The best traffic-free bike rides around Ciral

Riding up there by bike was quite strenuous, but the view from the top was worth the effort. It was well worth it.

In 1874, the project for a new church was born, at the instigation of Father Macé, then vicar, who had the municipality and even the priest against him. The nave, however, was completed in 1878, the tower the following year, the consecration took place in 1881. The building is constructed of local granite, also in Romanesque style but its axis is perpendicular to that of the old one, the entrance towards the road to Carrouges-La Ferté. The nave is supported by ten granite pillars made from a single piece and 2 m. high. The only treasure is the altar decoration, Louis XIII, given by Father Dufriche-Desgenettes to his friend Father Lapierre. Father Husson made the furnishings of the sacristy and the church with his own hands: stalls, confessionals, pulpit. Burned by bombing on August 14, 1944, the church was unusable. In 1953, after extensive restoration, religious services were reinstated, and two years later, the three bells were replaced, along with the stained-glass windows themselves. Those in the choir depict the life of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint; four smaller ones depict the four chapels of Joué (La Raîtière, Le Bel, St-Jacques, and St-Roch) with the coats of arms of the founding families. A lintel bearing the Le Verrier coat of arms, taken from the seigneurial chapel dedicated to Saints Hubert and Suzanne in the church, was incorporated into the tower's masonry; this lintel was designed in La Chaux, by the Count of Contades.

The church dates from the 13th and 16th centuries. The bell tower, porch, transept, and choir have been listed as historic monuments since December 22, 1927.

very varied and pleasant hike

Very beautiful castle. The outside area is very interesting and a nice walk. Unfortunately I didn't see the inside of the castle. The bicycle parking area is behind the archway on the inside on the right.

Beautiful 360 degree view

This neo-Gothic style church saw its first stone laid on July 6, 1880 and was consecrated in 1883. It replaced an old church which dated from the Middle Ages and which was considered too small for masses.

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption: A Symbol of the Catholic Faith in Antananarivo The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a Catholic religious building located in the Avironimamo district of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, an event that commemorates Mary's elevation to heaven after her death. Construction of the church began in 1872 and was completed in 1877. It was designed by French architect Émile Lafon, who also designed other important buildings in Antananarivo, such as the Church of Saint Peter and the Lycée Gallieni. The church was built on the site of an old chapel that had been built in the early 19th century. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a remarkable example of neo-Gothic architecture in Madagascar. It is built of cut stone and has an imposing façade with two twin towers. The interior of the church is decorated with colorful stained glass windows and a pipe organ. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is an important tourist site in Antananarivo. It is open to the public and offers a breathtaking view of the city. In addition, the church is an important place of worship for the Catholic community of Madagascar. It regularly hosts masses and religious events. Here are some reasons why the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is an interesting place to visit: Its neo-Gothic architecture is unique in Madagascar. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated. The church offers a breathtaking view of the city. It is an important place for the Catholic community of Madagascar. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a symbol of the Catholic faith in Antananarivo. It is a must-see for all visitors to the Malagasy capital.