Baugé En Anjou: History and Nature

When looking for a hotel in Baugé En Anjou, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: options range from historic buildings and religious heritage to walking and cycling. This way, you can choose the places and activities that interest you most during your stay.

Castles, History, and Architecture

The Château de Baugé was built from 1454 to 1465 as a hunting lodge for King René. It offers the “Palais du Roi René” visitor tour: this scenographic, multimedia tour presents the daily life of a 15th-century prince. The history of the château and the portrayal of princely life thus offer two different perspectives on this period.

The Hôtel-Dieu and the Apothicairerie also offer insights into Baugé’s history. The foundation stone of the Hôtel-Dieu was laid in 1643, and it opened its doors to the sick in 1650. The Apothicairerie has been protected as a historic monument since 1947 and preserves more than 600 jars in their original arrangement. The dates place the establishment and use of the Hôtel-Dieu in their historical context, while the preserved furnishings of the Apothicairerie give a tangible impression of a historic collection.

Those interested in architecture and art will find other striking details at the Church of Saint Denis de Pontigné: its twisted bell tower is turned by a quarter turn. The church features Angevin architecture known as Plantagenet, as well as wall paintings dating from the 13th to the 15th century. The Dolmen of Pontigné offers a different perspective on architectural history. It dates from the Neolithic period; twelve stone slabs form a chamber with a portico in front. The number and arrangement of the slabs illustrate the structure of this prehistoric monument.

A fragment of the “True Cross of Christ” is kept in the Chapelle de la Girouardière. According to the account behind this historical detail, a crusader from Baugé brought it back from the Holy Land in 1244. Local history can also be explored along the “Pas de la Mule” trail: yellow-marked paths wind through picturesque lanes lined with houses from the 15th and 16th centuries and lead to the site of the 1421 battle. The route through historic lanes and the remembrance of a specific event come together here.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Forêt de Chandelais can be explored on foot, on horseback, and by bicycle. The forest has diverse habitats, remarkable forest wildlife, and a wide variety of mushrooms. These activities offer different ways to spend time in the forest, while its habitats, wildlife, and variety of mushrooms appeal to nature lovers.

The 30-kilometer Cuon–Baugé–La Flèche cycle path offers cyclists a clear route to follow. It runs along a former railway line. The paved Cuon–Baugé–La Flèche path is also suitable for walking, cycling, inline skating, and pushing a stroller. The route’s length and former use as a railway line describe the cycle path; the paved path is also characterized by the listed activities. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between a longer cycling route and the other uses mentioned for the paved path.

Boule de Fort as a Regional Activity

Boule de Fort can also be understood through its distinctive lane and ball. It is played on a horizontal, curved lane that is 20 to 24 meters long. The ball has a metal rim and is heavier on one side; this side is called the “Fort.” Several competitions take place throughout the year, contributing to local life with their sociable atmosphere. Anyone interested in this activity will gain insight not only into its unusual equipment, but also into one aspect of local social life.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: La Romagne, Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges, Le Bourg-d'Iré, Le Guédeniau, Montjean-Sur-Loire, La Bohalle, Champigné, Marcé.

For the regional travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.