The Filature du Petit Auney preserves an ensemble of carding machines, a mule-jenny, twisting and winding machines, as well as a hydraulic Francis turbine in Le Mesnil-Tôve. Since the manufactory ceased operations in 1974, this ensemble has remained intact.
The wool mill is one of the last examples of 19th-century textile mechanical engineering.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Le Mesnil-Tôve can use the local information as a basis for planning their own trip.
Farm and Crafts
The Filature du Petit Auney project includes training courses and workshops that are open to everyone and dedicated to passing on textile craft techniques. These include a wool workshop covering the steps of sorting, washing, carding, spinning, felting and weaving. The Le Petit Auney educational farm and wool mill in Le Mesnil-Tôve is a family-friendly destination for an outing.
The Le Petit Auney educational farm offers tours focusing on historic Norman animal breeds; tasting farm products is available as an optional extra.
Nature and Trails
Le Petit Auney is located at the end of the Sée Valley and is designated as a Natura 2000 site with a remarkable diversity of animal and plant species. The GR 22 passes near Le Petit Auney in Le Mesnil-Tôve. The greenway near Le Petit Auney makes outings by bicycle, on horseback and on foot possible; it also allows cycling trips in the direction of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Farm Activities
Le Petit Auney offers a farm snack bar serving crêpes, farm rice pudding, organic apple juice and organic farm cider. Another option is to discover the water channel, islands and mill while tasting wild plants.
History
In autumn 1795, a royalist column of several hundred men set up camp around the Château du Mesnil-Tôve during the Chouan uprising.
The present-day Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Le Mesnil-Tôve was rebuilt after the fighting in 1944, completed in 1960 and consecrated on 8 September 1960. It houses a 15th-century statue of John the Baptist, which is protected as a historic object. The windows are decorated with stained glass by Robine and Lecomte; the baptismal font comes from the former church.
