The Perche, a rural area astride Normandy and the Centre-Val de Loire regions, is depicted by lush green meadows, wooded hillsides of hundred-year-old beeches and oak trees and is ideally explored by bicycle or even on (Percheron) horseback. Its hedgerows and forests, protected within a regional park created in 1998, are home to elegant manor houses. Each country town has its fair share of B&Bs, restaurants, craft boutiques and antique shops.