The best traffic-free bike rides around Soulaines-Sur-Aubance

Beautiful landscapes, trails, roads and paths, ideal for trail mode!

The first written traces of the church date back to the 6th century. Then, in the 11th century, we learn that a certain Lord Sigebrand donated the church to the Abbey of Saint Serge in Angers, becoming a monk there. The church is dedicated to Saint Aubin. In 1568, the original Gothic building was pillaged and burned by the Huguenots, but was not completely destroyed. In 1582, it benefited from the addition of a side porch named Henri II, adorned with all the delicacies of Renaissance art. Note the studded portal of the period, decorated with coffers, which complete the harmony of this entrance, which is listed as a historic monument. The church was remodeled in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style, while retaining its Renaissance portal and three 18th-century altarpieces. The high altar was restored by the municipality in 2015. The life of our church is timeless, and for it to continue, urgent consolidation and renovation work must begin. https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org/les-projets/securisation-eglise-saint-aubin/87709 https://www.wiki-anjou.fr/index.php/%C3%89glise_Saint-Aubin_de_Saint-Aubin-de-Luign%C3%A9

This beautiful building, listed as a Historic Monument, has been occupied by the town hall since 1987. It was the village presbytery for four and a half centuries. Its construction was the work of Jean de Pontoise, the village priest in the 16th century. Today, it is one of the finest examples of the Renaissance in Anjou. The façade facing the church, although some openings have been altered, still bears witness to this today. The dormer window framed by two columns topped with scrolls is characteristic of 16th-century art. Prominently displayed here is the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Indeed, Jean de Pontoise's father was the famous pontiff's personal physician. Jean accompanied his father to Rome before returning to France and becoming the village priest. This reference proves that he has not forgotten the Pope's generosity. Inside, you can still admire a magnificent 16th century fireplace, whose painted mantelpiece also bears the Borgia coat of arms.

A magnificent church, known in particular for its Renaissance portal. It has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. In the square, you'll find a grocery store selling a little bit of everything.

This former 16th-century presbytery - which currently houses the town hall of the "charming village" - bears witness, through its splendor, to the significant impact of the Renaissance in Anjou.

The scene of one of the fiercest battles of the First Vendée War, this place is today a completely peaceful green setting.

The church, located in the village of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, dates from the first half of the 11th century and was then dependent on the Abbey of Saint-Aubin d'Angers; its rich past is reflected in its architecture. We enter the vaulted chapel (added to the original building in the 19th century) with the baptismal font. We discover the nave, which is connected to a bay whose 13th century vault rests on older walls. We then enter the choir, the only part of the building with a 12th century vault, where we can admire the ceiling with a pointed barrel vault. Outside the church, we see the Benedictine priory of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, a picturesque building founded in 929 that was formerly dependent on the Abbey of Saint-Aubin d'Angers. This church, open from Easter to All Saints' Day, is part of the network of "Reception churches in Anjou" open to the public. Source: https://www.anjou-tourisme.com/fr/diffusio/visites/eglise-de-saint-remy-la-varenne-brissac-loire-aubance

The Fête du Thoureil, a festival of Loire barges, is an Angevin tradition that takes place every year in spring on the banks of the Loire at Thoureil, in Maine-et-Loire, between Saumur and Angers. The programme includes barges and old Loire sailing ships, and Loire festivities. It is considered the first festival of Loire barges between Nantes and Tours.