Corné between Saint-Blaise, the Authion and the forest

Corné combines a subject rooted in church history with landscapes suited to walks. The Church of Saint-Blaise reflects a long architectural heritage; forests, the Authion and a publicly accessible nature reserve reveal another side of the area. If you are looking for a hotel in Corné, these themes can help you choose a destination that matches your interests: historic architecture, walks connected with the river, or exercise with a sporting element. Corné is also located in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.

Saint-Blaise and its architectural history

The Church of Saint-Blaise dates from the 11th century. Its elaborately decorated portal is Flamboyant Gothic and is dated to around 1450. It also features Late Gothic star vaults, which are considered rare in Anjou. Saint-Blaise thus brings together several aspects of architectural history: the church building’s early origins, a later Gothic portal and a regionally rare type of vault. A star vault is formed by ribs that create a star-like pattern; the technical term refers to a specific architectural form. On 8 November 1972, the church was added to France’s supplementary list of historic monuments. Its age, Gothic details and heritage designation offer different ways to place Saint-Blaise in its historical and architectural context.

Forest, the Authion and protected landscapes

Corné is bordered by forest on one side and the Authion on the other. The forests lie north of the area and the Authion to the south; both offer opportunities for walks. Depending on your interests, you can choose between woodland walks and a riverside setting. Corné is located in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park. Since 2024, the Marais et Bocage de l’Authion nature reserve has also included Pré des Ilons in Corné and is open to the public. Pré des Ilons provides a specific point of interest within the protected area. These natural features complement an interest in the architecture of Saint-Blaise, while offering a different kind of travel experience from the church.

Walks and traces of history

The “Entre rivière et forêt” circular trail follows the Authion, passes the Corné bridge and then runs along a shaded riverside path with small sluices. The river, bridge and features along the riverbank thus emerge as distinct aspects of the same route. The circular trail also passes a former retting basin, which bears witness to hemp processing in the valley. This historical connection differs from that of Saint-Blaise: the church represents religious architectural history, while the basin recalls the valley’s former hemp processing.

For exercise with a sporting element, Corné has a marked fitness trail that combines walks with sporting activities. This trail therefore offers a different focus from the circular route along the Authion. If you want to include exercise in your travel plans, you can choose between a combination of walking and sporting activity and a riverside circular trail.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Lambert-Du-Lattay, Bouchemaine, Cantenay-Épinard, Saint-Sigismond, Avrillé, La Séguinière, Neuillé, Turquant

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