Les Rairies: Terracotta and the history of brickmaking

Les Rairies is closely associated with the production of bricks and terracotta. Historic production sites, workshops, and regional examples of architecture bring the craft to life in various places. There are also options for cycling and hiking trips, as well as horseback riding.

Brickmaking and historic kilns

The Briqueterie Le Croc is a protected historic production site in Les Rairies, built at the beginning of the 19th century. The site includes two lengthwise kilns, two drying sheds, and a well area. It was listed for protection by decree on April 11, 1995. The scale of production in the past is also reflected in a figure from the last century: at the time, Les Rairies had around fifty active horizontal kilns and about as many drying sheds or barns. The drying buildings had distinctive roofs made of curved tiles.

Brickmaking is also carried on at the Yvon Cailleau and Atelier Le Croc workshops. Terracotta is made there on site using traditional methods. Only wood-fired kilns dating from 1758, 1782, and 1836 are used, preserving Yvon Cailleau’s authentic “carreau des Rairies.” Rairies Montrieux has held the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (EPV) label since 2006. For seven generations, the business has drawn on the clay pits of Anjou to make bricks and roof tiles. Its terracotta is made from sand and clay; natural raw materials are sourced from local quarries.

A visit to the Rairies Montrieux brickworks lets you discover traditional techniques, old tools, and handmade tiles. The craft offers a tangible insight into different aspects of local production, from raw materials and kilns to the finished product.

Architectural heritage in Chalou and Les Rairies

In Chalou stands the 14th-century Chapel of Saint Philippe et Saint Jacques. Built from limestone known as “pierre des Rairies,” it is privately owned. Also near Chalou, by the Loir, there is a weir with an old lock gate or rack structure and a paddle wheel. The church in Les Rairies was built in the 19th century, following the division of the villages of Montigné-les-Rairies and Les Rairies. It was built using the stone of Les Rairies, typical of the area.

The buildings offer contrasting points of interest: the chapel combines a medieval construction date with local limestone, while the church and weir reveal other aspects of regional architectural and technological history. If you are interested in architecture, these sacred buildings and a historic riverside structure offer distinct subjects to explore.

Cycling, hiking, and horseback riding

The 23-kilometer “Boucle vélo des terres cuites” cycling loop passes through orchards, forests, and marshland, as well as a village of brickmakers. It follows roads shared with other traffic and greenways, and partly uses the “Vallée du Loir à Vélo” (V47) cycle route. It brings together varied landscapes and the theme of local brick production.

The “Itinéraire d'un briquetier” hiking trail starts in Montigné-les-Rairies. It leads to clay pits worked by the “perreyeux des Rairies,” which still supply material for making bricks, tiles, and pottery. The route is flat and combines forest paths with paved roads; it is also suitable for occasional hikers. There are numerous hiking trails in the Chambiers Forest. Check locally for information about specific trails.

The “Les Chevaux de la Rosière” equestrian center offers trail rides and one-day horseback riding tours in the Chambiers Forest throughout the year. It also offers equestrian activities for people with intellectual, physical, sensory, or psychological disabilities, as well as for people experiencing social difficulties. For planning your day, note the differences between the options listed: the cycling loop is 23 kilometers long, while the hiking trail is described as flat.

More local activities

The Hippodrome des Rairies is a local racetrack for those interested in horse racing. The “Les Rairies Rock's” festival takes place in the town center every year, organized by the municipality and Les Rairies Festif. Les Rairies is also home to the “L'Union” and “Le Cercle Saint-Georges” Boule de Fort clubs. If you are interested in this activity, ask locally about opportunities to take part.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Paul-Du-Bois, Angrie, Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, Durtal, Pouancé, Nueil-Sur-Layon, Saint-Sylvain-Dʼanjou, Antoigné

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