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

Beautiful cool area around Nantes

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!

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.

. Originally, there was an ovoid-shaped enclosure flanked by about ten towers and a gatehouse, located to the northeast. The fortified town was located to the north of the fortress and extended a little to the east. A dry moat separated the fortified town from the fortress. A barbican protected the gatehouse. A Romanesque keep of the Niort type, with its courtyard and small enclosure, was located in the castle courtyard, roughly in the middle in the north-south direction and located to the west. The fortified city extended from the rue de Gaulle, a gate was located at the level of the Carré de l'Europe (the porte de Nantes), then the ramparts continued along the rue de la Place du Champ de Foire, then went back down the Esplanade des Olivettes, where a gate was located towards the roundabout of the rue des Jardins (porte de Tiffauges) then the ramparts ran along the Asson to go up the rue du Pont Jarlet and around the barbican not far from the Presbytery The dry moats surrounding the city were 16 meters deep in the 15th century, today they are flowered and are the subject of different colored squares decorating this part of the ramparts.