The best cycling routes around Saint-Hilaire-De-Loulay

The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is Gothic in style and features an imposing façade. It is built of stone and features ornate carved details. The façade features a richly decorated main portal, adorned with statues, reliefs, or architectural motifs. Inside the church, you will find a spacious, vaulted main nave supported by pillars or columns. The vaults feature decorative star and ribbed motifs typical of Gothic architecture. Restored over a period of five years, the interior of the building now reveals warm colors ranging from yellow to pinkish-red. Colored stained-glass windows are also a characteristic feature of Gothic churches, and the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste has magnificent stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and saints. In summary, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Montaigu is an example of Gothic architecture with an imposing façade and decorative elements. It houses side chapels, a choir, a main altar, and colorful stained-glass windows. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it is also an active place of worship and a significant historical landmark for the local community. The Church of Saint John the Baptist in Montaigu has a rich history dating back several centuries. Here is a brief overview of its history: The original church in Montaigu was built in the 11th century, but little information is available about this early structure. Over the following centuries, the church underwent alterations and expansions, reflecting changing architectural styles. In the 14th century, the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style, with a spacious main nave, elegant vaults, and carved details. Construction was completed in the 15th century, giving the church its current appearance. During the French Revolution in the 18th century, the Church of Saint John the Baptist was used for secular purposes. It was converted into a community hall and suffered significant damage, including the destruction of decorative and religious elements. After the Revolution, the church was gradually restored and returned to worship. Repair and renovation work was undertaken to restore damaged architectural features. Over the years, modifications and improvements were made to the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Side chapels were added, stained-glass windows were installed, and religious ornaments were restored. Today, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is an active place of worship for the Catholic community of Montaigu. It is also a tourist and cultural attraction, attracting visitors with its Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and history. Religious events, ceremonies, and concerts are regularly held there.

Church rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 14th century. Its richly decorated portal is particularly noteworthy. Listed as a Historic Monument.

Beautiful castle surrounded by vineyards, considered one of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley.

A superb, generally smooth, well-marked trail on an official cycle route. Be careful, in rainy weather it can get a little muddy, so you will need thicker tires and mudguards. Still quite passable in light rain.

Site apparently very popular with spoon fishermen. Picnic tables nearby. The hiking trail along the Gournet stream takes you to the cycle path in the direction of Saint-Hilaire de Loulay and the Vendée Vélo in the direction of Clisson.

The nickname of the dike, immortalized by the famous bawdy song (which we could hear sung in an episode of South Park), would have for origin the fall of the Duchess Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Sicily, Duchess of Berry, in the pond of the dike. She had to remove her clothes to change, probably with a few indiscreet witnesses.

This water mill is in working order, moreover the owner still makes his flour there today. Located on the pleasant Vendée Vélo.

Beautiful site with the mill and this stone bridge dating from the Middle Ages, which spans the Maine. The mill has been converted into an inn.