Attractions and Places To See around Aslonnes - Top 20

Aslonnes and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the 13th-century Église Notre-Dame d'Aslonnes, known for its ancient bells and polychrome statue. The 12th-century Prieuré de Laverré, a former Benedictine priory, features remarkable 17th-century monastic gardens. Further afield, consider the medieval Abbaye Saint-Junien de Nouaillé-Maupertuis, a significant historical site, and the elegant 18th-century Château du Bois de St-Pierre with its classical architecture and landscaped gardens.

Yes, the region holds several prehistoric remnants. The Dolmen de la Pierre Levée is an ancient burial site classified as a historical monument. You can also find the Menhir de Jument-Guinard, a 2-meter high limestone menhir. Additionally, the fortified site of Camp d'Alaric shows evidence of human occupation from the late Neolithic period, including prehistoric remains found in the grottes de Chatillon.

Beyond the cultivated gardens of the Prieuré de Laverré, Aslonnes offers several natural attractions. Explore the distinctive vegetation of the Plateau de Thorus, known for its juniper bushes and downy oak. The banks of the Clain river, forming the western boundary of the commune, provide pleasant opportunities for hiking. Other notable natural spots include L'ile du Divan and La source de Port Laverré.

The area around Aslonnes is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. You can find numerous routes for touring bicycles, gravel biking, and road cycling. For example, there are routes like the 'Viaduc de Saint-Benoît et la Faravelle – loop via the forest trails' for cycling, or the 'Le Moulin de la Norée – Saint-Benoît Viaduct loop' for gravel biking. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Aslonnes, Gravel biking around Aslonnes, and Road Cycling Routes around Aslonnes guide pages.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Abbaye Saint-Junien de Nouaillé-Maupertuis offers a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll. The Château du Bois de St-Pierre, with its vast green spaces and landscaped gardens, is also a pleasant spot for families. Additionally, the Farfadet Chain Ferry is noted by visitors as a fun experience to take with children.

Beyond historical buildings, you can discover interesting architectural and engineering sights. The Saint-Benoît Viaduct is a superb pedestrian and cycle viaduct over the Clain river, serving as a key point for various trails. Another point of interest is the Gannerie Aqueduct, a 19th-century stone structure near Poitiers that is a testament to civil engineering.

For those looking for unique local spots, consider visiting La cabane du berger (Shepherd's Hut), a dry-stone construction dating back to the 19th century, located about a kilometer west of the village. The Prieuré de Laverré, with its remarkable monastic gardens, also offers a serene and less crowded experience compared to more prominent sites.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical richness and natural beauty. The peaceful settings of sites like the Abbaye Saint-Junien de Nouaillé-Maupertuis and the elegant architecture of the Château du Bois de St-Pierre are highly rated. Many also enjoy the opportunities for outdoor activities, with the Saint-Benoît Viaduct being a popular starting point for scenic hikes and bike rides along the Clain river.

Absolutely. The Prieuré de Laverré is renowned for its 'remarkable gardens,' maintained in a 17th-century monastic style, featuring around 600 species of ancient plants, original moats, and a beautiful rose garden. Additionally, the Château du Bois de St-Pierre is surrounded by vast green spaces and beautifully landscaped French gardens, perfect for leisurely strolls.

While specific weather conditions vary, the region's natural attractions and outdoor routes are generally best enjoyed during milder weather. Spring and early autumn typically offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the historical sites and gardens without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter. This allows for comfortable exploration of the Clain riverbanks, the Plateau de Thorus, and the various cycling paths.

Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling and mountain biking. The Saint-Benoît Viaduct is a central point for various cycling and mountain biking trails. You can find routes for different difficulty levels, including moderate and difficult options, that take you through forests, along rivers, and past historical sites. Explore detailed routes on the Cycling around Aslonnes and Gravel biking around Aslonnes guide pages.

Absolutely. The banks of the Clain river, which form the western boundary of the commune, offer serene paths ideal for peaceful walks. The natural setting around the Abbaye Saint-Junien de Nouaillé-Maupertuis is also described as a peaceful environment, perfect for a leisurely stroll and immersion in nature. The gardens of the Prieuré de Laverré provide a tranquil escape as well.