Arche de la nature

Arche de la Nature is a nature park in Le Mans spanning several hundred hectares across three themed areas: Forest House, Water House, and Prairie House, each with educational facilities. The park repurposed a former water treatment site to create spaces for environmental learning and conservation.

The site originated as a water treatment facility before being transformed into an environmental education center. This shift reflects a growing local commitment to conservation and repurposing industrial land.

Photography exhibitions throughout the year feature work by local artists capturing seasonal changes in the landscape. These shows demonstrate how the community sees and values the natural environment around them.

The park is free to enter and offers activities including pony rides, carriage tours, and guided nature walks. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the grounds are best explored on foot.

The Prairie House area contains a teaching farm where visitors experience traditional agriculture and meet regional farm animal breeds. This makes it one of the few places where you can see old farming practices in action.