At 416 metres, Mont des Avaloirs is the highest point in western France. The Corniche de Pail stretches between Pré-en-Pail and the Forêt de Pail, offering far-reaching panoramic views.
Those who choose Pré-en-Pail as their holiday destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
Nature
More than 3,000 different species have been recorded in the RNR Mont des Avaloirs, including over 150 notable species and 100 protected species. The nature reserve is located in the municipalities of Boulay-les-Ifs and Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson, covers four landscape units totalling 321 hectares, and helps preserve heathlands, peat bogs, scree slopes, meadows and forests. It is considered one of the most important biodiversity centres in the Parc & Géoparc.
The Corniche de Pail is classified as a ZNIEFF area of ecological, faunal and floristic interest.
Trails
The Boucle du Belvédère (No. 101) is an 8.7-kilometre circular hike starting from the car park at the Belvédère des Mont des Avaloirs. It is signposted with yellow markers bearing the number 101.
At the Belvédère des Mont des Avaloirs, there are 108 steps to climb; from the top, a 360° panorama stretches as far as 100 kilometres. A four-kilometre out-and-back section of the Tour de la Réserve Mont des Avaloirs leads to a viewing screen, from which the local wildlife can be observed discreetly.
The Tour de la Réserve Mont des Avaloirs begins at the Belvédère and includes 12 themed stations covering landscape development since the Middle Ages, the history of the quarry, heathland restoration, the use of the bocage landscape and the species living there. It is also an 8.2-kilometre circular route starting in Pré-en-Pail.
“À la conquête de l’Armorique” (No. 37) is a 6.2-kilometre circular route starting in Pré-en-Pail, suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. The route takes walkers along the Corniche de Pail through heathland; woven hedges provide evidence of older agricultural knowledge.
The Pré-en-Pail/Mayenne greenway follows a former railway line and connects La Véloscénie with La Vélo Francette. It has kilometre markers and picnic tables.
Culture
The monumental paintings in the Sainte-Thérèse church in Pré-en-Pail were created in 1876–1877 by the painter Pierre Chadaigne, who came from Alençon. The murals include cycles depicting the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph.
Local life
A weekly market takes place every Saturday morning in Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson. Le Comptoir in Pré-en-Pail is a grocery shop offering organic and regional products, as well as a bar and a canteen.
More destinations: Montenay, Sainte-Gemmes-Le-Robert, Champfrémont, Brécé, Longuefuye, Saint-Quentin-Les-Anges, Ambrières-Les-Vallées, Blandouet
