In Noyant-la-Plaine, you’ll find a range of things to explore during your stay: a pilgrim route that still runs through the village, historic buildings, fossil finds and the Tuffalunois circular trail. Traditional soap-making is another possible discovery. These themes offer different perspectives—from landscapes and troglodyte dwellings to church history and geology. You can decide how you’d like to spend your time in the area and start looking for accommodation locally.
Hiking Trail, Landscape and Pilgrim History
The Tuffalunois circular trail links Ambillou-Château, Louerre and Noyant-la-Plaine. It passes through landscapes typical of the plains and slopes of the Saumurois, between the deeply incised valleys of the Loire and Layon rivers. The trail also highlights the importance of troglodyte dwellings in the plains and on the slopes. This brings into focus not just individual building types, but also the landscape in which this way of living played a role.
The Way of St. James still runs through Noyant-la-Plaine. Another historic reference to the route is the Cross of St. James: in the past, it served as a sign to pilgrims that they were still on the right path. The circular trail and the pilgrim route therefore have different focuses. The Tuffalunois is about landscapes and troglodyte dwellings, while the Cross of St. James relates to pilgrims finding their way. If you’re more interested in the history of routes than in landscape features, the cross offers a tangible point of reference.
Old Routes and Historic Buildings
Noyant-la-Plaine lies at the crossroads of several very old routes, including the Roman road between Angers and Poitiers. The road between Gennes and Martigné-Briand also still runs through the village. These references differ in their historical context: the Roman road is presented as an ancient route, while the road between the two towns is described as still running through Noyant-la-Plaine.
The older houses also provide a tangible connection to local history: most of them are located around the former castle chapel. There are two more details at the church. The oldest bell dates from 1465; above the portal, a small niche contains a statue of St. Mary Magdalene from the 15th century. The bell provides a precise date, while the statue offers a specific subject and location above the portal. Together, they offer different ways to explore the village’s history.
Fossils from an Ancient Marine World
The bedrock beneath Noyant-la-Plaine, which consists of falun limestone, contains numerous fossils of prehistoric marine animals. Two complete whale skeletons have been unearthed in Noyant-la-Plaine; vertebrae from a large sea serpent were also discovered. These details add a much older geological perspective to the themes of routes and architectural history: falun describes the bedrock, while the unearthed skeletons and vertebrae are specific finds from that geological history.
Those interested in natural history will find a different focus here from the church and pilgrim heritage. The latter lead to earlier human routes and building styles, while the fossils relate to prehistoric marine animals. The discoveries can thus be viewed in terms of their different time scales without combining them into a single theme.
Traditional Soap-Making
Savonnerie Le Petit Lambert makes handcrafted cold-process soaps from olive oil and shea butter, as well as solid dish soap. Visits to the studio-boutique are possible Monday through Saturday by prior appointment. Remember to book ahead if you’re planning a visit, and confirm your preferred time in advance. Alongside landscapes, local history and fossils, a visit to this artisan workshop offers another distinct focus.
Plan Your Hotel and Stay
A prior appointment is required to visit the soap workshop, so be sure to plan for it.
Discover more destinations: Yzernay, Le Coudray-Macouard, Clefs-Val D'anjou, Tillières, Souzay-Champigny, Vihiers, Montsoreau, Auverse.
Return to the regional travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
