In Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, architectural history, paths through the countryside, and encounters with animals offer distinct ways to explore the area. The former abbey introduces the history of the town; the hiking trails provide specific waypoints and distances. At Il Ă©tait une Ferme, the animals and signposted trail take centre stage. For your trip, you can start by choosing which of these themes interests you most.
Abbey, Refectory, and Historic Buildings
The former abbey was founded in the mid-12th century by the Augustinian canons of La Roë. It is protected in part as a classified historic monument and in part as a registered historic monument. Two architectural features have been preserved in the refectory: its original volume and the original roof structure. Traces of 12th- and 13th-century wall paintings can also be found there. These details offer different ways of looking at the room: its original form, its construction, and the surviving traces of paintings from two centuries.
The parish church of Saint-Georges can also be placed in a historical context. It was built as part of a construction campaign in 1829, with Binet named as the architect. On 18 April 1991, the church was registered as a historic monument. Château de Serrant is another focal point in the area’s history: it has been classified as a historic monument since 1948. Its holdings include 20,000 books, which were also classified as historic monuments in 2001. A seasonal visiting period is specified: Château de Serrant is open from mid-February to mid-November. Check visiting times in advance for your travel dates.
Hiking Trails and the Loire Landscape
The “Prairies et Boires de Loire” trail crosses Saint-Georges-sur-Loire for about 7 kilometres. It runs from Château de l’Epinay to Port Girault and passes via the railway station. One section of the trail follows the GR3. This gives you both an approximate distance and specific points along the route; the GR3 reference applies to one section, not the entire trail.
Another starting point is the Chemin de la Croix Marie hiking trail, which begins in the abbey gardens and leads through the surrounding countryside. The gardens and pond also offer opportunities for walking and cycling. The trails therefore differ in their focus: the “Prairies et Boires de Loire” trail has a specified distance and endpoints, while the Chemin de la Croix Marie is defined by its starting point in the abbey gardens and its route through the countryside. The proximity of the Loire, the Loire landscapes, and the Loire à Vélo route are also local options for visitors.
Port Girault also brings together landscape and local history. The village, located on the Loire, historically served as a link between the centre of Saint-Georges-sur-Loire and river trade. This gives the place a different perspective from the abbey’s architectural history: here, the focus is on the historical relationship between the town centre, the village by the river, and trade on the Loire.
Animal Encounters and Practical Information
Il Ă©tait une Ferme is set in a 7-hectare park with more than 150 animals. A signposted trail is available for self-guided visits. Hands-on animal experiences include petting and feeding miniature goats, grooming a pony, and bottle-feeding baby goats. These activities give the visit a different focus from the trails and historic buildings: here, the emphasis is on direct encounters with animals.
The information office at the town hall provides visitors with a wide range of tourist and cultural information. This can be helpful when finding your way around and choosing between architectural history, trails, and other things to see. Further local information is especially useful if you are planning a seasonal visit to Château de Serrant or would like to find out more about the trails described here in advance.
Discover more destinations: Briollay, Vernoil-le-Fourrier, Saint-Michel-Et-Chanveaux, Montrevault, Faye-D'anjou, Beauvau, Saumur, Vernantes.
See the regional travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
