Attractions and Places To See around Bazougers - Top 13

Bazougers and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the impressive Port-Rhingeard Lock, a man-made structure from 1872 that replaced a 15th-century mill. Within the village, don't miss the ancient Menhir de la Hune, the remains of the Buttes du Château (a medieval motte-and-bailey castle), and the historic Église Saint-Victeur. Further afield, consider the 15th-century Château de Souvray or the Roman ruins at Jublains (27 km away).

Yes, the area features several notable religious buildings. The Catholic Basilica - Our Lady of Avesnières, existing since at least the 9th century, was elevated to a minor basilica in 1898. Another significant site is the Catholic Church - Saints Cyr and Julitte of Argentré, dating from Roman times and featuring a 12th-century fresco. The Saint-Siméon Church of L'Huisserie is also nearby. For a broader experience, the Abbey of Notre Dame in Evron (20 km) and Abbey Saint-Pierre in Solesmes (28 km) are worth visiting.

While Bazougers itself is nestled in the natural beauty of the Pays de Meslay-Grez, specific major natural attractions are found nearby. The Ouette river flows past the Manoir de Champagnette, offering scenic views. You can also find playful elements like the Ford stones across the Jouanne river, which add a unique touch to a walk. The broader region offers areas like the Forêt du Pertre or the Étang de Haute-Vilaine for nature enthusiasts.

Yes, the region offers options for families. The Port-Rhingeard Lock is considered family-friendly and provides an interesting historical and riverside setting. The Ford stones on the Jouanne river can add a playful element to a family walk, though some sections may require entering the water. Exploring the medieval village of Sainte-Suzanne (19 km) or the prehistoric caves of Saulges (14 km) can also be engaging for families.

The area around Bazougers is excellent for outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and touring. For example, there are moderate road cycling routes like the 'Crucifix de Pontmain ✝️ – Château La Morlière 🏰🪙 loop from Parné-sur-Roc' or mountain biking trails such as the 'Briacé lock – Port-Rhingeard Lock loop from Forcé'. You can explore more options and detailed routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Bazougers, MTB Trails around Bazougers, and Cycling around Bazougers guide pages.

Bazougers serves as a great base for exploring the Mayenne department. Just 14 km away, Saulges is known for its prehistoric caves, including Grotte de Margot. Laval, 15 km away, offers a historic center and a castle. Sainte-Suzanne, one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages' (19 km), boasts a medieval village and castle. You can also visit Evron (20 km) for its Abbey of Notre Dame or Jublains (27 km) for Roman ruins.

Beyond the medieval castles and churches, the Port-Rhingeard Lock stands out as an interesting piece of 19th-century engineering on the Mayenne river. It replaced a much older mill, showcasing the evolution of local infrastructure. The Menhir de la Hune, a Neolithic standing stone, also represents an ancient and unique structure in the landscape.

Visiting the local churches offers a deep dive into the region's past. The Catholic Church - Saints Cyr and Julitte of Argentré, for instance, dates back to Roman times and features a rare 12th-century fresco and 17th-18th century marble altarpieces, providing a glimpse into different artistic periods. The Église Saint-Victeur in Bazougers itself has elements from the 12th to 19th centuries, including late 17th and early 18th-century retables, reflecting centuries of architectural and religious evolution.

Yes, the region holds ancient history. The most prominent prehistoric site is the Menhir de la Hune in Bazougers, the tallest menhir in the Mayenne department, which also served as a polishing stone. Additionally, the nearby town of Saulges (14 km away) is famous for its prehistoric caves, such as the Grotte de Margot and Grotte de Rochefort, which contain ancient cave paintings and offer a fascinating look into early human history.

Bazougers is well-positioned to explore the broader Mayenne department. The 'Route des Joyaux de la Mayenne' is a recommended way to discover the region's rich natural, artistic, and historical heritage. This route connects many of the significant sites, allowing visitors to experience the blend of landscapes, ancient landmarks, and cultural towns like Laval, Sainte-Suzanne, and Saulges.

The Ford stones offer a unique and playful way to cross the Jouanne river. However, be aware that as of August 2024, some stones may have shifted, potentially requiring you to enter the water, which can be at least 40cm deep on dry days. Directions can be scarce, and some paths might be overgrown. It's best to be prepared for a slightly adventurous crossing and consider footwear that can get wet.

The châteaux in the vicinity showcase different architectural styles and historical periods. The Château du Bois du Pin, southeast of the village, is a 17th-century structure. The Château de Souvray, on the Route de Forcé, dates back to the 15th century and retains its original moats, offering a glimpse into medieval defensive architecture. These provide a contrast to the earlier motte-and-bailey remains of the Buttes du Château.