La Ménitré: Loire Cultural Landscape, Mills and Routes
Accommodation in La Ménitré
La Ménitré is part of the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape and lies within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park. For planning your trip, these two designations provide a landscape context; the specific themes range from river history and historic buildings to routes and activities on the water. You can shape your stay around whether you are more interested in the cultural landscape, mill history, a particular route or a visit that requires advance booking.
Routes through the Polders and Authion Valley
The 15-kilometre Sentier des Ponceaux is a circular route through the polder landscapes of the former Loire riverbed. It also takes in the Authion and characteristic bridges. The canals of the Loire polder landscape can be crossed via numerous stone or slate bridges. Along the route, you will encounter a variety of landscape features: the former Loire riverbed, canals, the Authion and bridges.
As a cycling option, Authion à vélo is considered an alternative to the Loire à vélo and passes through the Authion Valley. The comparison with the Sentier des Ponceaux is about the type of route: one is a 15-kilometre circular route featuring polders, canals, the Authion and bridges; the other is a cycling route through the Authion Valley. If you are choosing between these two options, consider whether you are more interested in the polder landscape of the former Loire riverbed or the alternative cycling route through the Authion Valley.
Port Saint-Maur and activities on the Loire
Port Saint-Maur was an important shipping location in 1858 and lies opposite Glanfeuil Abbey. Tourist activities in La Ménitré include boat trips on the Loire. One specifically named canoe route is the La Ménitré–Les Ponts-de-Cé route: it starts at Port Saint-Maur, is 21 kilometres long and is listed as taking 4 hours and 40 minutes. This duration can help with planning your time. Check the conditions and departure arrangements before setting out, as they may change.
Church and mill history
The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a 19th-century Neoclassical church. Neoclassical describes a style influenced by classical architecture; together with the date, the term indicates the church’s style and period.
The Moulin du Goislard windmill was moved from Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire to La Ménitré. During the move, it collapsed after just a few metres and was subsequently rebuilt as an exact replica. Every summer, the Moulin de la Vierge opens its doors to local artists and visitors. As this is a seasonal offering, check the opening dates before your visit.
The now-disused Chapelle du Moulin de la Vierge was built in 1908 on the site of a former windmill. Its date and present-day status offer another historical point of reference for the area’s mill history.
Beer-making and Boule de Fort
The Fabrique des Bières d’Anjou invites visitors to discover the ingredients and production of La Piautre. La Piautre is brewed with organically grown malt and hops. On Saturdays at 3 p.m., La Piautre offers tours of its malt house, brewery and distillery by advance reservation. Check the reservation requirements and current availability before choosing a specific date.
Boule de Fort is described as a local sport in La Ménitré. This sporting connection adds another topic to consider when planning your trip, alongside the area’s architecture, mills and river routes.
Discover more destinations: Vihiers, La Chapelle-Sur-Oudon, Chemiré-sur-Sarthe, Challain-La-Potherie, Le Guédeniau, Montjean-Sur-Loire, Chaintré, Maulévrier.
For the wider travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
