A vine knife and pruning shears on the chimney of a private winegrower’s property give Messas a distinctive connection to winegrowing. Churches and Manoir de la Perrière add concrete local history to this picture; the manor is the only one of the three manor houses open to the public. Between Beaugency and Meung-sur-Loire in the Val de Loire, Messas offers several options for a stay: village history, Loire wine, and activities on the river.
Getting your bearings in the village
Messas does not have a clearly defined center. The village stretches mainly along its two main roads, La Margottière and La Perrière. If you are planning to visit several places, use their individual addresses for directions rather than assuming there is a central square that serves as a shared reference point. Its location between Beaugency and Meung-sur-Loire places the village in the Val de Loire.
Churches and manor house
The parish church of Saint-Sébastien replaced a chapel that opened on October 5, 1489. On April 1, 1524, Messas became an independent parish. These dates mark two successive steps: the chapel opened first, followed by the village’s ecclesiastical independence. The church of Saint-Vincent dates from the 16th century and is dedicated to the patron saint of winegrowers. It offers another historical connection to winegrowing.
Another stop is Manoir de la Perrière. It was built in the 1850s by a regional wine merchant. Of the three manor houses in Messas, only this one is open to the public. Check the visiting conditions before you go. The construction period and the builder’s profession connect the house’s history to the region’s wine trade.
Winegrowing and Loire wines
The commune lies within the IGP area for wines of the Val de Loire; at the same time, only a small amount of wine is produced in Messas itself. These facts complement each other but describe different things: the IGP places the commune within a geographical winegrowing area, while local production is limited. If you want to make wine an activity as well as a point of interest, Vinicurieux offers wine tastings and workshops featuring Loire wines; check availability before booking. Check availability before booking.
A private winegrower’s property is located at 3 rue des Vauguignons. Its chimney bears a vine knife and pruning shears, identifying the winegrower. This detail offers a concrete glimpse of the craft of winegrowing without presenting the private property as a visitor attraction.
Activities on the Loire
Walks and bike rides along the banks of the Loire are among the activities available during a stay in Messas. Check specific routes and access points in advance. Canoeing on the Loire is another option for a weekend; check availability and launch points before your trip.
Plan your journey
Messas can be reached by car via the A10 motorway and the D2152. Another option is to travel via Beaugency station and continue by REMI coach. Check connections and timetables before your trip, before planning your arrival around them. Comparing the car option with the train and connecting bus can help you choose the best way to travel for your plans.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Père-Sur-Loire, Pannes, Douchy, Châteauneuf-Sur-Loire, Montargis, Bonny-sur-Loire, Saint-Péravy-la-Colombe, Triguères.
For the overview of the wider region: Loiret.
