Montreuil-Bellay: History and the Thouet

Montreuil-Bellay combines a fortified town with the riverside landscape of the Thouet: the town stands on a slope above the river, which flows below it. This gives visitors two key points of reference: the historic town and the Thouet. The area also offers a range of starting points for planning a trip—from architectural and local history to a botanical garden and cycling, water-based and hiking activities. Visitors interested in Montreuil-Bellay can explore these topics separately rather than combining them into a single attraction.

Fortified Town and Church History

Porte Saint-Jean is part of the fortified town and was listed as a protected historic monument in 1889. Another landmark in time is the chapel of Hôpital Saint-Jean, which was consecrated on 10 March 1484. Hôpital Saint-Jean took in pilgrims and the sick before they entered Montreuil-Bellay. This gives the town’s history a connection not only to its fortifications but also to its former role as a place of arrival.

Église des Grands Augustins is a former church of the Augustinian monastery dating from the 17th century; it was restored between 1988 and 1992. The century places it in its historical period, while the years 1988 to 1992 refer to the restoration period. The two dates therefore relate to different stages in its history.

Houses with Distinctive Motifs

Two houses have their own distinctive features. Maison du Mire-Apothicaire dates from the 15th century. Wooden sculptures on either side of the door depict the preparation of an ointment. The motif draws attention to a specific activity and gives the house a vivid story alongside its date. Maison Dovalle dates from the 16th century and is the birthplace of the poet Charles Dovalle. Here, rather than a craft depicted in sculpture, the focus is on the house’s biographical connection to a poet.

Garden and Island in the Thouet

The botanical garden next to Chapelle des Petits Augustins features aromatic and culinary plants, as well as a rose collection. It therefore includes plants with different uses and a dedicated collection of roses. Île aux Moines offers a different experience: it is the largest of the many islands in the Thouet and is a suitable place for a picnic break.

Cycling, Hiking and Water Activities

In Montreuil-Bellay, you can cycle along the Circuit du Thouet à Vélo and the Vélo Francette. Château de Montreuil-Bellay lies on the Loire à Vélo route; this route connection refers specifically to the château. There are also hiking opportunities near the GR36 and the Way of St. James in Montreuil-Bellay. On the Thouet at Montreuil-Bellay, you can go canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating. This distinguishes land-based activities from the three options on the river, while the Loire à Vélo route has a specific connection to the château.

Discover more destinations: Angers, Faye-D'anjou, Mouliherne, Brain-sur-l'Authion, Trélazé, Fontaine-Guérin, Châtelais, Corné.

Return to the overview of destinations: Maine-Et-Loire.