When planning a stay in Cré, you can weigh nature and cultural attractions separately: the Marais de Cré-sur-Loir / La Flèche is a wetland, and the Le circuit Bois et Marais walking trail offers two stated lengths. Churches and manor houses provide a different focus, with architectural details, dates and former uses. This lets you decide whether nature and the trail or architectural history should be the main focus of your trip.
Wetland at the Marais
The Marais de Cré-sur-Loir / La Flèche has existed since 31 March 2008 and extends across Cré-sur-Loir and La Flèche. The 65-hectare nature reserve includes reed beds, alluvial forests, wet meadows, ponds and hedgerows; canals run through the area along the Loir. It is open free of charge all year round. Check local conditions before travelling.
A walking trail with two lengths
The Le circuit Bois et Marais walking trail has a 5.2-kilometre main route and a 3.2-kilometre alternative. The 2020 route guide identifies the shorter alternative as particularly suitable for families. The routes differ by 2 kilometres, allowing you to compare the stated distances and consider the shorter option in light of its family-friendly designation. The route guide lists an information kiosk with display panels, birdwatching points and the Croix de Cré along the trail. Check the current condition of the kiosk and observation points before your visit.
Churches and architectural history
The Église Saint-Martin-de-Vertou is a priory church dedicated to Saint Martin de Vertou. Its bell tower features Romanesque elements from the 12th century; the top storey has paired openings. “Paired” here describes openings arranged in pairs and identifies a specific detail of the tower. The church also houses the painting “Les Pélerins d’Emmaüs”, which was restored on 1 May 2022. This should be distinguished from the former parish church of Sainte-Marie-des-Champs, which dates from the 15th century.
Manor houses and former uses
La Cour de Cré is a manor house built in the 11th century, where justice was administered. After the French Revolution, it was converted into a farm. The history of the Manoir de la Blottière dates back to its foundation in the 13th century; it was remodelled in the 15th and 18th centuries. The manor house has a moat and walls with loopholes. The two sites offer different historical points of interest: at La Cour, the focus is on its change of use; at La Blottière, on its foundation and subsequent alterations. A loophole is a narrow opening in a wall.
Discover more destinations: La Bruere Sur Loir, La Flèche, Vouvray-Sur-Loir, Ségrie, Degré, Vezot, Rouez, La Chapelle Huon
For the regional travel overview: Sarthe.
