Charcé-Saint-Ellier-Sur-Aubance is well suited to a trip where cultural history is not limited to a single building. The church, mill, Romanesque chapel, historic residences and cave dwellings carved into tuff stone represent different forms of architectural heritage. The Circuit de Charcé adds a circular route through the surrounding countryside. You can therefore plan your stay around a clear focus: architectural history, outdoor activity or a mix of both.
Church and architectural history
The Église Saint-Pierre de Charcé was founded in the 10th century. Its single-nave interior with a flat-ended chancel dates from the 13th century. A side chapel was added in the 16th century; a second was built on the north side in 1836. The presbytery attached to the church dates from the 15th century. These different dates place the foundation, church interior and extensions across several centuries.
Since 4 May 2001, the façades and roofs of the group of buildings comprising the Église Saint-Pierre de Charcé, the presbytery and the outbuildings have been listed as historic monuments. This information adds the site's protected status to its architectural history.
Mills and other historic landmarks
The Moulin de Patouillet illustrates the history of a once-common type of structure: at the beginning of the 19th century, there were 200 to 300 post mills in Anjou; the Moulin de Patouillet is one of only two that survive. It has been listed as a historic monument since 28 March 1977. After restoration, it was exposed to the wind again in 1984. The mill's history therefore encompasses both its rarity and a later, clearly dated restoration phase.
The Prieuré de Saint-Ellier includes a 12th-century Romanesque chapel. The Logis de la Bluttière has been listed as a historic monument since 2006. The hamlet of La Moinerie consists of a group of 17th-century residences. La Sublerie, in turn, consists of cave dwellings carved into tuff stone. The Dolmen de Beaupréau is also classified as a historic monument. These examples range from sacred architecture and residential buildings to megalithic heritage.
Plan your circular trail and stay
The Circuit de Charcé is a 15-kilometre circular trail that starts in Charcé-Saint-Ellier-Sur-Aubance and is marked in green. It passes through the landscape and surrounding area. You can follow the route on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This set-distance route thus complements the historic buildings with an outdoor activity.
Two different reference points are relevant for getting here: the A87 is 12 kilometres away, and Angers SNCF railway station is 20 kilometres away. You can then consider these distances separately depending on the role that road or rail travel plays in your journey.
Discover more destinations: Bauné, Tillières, Montilliers, Le Bourg-d'Iré, Saint-André-De-La-Marche, Neuvy-en-Mauges, Parnay, La Ménitré.
For the regional travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
