Chambellay – Mayenne Riverbanks, Art and History

Chambellay combines the riverside landscape of the Mayenne with works of art and architectural history in the town. This brings together different interests when planning your trip: observing nature and activities on the water, a circular walking trail through rural landscapes, and the church, bridge and former stop for horse-drawn coaches. If you are looking for a hotel in Chambellay, these themes can shape the focus of your stay. Landscape, exercise and cultural history offer different points of interest when choosing where to stay.

Along the Mayenne and at Le Bivouac

The towpath along the Mayenne in Chambellay is accessible to pedestrians, horses and bicycles. Herons, kingfishers, wagtails and dragonflies, among other wildlife, can be observed on the banks of the Mayenne near Chambellay. Walking or cycling along the path and observing nature by the river are two different ways to experience the landscape.

Le Bivouac is a wooded area surrounding a pond. Fishing, river boating, kayaking and water skiing are possible on the Mayenne and at Le Bivouac. The river and the pond area offer different landscape settings for water-based activities.

Circular trail and time required

The Circuit du Cambolitain is a 9.5-kilometre circular walking trail for pedestrians, rated as moderately difficult. The stated duration is about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The route connects the banks of the Mayenne, rural landscapes and elements of the local heritage. The river landscape and historical features are therefore part of the character of this walk.

The two routes also differ in which forms of travel they accommodate: the towpath is accessible to pedestrians, horses and bicycles, while the Circuit du Cambolitain is designated as a walking trail for pedestrians.

Church and local history

Saint-Aubin Church is Neo-Gothic and was built in 1858 on the site of an 11th-century Romanesque building. Its history thus spans the Romanesque predecessor and the 19th-century Neo-Gothic church.

The church contains 15 paintings by Adelyne Neveux. Four canvases that had previously been removed and stored in the presbytery were restored; they form part of the exceptional collection visitors can see in the church. Adelyne Neveux’s principal work adorns almost 200 square metres of the church’s walls.

The bridge at Chambellay also tells the story of the town’s development: the Société Escarraguelet began building it in 1867, and it opened in December 1869. Maison Brialy dates from the 18th century and was a former stop for horse-drawn coaches. A forge was still there in the 1960s. The church, bridge and Maison Brialy each lead to different chapters in the history of the town and its architecture.

Comparing ceramics and walking

Ceramic artist Florence Landais regularly offers three-hour sessions. Participants can learn a technique and make one or more pieces. At about 2 hours and 40 minutes, the Circuit du Cambolitain takes a similar amount of time. When planning your trip, you can therefore compare a walk and a ceramics session as activities with different focuses but a similar duration.

Discover more destinations: Beauvau, Les Verchers-Sur-Layon, Tillières, Saint-Crespin-Sur-Moine, Pouancé, Ingrandes, Saint-Jean-Des-Mauvrets, Beaupréau

Go to the regional travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.