It hasn’t happened so far and it’s probably fitting that this neglected wife, who likely only spent a matter of weeks with her crusading husband during their entire eight years of marriage, remains where she chose to be.
Don’t miss the café where Sylvie makes cakes using products grown at the abbey or locally. The gardens are undergoing restoration with the aim to grow vegetables popular in medieval times. Stop off for quiche, salad, risotto – the menu changes with the season and Sylvie makes exceedingly fine cakes!
Now a cultural centre, there are some lovely frescoes, interesting exhibitions both inside and out, plus concerts. You can take a tour in English if you book in advance.
Practical info for Le Mans
How to get about
The tram system is efficient and cheap 1,50 € single ticket (valid for 1 hour); 4,20 € day pass (valid for 24 hours) - both are also valid on the bus network.
How to get there
With trains taking around an hour from Paris It’s an easy day trip to Le Mans
Where to stay
Hotel Concordia which is very reasonably priced.
Le Doyenné: in what has to be one of the best locations right next to the Cathedral in an ancient house.
Tourist office Le Mans, 16 Rue de l'Étoile www.lemans-tourisme.com