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Solesmes

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Sarthe

Solesmes, a city world famous for hosting the community of Benedictine monks, flourishes in the department of Sarthe, 48 kilometers from Le Mans. Nestled on the borders of Haut-Maine and Maine angevin, the village owes its reputation to the famous Gregorian chants of the Benedictine monks. The history of the two abbeys occupying the commune and that of the village have always been closely linked. The priory, whose construction is estimated at 1010, would go back to eight centuries before the installation in 1833 of the Benedictine order in this place. The origin of the name of the town attributed to the bishop of Chartres, Saint-Solemnus, who died in 507, foreshadows the existence of the village well before that date. The village was mainly inhabited by boatmen and merchants while the monks cultivated the fertile lands. It floats like an air of holiness in Solesmes, but also of mystery about its exact origins. Bordered by the Sarthe, the village continues to unveil its history and archaeological excavations are still in progress.

Geographical information

MunicipalitySolesmes
Postcode72300
Tourism label
Latitude47.8509660 (N 47° 51’ 3”)
Longitude-0.3055810 (W 0° 18’ 20”)
AltitudeFrom 22m to 76m
Surface area11.53 km²
Population1252 inhabitants
Density108 inhabitants/km²
PrefectureLe Mans (57 km, 47 min)
Insee code72336
IntercommunalityCC du Pays Sabolien
DepartmentSarthe
TerritoryMaine
RegionPays de la Loire

Nearest cities & towns

Juigné-sur-Sarthe2.1 km (4 min)
Sablé-sur-Sarthe2.7 km (6 min)
Courtillers7.6 km (14 min)
Souvigné-sur-Sarthe8.1 km (13 min)
Vion8.1 km (12 min)
Asnières-sur-Vègre8.4 km (12 min)
Parcé-sur-Sarthe9.1 km (11 min)
Bouessay9.1 km (13 min)
Poillé-sur-Vègre9.7 km (12 min)
Pincé9.9 km (16 min)
Auvers-le-Hamon10.2 km (14 min)
Saint-Loup-du-Dorat11.2 km (15 min)
Précigné11.2 km (16 min)
Fontenay-sur-Vègre11.5 km (15 min)
Avoise12.4 km (14 min)

Things to see and do

It is therefore a stay placed under the sign of the religion that awaits you in Solesmes. Every year, thousands of people make the trip to hear the choir of the Benedictine monks start their bewitching Gregorian chants and admire these abbeys that have passed through time. Saint-Pierre Abbey dates from 1010 and was built by Geoffroy le Vieux, Lord of Sablé, who wanted a place of rest for his soul and that of his family. The wars of territory between feudal lords did not succeed at the end of the building, but succeeded in dispersing the monks. So much so that the abbey was abandoned for some time before being once again inhabited by the monastic community. After much effort to revive the building, the monks had the satisfaction of hearing the bells ring again and they have never stopped since. This poignant story of Saint-Pierre abbey, you can discover it as well as the building and relics it shelters during your stay. For a day or a retreat, the Benedictine monks open their doors to you and offer to attend the services or even to immerse yourself completely in the monastic life. Saint-Pierre abbey welcomes both men and women who want to spend time for a moment or for a retreat. The abbey Sainte-Cécile, only 400 meters away, hosts a monastic community of sisters. The order of the nuns founded in 1866 by Dom Prosper Guéranger and mother Cécile Bruyère, operates on the same principle of life entirely dedicated to prayers and god. Like Abbey Saint-Pierre, Abbey Sainte-Cécile offers accommodation for retreats exclusively dedicated to women.

Places of interest

Monuments

Events and festivities

During the month of June, you can attend the traditional festival of Solesmes, usually organized on the weekend of Saint John. Procession, Gregorian chants and of course Mass celebration will punctuate this festive weekend. The streets of the village come alive and break with the monacal silence that usually prevails in the pretty village. Young and old alike will find themselves immersed in a warm atmosphere where faith dominates and distills in the atmosphere an air conducive to contemplation. In the evening, the fire of Saint-Jean illuminates the night on the banks of the Sarthe where once the boatmen made cross the bucket the inhabitants and shopkeepers of the town.

Photos

Church
Church
See photo

Weather

Friday 29 march
Min. 7°C - Max. 14°C
Day
Night
Saturday 30 march
Min. 7°C - Max. 14°C
Day
Night
Sunday 31 march
Min. 5°C - Max. 14°C
Day
Night

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Zoo de la Flèche queue-jump ticket
Entertainment26 € La Flèche (27 km)
Show: The Master of the Apple Trees
Culture and education17 € Angers (46 km)
Ticket for the Château d'Angers - Pays de la Loire
Culture and education11 € Angers (46 km)

Outings

Last nameOuting typeDifficultyDurationDeparture municipality
Morinière circuit
HikeEasy3:00Saint-Denis-d'Anjou (12.2 km)
Brissarthe Church - The Hague Castle
HikeIntermediate3:00Les Hauts-d'Anjou (20 km)
Botanical circuit of the Val d'Argance
HikeEasy20 minDurtal (20 km)
Loir Loop Interpretive Trail
HikeIntermediate2:55Seiches-sur-le-Loir (27 km)
Bike tour "the Loop of the Loir"
All-terrain bike itineraryIntermediate2:10Seiches-sur-le-Loir (30 km)

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
A plane ticket
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