Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Maine-Et-Loire

In its forest, on the edge of the water plan, this small commune houses a workshop to manufacture statues of lead known worldwide by the collectors! For two centuries, the same specific gestures… founded in 1785 in Paris and installed since 1994 in Anjou, the workshop has been perpetuating the great tradition of lead soldiers for more than two hundred years. Each figurine is always cast, mounted and carefully painted according to ancestral processes.

The Couère is an area of more than 80 hectares with several hundred animals in our countryside or in other areas (alpacas, rheas and emus, deer and deer, long-horned cattle…) that you will be able to take on either one of the 3 trails through the beautiful valleys of the Segréen or the tourist train led by a most picturesque guide. But it is also a formidable heritage together by the Nardin family and disseminated in the various buildings in the field: agricultural machinery and tools, old or miniature cars (2 600 models), cycles and motorcycles… The highlight of the visit remains this superb village 1900, featuring objects and costumes of the time in a series of thematic tables on the past trades and traditions. Astonishment and guaranteed nostalgia. Numerous picnic areas and children's playgrounds are available in addition to the small, locally available restaurant. A good idea for family outings 45 minutes from Angers.

The guided tour presents the activity of makers and roofers since the early th century and the consequences of this activity on the environment. Demonstrations and animated models, exhibitions, courses, floral art make this place dedicated to the work of yellow land extracted from the basement.

Place of information and exhibitions on the life of the river and the Mauges, the walking or mountain biking circuits. This body dedicated to the development of the territory has published documents that will lead you to the roads and roads of the:: through towns and villages (EUR 12): 2 volumes to succumb to the charms of these small towns; thematic guides to travel through the country of walking trees: Loire and Bocage, in the footsteps of faith, materials to walk, the circuit of trades, the paths of history and for the followers of the little queen: Le and Mauges mountain bike (6 euros) and Mauges (3 euros).

The original square tower of this water mill is an eye-catcher, built at the beginning of the 20th century, andwas inspired by a stay in Italy by the owner at the time. And if you are wondering how a mill works, why not take the opportunity to visit it? Still in working order, he remains the only one to grind his grain thanks to the hydraulic energy he draws from the Mayenne River. During the visit, you will learn everything about the technique used for ages by millers. With its 7 m diameter paddle wheel, hydraulic turbine, 145 pulleys, 470 m of belts and manufacturing machines, wheat is transformed into flour in a more elaborate way than we can imagine. Since February 2007, the Chenillé-Changé mill has diversified its activities. In addition to the production of flour, which can be bought in the shop, it has caught up with modern times, becoming an electricity producer. An informative visit, we come out a little less stupid!