Brissarthe brings together architectural history and trails through green surroundings. The Église Notre-Dame de Brissarthe and the Manoir de la Coutardière offer different cultural and historical highlights; the Bois de la Jeunerie and the Circuit des Vallons provide different walking options. When planning your trip, you can consider two questions separately: which historical periods interest you, and how long a route would you like to take?

Église Notre-Dame: Earlier Traces and the Battle of 866

The Église Notre-Dame de Brissarthe is a Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It stands on the remains of an earlier 9th-century building and a Merovingian cemetery. The site’s architectural history therefore includes two different traces—a former building and a cemetery—at the location of the church built later. The Église is also associated with the Battle of Brissarthe in 866, in which Robert the Strong was killed fighting the Normans. This historical connection is distinct from the church’s construction period: the battle took place in the 9th century, while the Romanesque church dates from the 11th century.

Manoir de la Coutardière and Chapel

The Manoir de la Coutardière was built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Its façade is adorned with windows featuring fluted pilasters. Fluted pilasters have grooves running lengthwise, making this a specific architectural detail to consider alongside the broad construction period. The manor includes the Chapelle Saint-Antoine de Padoue. It was built in the early 16th century, recently restored, and contains remarkable old murals. The chapel’s date falls within the manor’s construction period, providing a more precise point in time. In contrast with the 11th-century Romanesque church, the focus here is on a later building period. Groups can visit the manor by prior reservation; the visit includes the chapel and the grounds. As reservation arrangements may change, check them in advance.

Bois de la Jeunerie: Walking Trail and Discovery Trail

The Bois de la Jeunerie covers 32 hectares and has play areas and picnic tables. A 3.2-kilometre walking trail runs around the woodland; there is also a discovery trail. The area given refers to the entire woodland, while the route length applies only to the walking trail—two different measures to consider when planning. Play areas and picnic tables add specific options for playing and taking a break to the walk.

Comparing the Circuit des Vallons

The Circuit des Vallons can be hiked in Brissarthe and is 15.9 kilometres long. This makes it almost five times as long as the 3.2-kilometre walking trail around the Bois de la Jeunerie. This numerical comparison can help you choose the length of your route: the walking trail is the shorter option, while the Circuit is a considerably longer hike.

Discover more destinations: Vauchrétien, Marigné, Distré, Auverse, Savennières, Parnay, Chigné, Montsoreau.

For the wider travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.