Gennes brings together megalithic heritage, church architecture and archaeological history. There are also several ways to enjoy the outdoors: the GR3 long-distance trail passes through the town, and a trail-running course and a cycling circuit start here. When planning your visit, you can focus on culture or outdoor activities. Saint-Eusèbe Church combines historic architecture with views over the Loire Valley, while the dolmens and amphitheatre offer their own perspectives on the town’s history.
Cultural History and Remembrance
The Dolmen de la Magdelaine has been protected as a historic monument since 1930. Saint-Eusèbe Church was built from the 11th century onwards on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Loire Valley. It stands 41 metres above the Loire and offers views across the valley. Here, the building’s history and its setting can be considered together: the period from the 11th century onwards places the church’s construction in its historical context, while the rocky outcrop and valley views define its position above the river. For those interested in culture, the site is not just a historic monument but also one with a distinctive location.
The Gallo-Roman amphitheatre of Mazerolles was built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD and has been protected as a historic monument since 1986. A walking trail with eight educational panels adds an interpretive dimension to the archaeological site. The dates have different meanings: the 2nd century marks the amphitheatre’s construction, while 1986 marks its protected status; 1930 is the year the Dolmen de la Magdelaine was protected. The Mémorial des Cadets de Saumur is also located at the foot of Saint-Eusèbe Church. It comprises 17 graves of soldiers who fell in Gennes and the Saumurois. In Gennes, then, you can encounter not only architectural and archaeological history, but also a dedicated place of remembrance.
Walking, Running and Cycling Routes
The GR3 passes through Gennes. The “Les Chemins de Joreau” trail-running course starts at the Parking du 19 mars car park. It is 13.9 kilometres long, with 159 metres of elevation gain and 159 metres of elevation loss. This route therefore has a specific distance as well as ascent and descent figures. Route details may change, so check them before setting out. The “Sur la piste des mégalithes et troglodytes” cycling circuit, by contrast, starts at Place du 19 mars. Its stated starting point therefore differs from that of the trail-running course.
The routes can be distinguished by activity and the details given for each: the GR3 is a long-distance trail, the trail-running course has a stated distance and elevation figures, and the cycling circuit is identified by its name and starting point. If you are planning a sporting route, the figures for the trail-running course provide concrete measures to help you plan your own outing. Those more interested in culture can make architectural history, archaeological interpretation and remembrance different priorities during their stay in Gennes.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Paul-Du-Bois, Neuvy-en-Mauges, La Fosse-De-Tigné, Chenillé-Changé, Le Mesnil-En-Vallée, Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, Saint-Melaine-Sur-Aubance, Thorigné-D'anjou.
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
