Beaulieu-sur-Oudon can be explored through two distinct highlights: historic buildings and the La Planante circular cycling route, which starts here. The Église de la Sainte Trinité stands in the heart of the village and was built in the 12th century. Together with the Manoir de la Ville, the presbytery and the Dame de la Pitié, these landmarks span several centuries. This provides a practical basis for choosing accommodation: would you like to focus on architectural history, add a cycling trip, or combine both?

Buildings from several centuries

The Église de la Sainte Trinité is one of the oldest buildings mentioned in the village: its origins date back to the 12th century. The Manoir de la Ville dates from the second half of the 15th century. Its date should not be confused with the history of its associated chapel: the chapel appears to have been converted into a Protestant temple in the 16th century. This remains a possibility.

The chapel also has specific architectural features: ogee-arched lintels, a holy-water font and carved granite corbels, characteristic of its period. The presbytery also dates from the 16th century and has retained its historic tower. Comparing them chronologically reveals distinct building histories: the church from the 12th century, the manor house from the second half of the 15th century, and the presbytery from the 16th century. Anyone interested in historic architectural styles will find several named examples here, rather than just one period.

Dame de la Pitié and religious tradition

A later landmark is the Dame de la Pitié. It was built and inaugurated on 11 February 1951, is a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes, and houses a statue of the Virgin Mary. This makes it clearly more recent than the church and manor house, while its religious significance introduces another aspect of the village’s history. A Mass is celebrated at the Dame de la Pitié every year on 15 August. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the current programme in advance.

Washhouse, museum and harvest festival

The village washhouse has been preserved. La Maison de la Moisson is one of the 14 museums in the Mayenne department and provides another cultural point of interest in Beaulieu-sur-Oudon. The harvest festival tradition reenacts fieldwork and the wheat harvest as they were in the early 20th century. The 2023 Festival de la Moisson programme included activities at the washhouse throughout the afternoon. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival event, check the current dates.

La Planante and travel planning

For a different kind of outing, La Planante starts in Beaulieu-sur-Oudon. The circular cycling route is 44 kilometres long and passes through Montjean, Ahuillé, Montigné-le-Brillant, Loiron, Ruillé, La Gravelle and Saint-Cyr-le-Gravelais. Its circular format and length give you practical details for planning, while the named places trace the route. Route details may change, so it is advisable to check the latest route description before setting off.

Two regular bus routes serve the municipality of Beaulieu-sur-Oudon. Check current routes and timetables before travelling. This lets you weigh up two different priorities when planning: the buildings and their different periods, or the 44-kilometre circular cycling route. Which appeals more to you can help guide your choice of destination and accommodation.

Discover more destinations

Blandouet, Larchamp, Azé, Villaines-La-Juhel, Châtillon-Sur-Colmont, Saint-Germain-Le-Fouilloux, Bazougers, Bouchamps-lès-Craon

For the main travel overview: Mayenne.