The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Pontmain was built in 1874 and consecrated in 1900. It is made of granite in the Neo-Gothic style. The two dates mark different stages in its construction history: its building and consecration. At the same time, Cité Mariale in Pontmain has been a pilgrimage site since the Virgin Mary appeared to children from the village on January 17, 1871. This makes it possible to connect the town’s architecture with a specific event in its religious history.

Sacred architectural history and special places

The parish church of Saint-Simon-et-Saint-Jude offers a broader view across time: its origins date back to the Middle Ages, and it has a granite baptismal font from the 14th century. Different periods thus sit side by side in Pontmain: the Neo-Gothic basilica and a parish church of medieval origins, with a precisely dated piece of its furnishings. Anyone interested in sacred architectural history can distinguish between the buildings’ construction periods, styles and furnishings based on these details.

The Chapel of Lights is located at the entrance to the basilica. It is open day and night and contains a 21-square-metre mosaic. The opening hours are useful for planning a visit, while the mosaic adds a distinctive artistic touch. Grange Barbedette, also called Grange de l’Apparition, is another of Pontmain’s notable buildings. Its exterior has largely retained its former appearance.

Art and missionary history

The chapel of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is decorated with stained-glass windows designed by Gabriel Loire. The Mission Museum traces the history of 4,500 missionary priests around the world since the beginning of the 19th century. The two places offer different cultural highlights: the chapel draws attention to the design of its windows, while the museum traces a history of missionary work that extends far beyond Pontmain. The town’s religious focus thus encompasses art and a worldwide historical perspective alongside architecture and pilgrimage.

Parc des Oblats and circular walking routes

Parc des Oblats includes an arboretum with an accompanying educational trail. The arboretum is set in a 12-hectare wooded park crossed by a fish-rich river. The trees, woodland and river give this nature-focused area a different character from the churches and chapels; the trail adds an educational element to the arboretum. Pontmain therefore offers a clearly defined connection with nature and parks alongside its religious architectural history.

Two circular routes lead to the arboretum, each with a different focus. The Circuit du château de Mausson carries the FFRandonnée® quality label and passes through Parc des Oblats and its arboretum. The Circuit entre Glaine et Futaie also leads to the arboretum in the Missionary Oblates’ park. Along the Circuit entre Glaine et Futaie, you can also visit the ponds of Chaussée neuve via wooden walkways through this wetland. This provides specific features to help you choose: the FFRandonnée® quality label and route through the park are key features of the Circuit du château de Mausson; the Circuit entre Glaine et Futaie also includes the ponds, walkways and wetland landscape. You can choose your focus based on whether you are most interested in the park and arboretum or would also like to explore this wetland landscape.

Discover more destinations: Champfrémont, Quelaines, Longuefuye, Mézangers, Saint-Saturnin-Du-Limet, Contest, Mayenne, Moulay.

Go to the main travel overview: Mayenne.