Monuments to visit Châteaux de la Loire

In the place of the Moulin du Moulin, two ogival arches classified in the th and th centuries had a hanged mill, whose wheels, easily steerable, were adaptaient to the Loire movements. Then push up to the small village of Patache, haunted by the memories of the sailors who lived there once.

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!

Built in the th century, this church is crowned with one of the curiosities of the region: the balls-twisted, whose arrows, instead of straight point to the clouds, offer amazing twists. One does not end up wondering about the origin of these forms: wood distortion, human will… or maléfices? It even says that, on the occasion of the marriage of two twin twins with two twin brothers, a curious inversion would have occurred, causing movement on the parochial left of the bell. You can choose the version that best suits you… after you are on the spot. This steeple is one of the five clochers twisted in the region, all within a radius of 10 km: Fougeré, Mouliherne, Pontigné, Old-Baugé.

François David and Olivier Leconte thrive on a large vineyard completely converted to organic production and put some of the jewels of winemaking wine in Anjou in white Anjou, Anjou-villages, rosé, both dry and soft.

Gennes was an important Gallo-Roman city because of its privileged position on the Loire and trade routes. There are still many remains of this period, more or less well preserved, of which the most remarkable is the amphitheatre of Mazerolles. Considered the largest Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in the west, it could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. Its construction is original: on the hillside, the cellars of the arena were dug; only the podium and the surrounding wall were built. During the Empire, the theatre organised the circus games, which saw gladiators and animals confront each other, but also naumachia (water fights) thanks to a machinery that allowed to flood the arena. One of its main characteristics is its perfectly preserved terracotta drainage pavement. This amphitheatre and other remains discovered - baths, temples, aqueduct, habitat - were part of a vast Gallo-Roman complex built at the end of the 1st century AD and used until the beginning of the 3rd century. Finally, an area of habitat has recently been revealed during an archaeological diagnosis that completes the observations already established. For the time being, the researchers hypothesize that Gennes would have been a large sanctuary in a rural area and a place of conciliation before the conquest of Gaul. Guided tours and animations help to make these ruins full of history talk!

A former hotel, it houses a Chinese pagoda, which comes from a Universal Exhibition, and the municipal library, which regularly organises off-piste exhibits.

To learn to fly or fly, you are at the right address. For 14 years, you can start an BIA (an Aircraft initiation certificate). In Saint-Denis-de-l'Hôtel, flight possibilities are numerous. The star of Orléans is an association dating back to 1951, so we can talk about experience. The club currently has 10 aircraft and a ULM that can be rented to fly alone or in double order. Do not hesitate to consult the website if you want to discover the details of what you need to know.

Former chapel of the castle, the collegiate church is located within its walls but is accessible by a bridge. It is one of the most prestigious religious buildings of the 15th century in Anjou, specific of the Angevin Gothic style. The church is composed of a 44 meters long and 12 meters wide vessel, and a 18 meters high vault. There is an oratory from which the lord attended the services in all discretion. This church has been classified as a historical monument since 1907.