The best traffic-free bike rides around Nueil-Les-Aubiers

A beautifully landscaped oriental park. Very well served by cycle paths from Cholet or Bressuire/Mauléon. The largest Japanese garden in Europe.

Sturdy shoes and rain gear are recommended. Enjoy this walk.

It is from Place de la Solidarité, near the village hall, and in the light of a sunny afternoon, that visitors can best admire Courlay's church, firmly anchored on a hilltop, built in the middle of the village. It is squat and austere, like a fortress, a half-Gothic, half-Romanesque building whose square bell tower dominates the surrounding houses. Crossing the square, created on the site of the former cemetery relocated in 1900 and now adorned with a beautiful fountain where water cascades over granite chirons, note: the square bell tower with two small bays on each side (11th and 12th centuries); to the east, the large wall of the church's apse; on the north facade, a small rectangular tower resting on the bell tower and housing the stone staircase providing access to the bells; on the south facade, the turret topped with a slate pinnacle, the modillions of the cornice, a small door at the top of a few steps, and the Romanesque portal or main gate.

As you probably know, in the year 732, the armies of Charles Martel repelled the Arab advance around Poitiers. A troop of routed Saracens then barricaded themselves in the old parish church of St Sauveur and promised to surrender only in the event of divine intervention. However, in this month of May, after nights of prayers by the villagers, a cold snap hit the Poitiers countryside to the point of covering the grove with an astonishing layer of frost. The Saracens saw the sign of Allah in this unexpected event and decided to leave the village without giving battle. This legend gave its name to the village and the church of the Holy Trinity became a place consecrated by the religious authorities of the region. The oldest parts of the building that stands today on the small village square date back to the 11th century, but the church had to undergo several restoration campaigns during the 19th century. It now appears to us as a fine example of a Romanesque church, simple, rustic and austere. Note the modern stained glass windows made in the 1990s by Louis-René Petit, an artist who also worked in Sénanque and St Benoît sur Loire. His compositions inspired by frost give the church an atmosphere in harmony with its legend.

Highest point of Anjou

The Boismé water body is an easy-to-access and well-equipped body of water, offering an ideal site for fishing and family walks. You can enjoy the rich diversity of fish, such as carp, pike and zander, as well as the beautiful views of the water and the surrounding countryside. The hike around the lake is approximately 4 km and is suitable for all fitness levels. There is also a picnic area, playground and snack bar near the lake. The Boismé lake is an ideal place to enjoy nature and have fun.

The Nuaillé Forest is an ideal destination for hiking. This vast forest covers more than 3,000 hectares and extends over five municipalities. It is rich in history and biodiversity, as it witnessed the Vendée Wars and is home to many animal and plant species. You can discover the forest on foot by following the numerous trails that crisscross the massif. The Nuaillé Forest is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature.

The last La Rochejaquelein owner of this castle died in 1897, he left the estate which bore his name to one of his nieces, Marguerite d'Arlot de Saint-Sand, born Rochechouart. The Château de la Rochejaquelein is currently the property of his descendants.