Combrée: Slate History, Forest and Architecture

Combrée offers thematic points of interest spanning nature, slate history, architecture and leisure. If you’re looking for hotels in Combrée, it helps to decide first which of these aspects you want to shape your stay. The municipal forest, historic buildings and local leisure activities offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Forest and Trails

The municipal forest of Combrée covers around 90 hectares and has a fitness trail.

The “Sur les pas du mineur masqué” interpretation trail is 3.5 kilometres long and takes in the forest’s built and natural heritage in an area designated an Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area). The access point is behind the school. The two trails offer different experiences: the fitness trail adds exercise to a walk in the forest, while the 3.5-kilometre interpretation trail focuses on natural and architectural history.

Slate History and Buildings

Underground mining in the slate quarries began around 1880. At the Bel-Air slate quarries, the foundations of the steam engine for Shaft 2 remain. Conditions and access may change; check the current situation before visiting. The foundations provide a tangible connection to the technical side of slate mining.

Église Saint-Pierre was built in the 17th century and has undergone several phases of construction and alteration. Its date of origin is only one part of its architectural history; later changes are also part of it.

Chapelle de la Sainte-Famille was built in 1905 to serve the Bel-Air slate workers’ settlement. Its construction links the history of a religious building with that of a settlement associated with slate mining.

The former college building is a monumental structure dating from the mid-19th century. In chronological terms, the buildings range from Église Saint-Pierre in the 17th century, through the former college building, to the chapel built in 1905. Together, they represent several periods and distinct architectural histories.

Tradition and Leisure

The Cercle des Perreyeurs invites visitors to discover Boule de fort. Here, visitors can learn about this traditional game, played on a curved lane with asymmetrical bowls. The shape of the lane and the bowls give the game its distinctive character. As availability may vary, it’s best to ask in advance whether you can take part during your planned visit.

Combrée’s leisure complex has an 18-hole swingolf course. The two venues cater to different leisure interests: at the Cercle, visitors can discover a traditional game, while the complex offers swingolf on an 18-hole course. Availability may change; check the current status before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Beaucouzé, Gennes, La Daguenière, La Boissière-Sur-Èvre, Ingrandes, La Jaille-Yvon, Les Ponts-De-Cé, Le Louroux-Béconnais

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