Contest brings together distinctive architectural history, a 4.5 km main circular trail and a flea market on the third Sunday in September. Saint-Martin Church is defined by several architectural and artistic features; the Le Grand Poillé complex includes historic elements from different periods. The viewpoint over the Mayenne Valley adds a landscape perspective. The main considerations when choosing the focus of your trip are therefore culture, landscape and a regular event date.
Saint-Martin: architectural features and artworks
Two chapels built in 1608 form the transept—the part of the church that runs across the main body—and give Saint-Martin its cruciform shape. The church also has a twin window dating from the 11th century at the east end of the choir. Thus, an architectural form explained by the chapels sits alongside a single feature with an early date.
The present monumental altarpiece is made of tuff and marble and dates from 1658. The south chapel contains a carved bas-relief of the Rosary, also known as the “Vierge au lait.” This is distinct from the “Vierge de Pitié,” which is also located in Saint-Martin Church.
Le Grand Poillé and its historic features
The Le Grand Poillé complex includes a former 14th-century courtroom and a manor house dating from the late 15th century. The feudal motte at Le Grand Poillé has a water-filled moat.
The elements of the complex classified as historic monuments by decree of 5 July 1996 include the former courtroom, the manor house and the feudal motte with its moat.
Among the dated architectural and artistic features, the sequence runs from the 11th-century twin window through the 14th-century courtroom and the late-15th-century manor house to the chapels of 1608 and the altarpiece of 1658.
Circular trail and local details
The main circular trail is 4.5 km long. It offers a viewpoint over the Mayenne Valley and the “Grenoux” weir and lock. Saint-Martin Church stands above the Mayenne; its location and the trail’s views of the valley and lock are two distinct landscape features in Contest.
A restored old well can be seen in La Maigrière. The Arbre de Mai is considered unique in Mayenne and is also a replica of the maypoles erected in Bavaria (Germany). The first description refers to its special status in Mayenne, while the second identifies its specific model in Bavaria.
Private property
The Manoir de Poillé and the Moulin de Pontneau are private property; both can only be admired from a distance.
September flea market
The flea market in Contest is organised by the youth association “Sacrés Contestois” on the third Sunday in September. As a date-specific event, the flea market may influence your travel dates; bear the stated Sunday in mind if you would like to visit the market.
Discover more destinations: Villaines-La-Juhel, Châtillon-Sur-Colmont, Saint-Denis-D'anjou, Quelaines, Méral, Erbrée, Neau, Juvigné
For the broader travel overview: Mayenne.
