The best gravel rides around Vieillevigne

19th century church whose unfinished bell tower was topped with a slate spire which clashes a little - a lot - with the rest of the monument.

Unfortunately signs that camping is prohibited

A beautiful 16th-century castle. It was in the woods behind the castle that the final battle of the Second Vendée War took place, marked by the capture of the Vendée general Charette.

Here, a certain Marie Lorteau (aged 8) is said to have had a conversation with the Virgin. This apparition, although not recognized by the Church, seems to still be celebrated because the site is very well maintained. Returning to cycling, I advise against the trails that head north through the Cailleries wetland nature reserve. Flooded in winter and overgrown with brambles in summer. I won't try it a third time.

Long, very smooth gravel path. A treat!

As part of Heritage Days, Isabelle Favre, owner of the La Roche Thévenin estate, opened her property to the public. She allowed visitors to discover both the exterior and interior of her residence. "Traces of this ancient 5,000-hectare barony can be found as early as 1411," explains Isabelle Favre. This fiefdom was then called La Roche Brisard, after its former lords. It was in 1515 that it became the property of the Thévenins, one of the most notable and oldest families in the Barony of Montaigu. Nine generations of Thévenins have succeeded one another. The Château de La Roche Thévenin burned during the Revolution. The plane trees, cedars, and magnolias date from that time, in 1887, when the Abbot of Meslay purchased this house for sick priests. Another owner of the property is the sculptor Grootaers, who is responsible for the fountain in the Place Royale in Nantes and some of his sculptures, which led to the estate being listed as a Historic Monument. Isabelle Favre and her husband purchased this property in 1984. But their love at first sight quickly turned into a nightmare: the building, hidden by lush vegetation, required extensive renovations. Twenty-eight years of work revealed, beneath the cement slabs, terracotta mosaics, a granite staircase with arrow slits, the Thévenin coat of arms on a doorframe, and a Stations of the Cross hidden in a chapel converted into a hayloft.

Located east of the Parc des Remparts, the first part of the Val d'Asson Park opened in September 2020. The second part will open in July 2023. In total, it covers 5 hectares of greenery in the heart of the city. Located in the city center, parking is available at Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville or Rue du Pont-Jarlet. Admission is free and the park is open year-round. The various paths and footbridges are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The 5 hectares of parkland connect the city center with the Hauts de Montaigu district. Crossed by the Asson River, the park features a variety of vegetation that grows along the stream's banks. When it was created, the preservation of flora and fauna was a major objective. An eco-grazing area was created there.

The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is Gothic in style and features an imposing façade. It is built of stone and features ornate carved details. The façade features a richly decorated main portal, adorned with statues, reliefs, or architectural motifs. Inside the church, you will find a spacious, vaulted main nave supported by pillars or columns. The vaults feature decorative star and ribbed motifs typical of Gothic architecture. Restored over a period of five years, the interior of the building now reveals warm colors ranging from yellow to pinkish-red. Colored stained-glass windows are also a characteristic feature of Gothic churches, and the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste has magnificent stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and saints. In summary, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Montaigu is an example of Gothic architecture with an imposing façade and decorative elements. It houses side chapels, a choir, a main altar, and colorful stained-glass windows. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it is also an active place of worship and a significant historical landmark for the local community. The Church of Saint John the Baptist in Montaigu has a rich history dating back several centuries. Here is a brief overview of its history: The original church in Montaigu was built in the 11th century, but little information is available about this early structure. Over the following centuries, the church underwent alterations and expansions, reflecting changing architectural styles. In the 14th century, the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style, with a spacious main nave, elegant vaults, and carved details. Construction was completed in the 15th century, giving the church its current appearance. During the French Revolution in the 18th century, the Church of Saint John the Baptist was used for secular purposes. It was converted into a community hall and suffered significant damage, including the destruction of decorative and religious elements. After the Revolution, the church was gradually restored and returned to worship. Repair and renovation work was undertaken to restore damaged architectural features. Over the years, modifications and improvements were made to the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Side chapels were added, stained-glass windows were installed, and religious ornaments were restored. Today, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is an active place of worship for the Catholic community of Montaigu. It is also a tourist and cultural attraction, attracting visitors with its Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and history. Religious events, ceremonies, and concerts are regularly held there.