origins of Fresnay back to the 6th century where we note the presence of a dozen families on the site "Fraxinidum". It was not until the ninth century that the history of the city actually begins with the construction of the castle in 877 under the leadership of Charles the Bald. In fact the site seems ideal for the installation of a fortress as located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Sarthe. Despite this, the city, known at the time as the Fresnay-le-Vicomte, undergo several assaults, those of William the Conqueror and later those of the English. With the attack of the English during the Hundred Years War, a native of the region will be honored: Ambroise de Lore, companion of Joan of Arc, named Captain of the city in recognition of his bravery.
Over the following centuries Fresnay be known for its hemp fabrics. This economy will mark the landscape of the city including the district of Bourg Neuf which lists many houses of weavers. The architecture of the houses is recognizable outside staircase leading to the first floor the only part of life, and at the bottom, slightly buried the weaving.
Fresnay-le-Vicomte become Fresnay-sur-Sarthe after the Revolution.
SIGHTSEEING
The Notre Dame built in the 12th century, then it has a single nave ending in a chamber choir. After various damages caused by war and weather, the church will be restored and enlarged. The last restoration dates from the second half of the 19th century, a period of addition of the transept.
The portal of the church: the western entrance of the church is marked by a remarkable portal carved oak. It dates from 1528 and is the work of the Brothers Dienis, local artists who worked in various buildings in the area. This portal is a side with the Old Testament illustration of the Tree of Jesse and the other New Testament including the representation of the 12 Apostles.
The castle gate: one of the best preserved parts of the old fortress. It dates from the 14th century and consists of two circular towers connected by a central building that houses the machinery of the drawbridge and portcullis. Element of defense, she also served as a prison.
The library of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe: Adult space, amphitheater, children's area, teen space, space music and multimedia. Contacts: 12 bis rue du Docteur Horeau - February 43 33 35 41. Open Tuesday from 17h to 19h on Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm and from 14h to 16h30, Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm and from 14h to 16h30.
La Barque restaurant welcomes you in the small town of Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, between Le Mans and Alençon. Enter and sit in an elegant and refined! You'll love the atmosphere, the interior...
Located 10.2 km from Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
37 € per person
Le Gasseau Restaurant & Hôtel de Charme
8.5
Saint-Léonard-des-Bois
SPECIAL GOURMET - To full of greenery and serenity, is an invitation to gourmet Gasseau Restaurant & Charming Hotel in Saint-Leonard-des-Bois. Nestled in an area of 35 hectares, this...
Located 11.2 km from Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
31 € per person
Au Colibri
7
Alençon
CRÊPERIE - Come fight buds in Alençon at the salad bar, creperie Au Colibri! LANDSCAPES BUCOLIQUES - The pancake-salads Au Colibri welcomes you to Alençon, a jet pack meal of the cathedral,...
In this Country High River Sarthe or linger for better embrace of his arms homes well born, was an elegant Manoir lost at the end of a small alley boisée. Ses four tastefully decorated...
Located 9.9 km from Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
From 75 € to 80 € the double room
Les terrasses du leard
9.4
Neuville-sur-Sarthe
Elisabeth and Jean-Claude verneau welcome you to their guesthouse Violet and Poppy and in their guest house with separate rooms Retro and Moroccan. Their house is located at a place...
Independent house of 1791 in a small village near Mamers, near Normandy Park Maine and Perche. This cottage has 4 bedrooms, 2 double beds of140.2simple beds of90, and 2 bunk beds. On...
Les Molières Indigo Campsite***... In the heart of the national forest, on the edge of the lake at Sillé Beach... Les Molières Indigo Campsite is situated next to the activity park...
Located 13.4 km from Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Camping les tournesols
9.4
Sillé-le-Guillaume
Very well maintained campground with beautiful places. Free wifi. Coffee offered on arrival. Free kids club from July 23 to August 17,4fois/semaine. Entertainment in high season, volleyball,...
Hotel Ronsin is located in the mediaeval town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. It offers 2-star accommodation with free Wi-Fi internet access and a traditional restaurant. All of the rooms at...
Located in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Room from 45 €
Logis de la Barque
7.5
Beaumont-sur-Sarthe
This hotel is located in the heart of a small medieval town and offers the ideal backdrop to your break in the Pays de la Loire. The Logis de la Barque features 24 comfortable guest...
Located 10.2 km from Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Room from 60 €
Touring Hotel & Restaurant
7.1
Saint-Léonard-des-Bois
The Touring Hôtel is located in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles, in the village of St Léonard des Bois, not far away from Le Mans and Alençon. Two hours away from Paris, it offers...
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