Bauné: Heritage, Crafts and Hiking Trails

Visitors choosing Bauné as a destination can plan their stay around a variety of interests: the Église Saint-Symphorien and the Presbytère offer a chance to explore architectural history, the Bouquet de Saint-Éloi represents a distinctive craft tradition, and several trails lead through the countryside. The Foire Saint-Gilles is an annual event held at the start of the school year.

Church, Presbytère and crafts

The present-day Église Saint-Symphorien de Bauné was built between 1899 and 1904 in the Neo-Gothic style. Its portal is crowned by a high relief depicting Saint Symphorien on his way to martyrdom. The church also houses a statue of Saint Gilles dating from the 15th or 16th century. This brings different periods into focus: the Neo-Gothic building from around 1900 and the much older depiction of Saint Gilles.

Another feature of the church is the F5 stained-glass window, “Sainte Elisabeth de Hongrie.” It was registered as a protected object on 25 August 1993. Together with the high relief and the statue, it offers a distinctive perspective on Bauné’s sacred art: the architecture, figurative art and stained glass represent different aspects of the heritage.

Two historical details about the Presbytère in Bauné should be distinguished: the oldest parts of the building date from the 12th century; the structure also incorporates masonry from a medieval manor house dating from the 13th century. Today, the Presbytère houses the library. If you are planning a visit, check visitor access separately.

The Bouquet de Saint-Éloi adds a craft dimension to the architectural history. It incorporates horseshoes and showcases various techniques, including riveting and welding. The “Jeune” learned these techniques during his “Tour de France.” Those interested in materials and the finer points of craftsmanship will find here a different way to explore local heritage than at the church and Presbytère.

Hiking trails by length and landscape

The Tuffeau et bois loop is 21.9 kilometres long, rated easy, marked in yellow and suitable for cycling. It passes through the forest and offers several viewpoints overlooking the private châteaux of Briançon and les Bruyères. The trail description combines a specific distance and trail marking with a forest section and views of the two châteaux. Check trail conditions before setting out, as route information can change.

At 13.6 kilometres, Senteurs de sous-bois is shorter; this loop is also rated easy, marked in mauve and leads through orchards and blackcurrant plantations. The route passes through Bauné’s hilly countryside. Comparing it with Tuffeau et bois helps you choose by length and surroundings: Senteurs de sous-bois is 8.3 kilometres shorter, while Tuffeau et bois is also suitable for cycling. The two trails have different marker colours and landscape features. For this route too, it is advisable to check trail conditions before setting out.

La Ronde des Arbres adds another option: a 5.9-kilometre hiking trail in Bauné with panoramic views of the surrounding slopes. In terms of length, it is the shortest of the three routes mentioned here. The trail description was updated in June 2026; check trail conditions before hiking. This gives you three specific distances to choose from while keeping the different landscape descriptions in mind.

Planning for the Foire Saint-Gilles

The Foire Saint-Gilles takes place every year at the start of the school year, combining traditions handed down over time with new elements. The date and programme vary from one edition to the next. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the specific details for your chosen date. This lets you make the fair a focal point in your travel plans without assuming the programme stays the same.

Discover more destinations: Parçay-Les-Pins, Cholet, La Romagne, La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, La Jumellière, Les Rosiers-Sur-Loire, Gesté, Angrie.

For the wider travel guide: Maine-Et-Loire.