The best traffic-free bike rides around Viré-En-Champagne

The church dates from the early 12th century. It is a church enclosed within its cemetery. It retains the typical features of small rural churches of the 12th century. It has preserved its apse, its gable-roofed bell tower, its small Romanesque windows, its arcades with a barrel-vaulted transept, and the exposed timbers of its nave. In addition to 14th-century wall paintings, discovered by chance in 1888 by workers whitewashing the interior of the sanctuary, the building houses an 18th-century tuffeau altarpiece, a 15th-century baptismal font, and a 16th-century terracotta statue of the Virgin. The church is part of the parish of Saint-Pierre-du-Maine. The church has been listed as a historic monument since May 8, 1958. The altarpiece, the baptismal font, and the Virgin and Child are listed as historical objects.

If you are looking for a hike combining nature, history and art, you can visit the Caves of Saulges and the prehistory museum. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the caves and shelters that were occupied by humans around 25,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic period. Some caves are decorated with rock art, such as paintings, carvings and graffiti. You can also visit the Prehistory Museum, which features archaeological collections and interactive exhibits related to prehistoric life in Mayenne. The site is located in the Erve valley, which is a protected natural area with rich biodiversity. The hiking trails allow you to admire the landscapes of the valley and the limestone cliffs. The site is open from April to November. You can check opening hours and prices on the website. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, a flashlight and a camera to immortalize your experience.

The Gô mill is a water mill which dates from the 15th or 16th century. It is located on the Erve, between the old Moulin aux Moines and the Moulin du Pont, in the town of Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve. You can admire the architecture and mechanism of the mill, which was renovated with the help of volunteers and won an award for its restoration in 2018. The mill is also surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, with green hills, forests and streams. You can follow the hiking trails along the river or explore the surrounding villages and castles. Le Moulin de Gô is a place where you can enjoy culture and nature in a peaceful setting.

At the beginning of the 11th century it was a Benedictine abbey. It is worth visiting, but also crossing the river to admire it from its elevated position.

This Gothic mansion was started in earnest in 1490. It then gave up its military function and, like many other buildings of its type in the region, it became a manor house in the new style of Louis XII.

Built in the 13th century, the Manoir de la Cour is one of the rare examples of a civil building from this period that is still well preserved. It has been restored and now houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the building in the Middle Ages.

The mill dates from the 10th century. The lords of Champagne allowed the inhabitants of the parish to use the mill for a fee. In the 19th century, three wheels were in service. The smallest was used to grind oak or chestnut bark to tan hides. The other two wheels were used to produce flour. The mill has been beautifully restored over the past decade.

But at the beginning of the 11th century, this abbey was a Benedictine abbey. It is worth visiting it, but also crossing the river and admiring the abbey from this grandiose angle.