Beyond the château’s vast estate, visit picturesque villages and towns dotted along the Sarthe River, starting off with Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, 8km by car, with its pretty restaurants and market place. The idyllic village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is also close by, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and a great inspiration to artists, whilst historic Alençon, famous for its lace-making traditions, should be visited on a Thursday or Saturday morning for its delightful market.

Set off for long walks through nearby woodland, canoe along the Sarthe River, ride horses through the Perche Regional Natural Park and discover cycle rides across the Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Marne. Le Mans is another brilliant day out, such an impressive city with its medieval quarter and cathedral, also famed for its 24-hour classic car race in mid-June.

Further afield, choose between the iconic châteaux and vineyards of the Loire valley to the south or the many Normandy gems to the north including Mont Saint-Michel, Bayeux and the incredible D-Day Landing beaches reached in less than two hours by car.