Discover Beaufort-En-Vallée

Beaufort-En-Vallée brings together a layered architectural history and paths through wetlands and the valley’s natural landscape. Notre-Dame, the market halls, the history of the castle and the Musée Joseph Denais offer different cultural themes; each route has its own distinct landscape highlights. This selection helps you decide what to focus on during your stay before comparing hotels.

Notre-Dame: Several Building Phases

Notre-Dame is the third religious building on this site. Before the present-day church, there was a wooden chapel around 1000 and a church dating to the 12th century. The Renaissance-style bell tower was completed in 1542. This reveals three clearly distinct periods: the early chapel, the medieval church building and the tower, completed later.

The church has 41 stained-glass windows with a total of 652 figures, mainly depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. The windows are a significant work by the Parisian stained-glass artist Edouard Didron. Their predominantly Marian subject matter and attribution to the artist offer two specific points of reference for placing the windows in their art-historical context.

Market Halls and Castle: Trade and Local History

The market halls have stood at today’s Place Jeanne-de-Laval since the 14th century. They were a trading centre, including for the hemp market of 1842. Today, the market halls in the town centre host exhibitions, cultural events and municipal activities. The programme may change.

The castle’s history began in the 11th century, when Foulque Nerra, Count of Anjou, had a castle built at this strategic location. René I added a fourth, octagonal tower, known as the Tour du Roi René. After it was damaged during the Wars of Religion, the fortress was dismantled in the 17th century. Its materials were reused to reinforce the town’s fortifications and build the Couvent des Récollets.

The Musée Joseph Denais

The Musée Joseph Denais is a cabinet of curiosities founded in 1905 by the historian and journalist Joseph Denais. Its founding provides another point of reference in time alongside the medieval buildings and the market halls’ long history of trade.

On Foot and by Bike: Different Routes

The Sentier nature du Couasnon runs through a 20-hectare wetland along the Couasnon. Starting points are Beaufort and Gée. The Sentier de randonnée marais et patrimoine connects Gée and Beaufort-En-Vallée, passing through preserved heritage and the valley’s natural landscape. The two paths therefore differ in focus: one runs through wetlands along the river, while the other connects two places through natural and cultural heritage.

Another option for planning a trip is the Vélo dans la Vallée de l’Authion cycling route. It runs between the Loire and the Authion marshes and is a 44-kilometre circular route. It starts at Chemin du Canada on Route de la Ménitré. Its stated length and circular layout give the cycling route a clear framework; the walking paths, by contrast, can be distinguished by their landscape themes and connecting points.

Before You Go

Check local trail conditions before setting out on a walk. For the cycling route, also check current wayfinding signs and road conditions.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Sigismond, Durtal, Chazé-sur-Argos, Courléon, La Daguenière, Saint-Clément-des-Levées, Neuillé, Chalonnes-sur-Loire.

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