Discover Jarzé: Church, Château and Chapel

Jarzé can be explored through its architectural history, historical figures and named monuments. The Église Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte, the Château de Jarzé and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montplacé each represent different themes. There are also dolmens and a signposted circular route. For a culturally focused stay, this offers both historic buildings and a walk with a stated distance and walking time.

Church and Château de Jarzé

The Église Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte in Jarzé was built in phases during the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries. It has been classified as a historic monument since 22 June 1967; this protection also covers the wall paintings inside. The dates refer to different aspects: the centuries relate to the building’s history, while the date in 1967 marks its classification. Jean Bourré is buried in the church alongside his wife, Marguerite. His name appears again at the Château de Jarzé: around 1473, Jean Bourré had the château rebuilt on the foundations of a fortress erected under Foulque Nerra. The approximate date of this rebuilding differs from a precisely dated event: Charles IX visited the château on 12 November 1595. The building’s history and the king’s visit thus offer two distinct historical points of reference for the château.

Dolmen and menhir: names and locations

The Dolmen de la Roche-Thibault is one of two well-preserved dolmens located north and south of the road from Jarzé to Seiches. The road thus provides a specific reference point for describing their location. At the Dolmen des Landes, also known as the Dolmen du Plessis, an upright sandstone slab is associated with the monument. This slab is called the Menhir des Landes or the Menhir du Plessis. Here, the term menhir refers to the upright sandstone slab; the names Landes and du Plessis are used for both the dolmen and the menhir.

Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montplacé

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montplacé was built in the 17th century on the hills above Montplacé in Jarzé. It houses a 14th-century walnut-wood Pietà; a collection of bridal crowns is also displayed there. The Pietà therefore predates the construction of the chapel. These details provide two distinct time references for the art in the chapel.

As of 16 July 2026, the chapel is open for visits on Sundays in July and August from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., except on concert days. Free visits for individuals and groups are available year-round by appointment. Seasonal opening hours may change; check visiting hours and appointment availability in advance. Concerts are held in the chapel every summer. If you plan to travel for one, check the specific dates before your trip.

The Trame verte de Jarzé

A municipal bulletin from September 2023 describes a signposted 2.7 km circular route for the Trame verte de Jarzé, with a stated walking time of 30 to 40 minutes. Check the local signposting before your trip. This time range offers a guide to how long the walk takes; together with the route’s distance, it can help you fit the walk into your day’s plans.

Discover more destinations: La Cornuaille, Grez-Neuville, Montreuil-Bellay, Blou, Vernoil-le-Fourrier, Marcé, Villedieu-La-Blouère, Varrains.

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