"Don't miss the Priory" Vivoin by Beausoleil

There is an apple orchard and a huge field filled with activities for young and old alike. The outbuildings hold more demonstrations by docents and volunteers. It is somewhat like an ecomusee and lots of fun.

You will not find this out of season, but the grounds are wonderful to wander and the museum will be open. Don't miss the church beside.

Gate into the Priory grounds

After visiting the church, go through this gate and you will enter the grounds and the entrance to the museum.

Covered well in the village of Vivoin

After exploring the abbey church, museum and gardens, we walked through the tiny village that was very quiet on a weekday well out of tourist season. Though late autumn, there were still lots of flowers blooming and the town is charming.

• Pros:Quiet, quaint and pretty little village
• In a nutshell:Lovely day trip from Le Mans, Alencon or Laval