Paris1972-Versailles2003

I was looking at my blog now with a lot more time and came upon this older post, I need to update text, links and pictures ! This is part of my road warrior trips in my belle France, sometimes too fast but well, as the saying goes we will be back ! I have come to know many but this one somehow been on the road remembered it well, Therefore, let’s talk about Villaines la Gonais !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I,

The town of Villaines-la-Gonais is located in the department 72 of Sarthe in the Pays de la Loire region, the town is part of the historic province of Maine, The old road N23 today, the A11, passes on the edge of the town which is the one we take, This town is said , because never time it, about 1h 45 from Paris, 45 minutes from Chartres ,2 hours from Rennes, 2 h15 from Nantes, 1h30 from Orléans and 40 minutes from Le Mans, The town of Villaines la Gonais (or is it a village), located near the ancient Le Mans – Chartres road, developed in the Middle Ages around the church, on the hillside. You will appreciate its rural character and the preserved architecture of the town’s houses and those of old farms scattered throughout the countryside. A landscaped setting offering beautiful views of the Huisne valley.

We like to drive and it shows , all over, the best way to reach two points in my opinion. And we do it the old fashion way avoiding tolls (or taxes!) but sometimes we can’t avoid the pesky charges for reason of rapidity or simple less tiring and or both. So we have taken the A11 highway/motorway/expressway to reach Paris and beyond from my Brittany.  While doing this we could not wait to reach destination and eat so we stop at a rest stop or Aire!  And yes, we have found a gem as well! The rest area or Aire of Villaines-la-Gonais on the A11 direction Le Mans- Paris. In a single building, very bright, hosts the Italian restaurant Stratto, the shop, the relaxation areas and children’s games, the toilets… etc It is equipped with a playground, gas/fuel, showers, baby space, parking PL, inflating station, buffet, shop/boutique and also an ENI Café. It was , and is our stop when taking this route to Paris which is often, stopped and was surprise and we had a great family meal rest time, good for the souvenirs of always. I know especially Stratto Restaurant in Paris at 49 bd Saint Michel or 11 Bd du Palais, but was surprise to find a franchise version on the highway A11.

And a bit more on the A11 expressway with tolls but you know the N12 goes along for free too ::) The A11 highway/motorway or expressway as you wish is from Paris to Nantes via Le Mans and Angers, the road takes you from the most beautiful forests of the Sarthe (dept 72) to the unforgettable beaches of the Loire Atlantique (dept 44).Also known as the Océane or ocean road, the A11 offers a connection with many highways at Le Mans, a real tourist hub. The A11, which belongs to the European routes E50, E60 and E501, directly serves the cities of Chartres, Le Mans, Angers and Nantes, and, via A81, Laval, Rennes, and all other Breton cities. It is 343 km long between greenery and must-see cultural sites to discover. Great road freedom and thrills.

In town not much to see but it has a nice Saint-Hilaire Church housing a 15C baptismal font and the Château de Beauchamps. As well as a lavoir or wash house, The interesting thing to do here me think is the annual Le brame du Cerf or deer, a hiking trail of approximately 4 km representing on average 1 hour of walking. Then, it’s time to go to the herd ( troop of wild animals living together) in an all-terrain vehicle. Off the engine and you see, the deer and its does, sometimes reflected in Chinese shadows. And above all, the group hears the bellowing when all the conditions are met. Because yes, this period is the most favorable to hearing a deer bellow, Should be fun, jotted down for a future visit : For more info go to the farm of cerfs from the Perche webpage :https://cerfduperche.com/

The Vinci rest stops on the A11 on Stratto restaurant : https://www.vinci-autoroutes.com/fr/aires-et-services/a11/aire-de-villaines-la-gonais/

The RestaurantGuru reviews on Stratto A11 : https://restaurantguru.com/Stratto-Villaines-la-Gonais-2

The town of Villaines la Gonais on its heritage : https://villaines-la-gonais.fr/un-patrimoine

There you go folks, a nice ride on the roads of my belle France, and the A11 even with tolls is very good indeed. And if passing by it by all means stop on this rest stop at Villaines la Gonais on your way from/to Paris ! Again, hope you enjoy the post on let’s talk about Villaines la Gonais as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!