The most beautiful religious buildings Châteaux de la Loire

The Church Sainte Marie de Vernou was granted in 1130 by Bishop of Orleans John II at the abbey of Saint Messin. In this 1896 th century monument, restored in by A. Chauvallon, architect in Romorantin, the numerous sculpted medallions around the nave will be appreciated. They represent strange and picturesque characters, some of whom take the tongue shamelessly to passers-by. The magnificent Louis XIII altarpiece has just been restored. We admire the stained glass windows. The church recently partially renovated.

Located in Montrésor, 4 km from the town of Loches, Château-monastère de la Corroirie is a picturesque hotel set in 150 hectares of wooded grounds. It houses a church dating back to 1208 and offers 5 period rooms with medieval decor, exposed wooden beams and private bathrooms. Some rooms offer views of the forest or garden. Continental breakfast is included and can be served in a cosy lounge or in the garden. There's also a church, a dining room, a jogging track and a swimming and fishing pond. Dinner and guided tours are available at an additional cost. The castle-monastery tourist and cultural site is open from Easter to All Saints' Day, from 11am to 7pm.

The Saint-Michel de Bois-Aubry Royal Abbey is a listed historic monument located in Bois-Aubry, in the commune of Luzé in the Indre-et-Loire region. Dating back to the early 12th century, it is remarkable for both its history and its architecture. The abbey offers 4-star-rated gîtes, ideal for relaxing family or couple vacations. The gîtes are designed to combine comfort, conviviality and respect for age-old traditions. Visitors can also take advantage of the swimming pool facing the choir of the abbey church. The abbey is also famous for housing the grave of Hollywood actor Yul Brynner. A small museum traces his biography and filmography. For history, art and culture enthusiasts, it's possible to support the abbey by becoming a volunteer or making a donation to the Association Abbaye Royale Saint-Michel de Bois-Aubry.

The monastery was founded in 1959 in the diocese at the request of the bishop of Angers by the congregation of the Benedictine nuns of Sainte-Bathilde de Vanves in the Paris suburbs. Initially located in Chemillé, the monastery moved in 1961 to Martigné-Briand. Today, about fifteen Benedictine sisters seek to "follow Christ by the ways of the Gospel" in the monastery of Notre-Dame-de-la-Compassion. The community welcomes people (nuns, ladies, young people and couples) who wish to take a break for a time of renewal. They will benefit from the silence of Benedictine life and the help of the offices that punctuate the day. If they wish, they can meet with a sister who will help them to make this time of withdrawal from the world a useful reflection and source of positive change. On request, young women can be welcomed to share the community's prayer life and be accompanied during their stay.

Offices: Vigils at 5:25 am, Lauds at 7:45 am, Eucharist at 11:45 am (9 am on Sundays), Sext at 12 pm on Sundays, None at 2:15 pm (1:45 pm on Sundays), Vespers at 5:30 pm, Compline at 8:20 pm, (8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays).

Reception: the hotel has 15 rooms.

Store : weekdays from 10 to 11:30 am and from 3 to 5 pm, Sundays from 10 to 12 am and from 3 to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays). You will find there the productions of the monastery: jams, icons, exhibition of potteries, as well as books and various religious objects, etc.