The brickmaking tradition is one of the defining features of Les Rairies: horizontal kilns, drying sheds, local workshops and handmade terracotta tell the story of production here. The area also offers trails through woodland and countryside, as well as horse-riding activities. You can choose between craftsmanship, local history and outdoor activities.
Bricks, kilns and terracotta
The Briqueterie Le Croc in Les Rairies is a protected historic production site built at the beginning of the 19th century. It includes two lengthwise kilns, two drying sheds and a well area. It was listed by decree on 11 April 1995.
In the last century, Les Rairies had around fifty active horizontal kilns and about the same number of drying sheds or barns, with their distinctive roofs of curved tiles. Both firing and drying are therefore defining features of the area’s brickmaking history.
The Yvon Cailleau and Atelier Le Croc workshops make terracotta locally using traditional methods. They use only wood-fired kilns dating from 1758, 1782 and 1836. At Yvon Cailleau, this keeps the authentic “carreau des Rairies” alive.
For seven generations, Rairies Montrieux has drawn on the clay pits of Anjou to make bricks and roof tiles. Since 2006, the company has held the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (EPV) label. On a visit to the brickworks, you can discover traditional techniques, old tools and handmade tiles.
Local history in stone and by the water
The church of Les Rairies was built in the 19th century after the villages of Montigné-les-Rairies and Les Rairies were divided. The construction used the area’s characteristic Rairies stone.
In Chalou, the private chapel of Saint Philippe et Saint Jacques dates from the 14th century. It is built from limestone known as “pierre des Rairies.” The Loir at Chalou is also home to a weir with an old sluice gate or rack structure and a waterwheel.
On foot, by bike or on horseback
The Chambiers Forest has numerous walking trails; check the specific access points locally. The flat “Itinéraire d'un briquetier” walking route starts in Montigné-les-Rairies and links woodland paths with paved routes. It is also suitable for occasional walkers. Along the way, you can discover clay pits worked by the “perreyeux des Rairies,” which still supply the production of bricks, tiles and pottery.
The 23-kilometre “Boucle vélo des terres cuites” cycling loop passes through orchards, forests, marshland and a brickmakers’ village. It follows roads shared with other traffic and greenways, and partly uses the “Vallée du Loir à Vélo” (V47) cycling route. Its route profile is therefore quite different from the flat Briquetier walking trail.
Based in Les Rairies, the “Les Chevaux de la Rosière” equestrian centre offers horse rides and one-day riding trips in the Chambiers Forest. Rides and day trips are available year-round. It also offers riding activities for people with intellectual, motor, sensory or psychological disabilities, as well as those facing social difficulties.
Festival and horse racing
The “Les Rairies Rock's” festival is held every year in the centre of Les Rairies, organised by the municipality and Les Rairies Festif. The Hippodrome des Rairies is the local racecourse for horse-racing enthusiasts.
Discover more destinations: Brain-sur-l'Authion, Champigné, Le Pin-En-Mauges, Gesté, La Romagne, Cholet, Noyant, Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné.
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
