The best road cycling routes around Liffré

The Town Hall (15th century-1904), located place de la Mairie. Its bell tower dates from 1534. It is the former church transformed into a town hall by the mayor-châtelain, Jacques le Cardinal de Kernier, at the beginning of the 20th century. The latter had built a new church for the inhabitants of Val-d'Izé.

The church was built from 1889 to 1895, in sandstone, granite, and limestone. With a Latin cross plan, the building is composed of three naves. The main nave is covered by domes on pendentives, and the crossing of the transept features a lantern tower. The overall design of the ensemble is neo-Romanesque with a bichromy of materials and different stonework. The domed roof, the multiple decorative details, and the play of polychrome materials reflect a mastered art of the Romanesque architecture of Angoumois.

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.

A prosperous trading town since the Middle Ages, Vitré has preserved its well-preserved heritage. With its fortified castle, cobbled streets, and half-timbered houses, the town offers plenty to see and do, making it perfect for a stroll. It's the perfect place to soak up the Breton atmosphere.

Bird watching possible!

Perfect for eating a sandwich somewhere other than in the mud, and the possibility of washing your bike.