Charcé-Saint-Ellier-Sur-Aubance: Mills and Architectural History

Charcé-Saint-Ellier-Sur-Aubance offers cultural and scenic highlights: its historic buildings include a church with construction phases dating from the 10th to the 19th century, a rare surviving post mill, and examples of different architectural styles. The Circuit de Charcé adds an excursion through the surrounding area. This gives you a thematic choice when planning your hotel stay: would you like to focus on architectural history or include a marked circular route?

The Mill and Church Architecture

The Moulin de Patouillet is a reminder of how widespread post mills once were in Anjou. At the beginning of the 19th century, there were 200 to 300 post mills in the area; the Moulin de Patouillet is one of two that have survived. The contrast between their former prevalence and the number that remain today places the mill in its regional historical context. It was restored and exposed to the wind again in 1984. It has been listed as a historic monument since March 28, 1977.

The Église Saint-Pierre de Charcé was founded in the 10th century. Its single-nave church with a flat-ended chancel dates from the 13th century. A side chapel was added in the 16th century, and a second chapel was built on the north side in 1836. The attached rectory dates from the 15th century. Since May 4, 2001, the façades and roofs of the group of connected buildings comprising the church, rectory, and outbuildings have been listed as historic monuments. The church and rectory therefore reflect construction phases spanning several centuries.

Other Architectural Styles and Monuments

The Prieuré de Saint-Ellier includes a Romanesque chapel dating from the 12th century. The Logis de la Bluttière has been listed as a historic monument since 2006. The hamlet of La Moinerie consists of a group of 17th-century homes, while La Sublerie consists of cave dwellings carved into tuff stone. The contrast between a group of houses and cave architecture offers a concrete comparison of building styles. The Dolmen de Beaupréau is also classified as a historic monument.

Circular Route Through the Surrounding Area

The Circuit de Charcé is a 15-kilometer circular route that starts in Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance and is marked in green. It passes through the countryside and surrounding area of Charcé-Saint-Ellier-sur-Aubance. The route can be completed on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. Two questions can help with planning: which of the three ways of getting around would you like to use, and does the 15-kilometer distance fit your itinerary? The route offers a different focus from architectural history and another way to shape your stay around a particular theme.

Plan Your Journey

The A87 is 12 kilometers away, and Angers SNCF train station is 20 kilometers away. These are two separate reference points for your planning: consider the distance to the motorway or to the station, depending on how you plan to travel.

Discover more destinations: Morannes, Saint-André-De-La-Marche, Genneteil, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Brissac-Quincé, Les Rairies, Nuaillé, Écuillé

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