The best road cycling routes around Châteaubourg

Magnificent city, ancient alleys, a labyrinth with exceptional heritage

Church built in the 15th century, from that period only the choir and the chapel to the north, which became the sacristy, currently remain. The nave and transept were rebuilt in 1851 (inscription: MR. RUPIN MAIRE ET LES PAROISSIENS 1851). The tower is dated 1859, it was built by Guyon, an entrepreneur from Vitré.

New church built from 1861 by Audrouin a hundred meters south of the old one. It was completed in 1875 with the construction of the tower.

Old church mentioned as early as 1160 and rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries (old tower dated 1582). The current church was entirely built to the plans of Arthur Regnault in 1904 (date and attribution by source). He uses the model of the so-called Plantagenet vaulted ceiling for the covering of the nave and aisles, but for the bell tower, he draws inspiration from Cornish bell walls. Two windows from the late 15th and 16th centuries of the old church were reused on the south side of the nave. This church, rebuilt in the Breton flamboyant style, is representative of the architect's style during this period.

The construction of the old church, razed in 1880, was attributed to the lord of Gué. The current church was built between 1880 and 1885 by the contractor Jean-Marie Huchet, based on plans by architect Aristide Folie. The furniture program was designed by Arthur Regnault between 1880 and 1900. The oldest stained glass windows are signed Claudius Lavergne et Fils. This church has a Latin cross plan and a porch bell tower at the facade. The interior is divided into three naves covered by false vaults on ribbed vaults. Neo-Gothic style. Spire not built.

The bell tower is visible from afar and has long dominated the town and its surroundings. The Saint-Pierre church has retained its impact on the local landscape for over a century. It was indeed in 1888 that the Fabrique Council decided to entrust Arthur Régnault, the diocese's architect, with the project for a new construction. His plan was accepted and work began in October 1889, before the blessing of the first stone on March 13, 1890. As an anecdote, the stones are extracted from the quarry of La Bouëxière. Quickly, the inhabitants discovered its citadel-like appearance, Arthur Régnault having wanted to honor the city of Châteaubourg which had not had a castle for a long time! The structural work was completed on March 28, 1893, but due to lack of funds, the bells would wait until 1894. The work on the woodwork and the construction of the high altar took place in 1911, the church being due to host the important Eucharistic congress of 1913. Maintenance work continued over the years, the church having become the property of the municipality since 1905. During the bombings of the summer of 1944, the church was spared. The inhabitants would not forget it: on May 9, 1945, the day after the armistice, the men carried Notre Dame de Boulogne in procession and paraded barefoot through the streets. The centenary was celebrated in 1992 with the decision to install the current organ. The church of Châteaubourg has thus traversed local history from the 15th century – the date of construction of the previous, much smaller church – to that designed by Arthur Régnault.

The church of Saint-Sulpice (17th century). Dedicated to Saint Sulpice, bishop of Bourges, the church of Ossé consists of a single nave ending in a straight chancel, to which two chapels have been added, forming the transepts. It has no style and may partly date back to the 16th century, as indicated by the ogival window of its chancel, now walled up. The North chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and originally reserved for the lord of Charot, was built in 1611. The other chapel, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, also seems to be from the 17th century. Le Plessix d'Ossé was the manor house of the parish. In 1440, Duke Jean V settled a dispute concerning the right of burial in the church of Ossé between the sieur du Pan, lord of Plessix, and the sieur de Montbeille, lord of Grées. The ecclesiastical superiority belonged to Ossé to the baron de Châteaugiron, but the lord of Plessix enjoyed the rights of founder and patron; this was declared in 1694 by Gabrielle Glé, marquise de la Vallière and lady of Plessix (National Archives, P. 1721). Jacques Le Prestre, baron de Châteaugiron, having acquired Plessix in 1744, took possession of all these honorary rights and had his coat of arms placed in the choir and on the high altar of the church of Ossé. As for the lord of Charot, he had his tomb, his pew, and his coat of arms in his reserved chapel. The bell tower dates from 1899. The altarpiece of the Holy Trinity dates from the 17th century.

With nearly 20 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 4 meters high, the Roche-aux-Fées remains the largest dolmen in France and one of the best-preserved in Europe. It is composed of a schist-covered passage formed by four chambers whose meaning has not yet been revealed. Although the construction of this monument dates back to the Neolithic period, around 2000 BC, specialists remain perplexed about its construction method. The site is impressive. And when you know that some stones weighing over 40 tons come from several kilometers around, you wonder how the inhabitants of the time managed to move them there. Such a site could only inspire stories, legends, and beliefs. One of them tells that the fairy Viviane, aided by fellow fairies, would have built this imposing monument... in one night. Another concerns lovers: to know if their union will last, couples must walk around the Roche-aux-fées, each in a different direction, and count the stones. If they find the same number of stones, their future will be bright! Through a mysterious alignment during the winter solstice on December 21st or 22nd, the sun rises facing the entrance of the dolmen. At that moment, the light rays magically illuminate the stone located at the back of the covered passage. Access is free and open. The small surrounding roads are charming and quiet.