Chahaignes offers a variety of discoveries side by side: historic buildings, winegrowing and trails through vineyards and woodland. When planning a stay, you can therefore choose to focus on local history, wine country or outdoor activities. The history is particularly tangible at the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the two châteaux; there is also a named, 9.3-kilometre trail for hiking.
Church History and Historic Monuments
The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1705 and rebuilt in 1733. Its terracotta altarpieces date from the 18th century and have been classified as historic monuments since 1907. A Hosannière cross stands in the church cemetery. The Menhir de Gobianne is also part of the local heritage: it has been listed as a Monument historique since 8 February 1984. The protection dates for the altarpieces and the menhir mark two different points in time, while the objects themselves represent distinct aspects of the historic heritage.
Admission to the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is free. Contact the town hall for the key. This practical information is useful for planning if you would like to include the church in your visit.
Châteaux, Caves and Park History
The Château de Bénéhard was built in the 16th century on the site of an older fortress and expanded in the 17th century. Several caves at the château are carved into Turonian tuff on the opposite side of the château courtyard. A restored Roman-style press, probably dating from the 15th century, is housed in a large, ventilated cave. The building history, caves and press give the site several distinct historical connections, rather than reducing its history to a single building phase.
The Château de la Jaille also dates from the 16th century and is partially listed as a Monument historique. Its history also includes the park, which was laid out in the Mediterranean style around 1920. The park is open in early June during the Journées des jardins. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to plan for this seasonal access.
Wine Country and Trails Through the Surrounding Area
Chahaignes lies at the heart of the Loir Valley wine-growing area, which includes the protected designations of origin AOC Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir. The PR walking trail “Chahaignes – Entre caves et coteaux” is 9.3 kilometres long and passes a winemaker who can be visited. Arrange the visit details with the producer. Also check the route information before setting out.
Walking is not the only way to explore the landscape: Chahaignes also has cycling and horse-riding trails between vineyards and woodland. Chahaignes also provides access to the Forêt de Bercé. This gives you a choice of activities and landscapes when planning; the named PR trail has a specific distance, while the other routes are described as walking, cycling and horse-riding trails.
You can tailor your stay to your interests: church and château history lead to different historical themes, the wine trail combines a walking route with the possibility of visiting a winemaker, and other routes explore vineyards and woodland on foot, by bike or on horseback. Be sure to take seasonal access conditions, such as the opening of the Jaille park, into account when planning your dates.
Discover more destinations: Chantenay-Villedieu, Monhoudou, Semur-en-Vallon, Saint-Calais, Saint-Calez-En-Saosnois, Savigné-L'evêque, Crissé, Teloché.
For the main travel overview: Sarthe.
