Saint-Georges-Sur-Loire

When looking for a hotel in Saint-Georges-Sur-Loire, the focus of your trip can be a good starting point: are you especially interested in the history of the abbey, trails through the Loire landscape, or a visit with animal encounters? The local sights and activities offer different starting points for your plans.

The abbey and parish church: two chapters in local history

The former abbey of Saint-Georges-Sur-Loire was founded in the mid-12th century by the Augustinian canons of La Roë. The abbey’s refectory retains its original volume and roof structure. Traces of 12th- and 13th-century wall paintings have also survived. In this one space, both the preserved architecture and evidence of its historical decoration can be seen. The former abbey is protected partly as a classified historic monument and partly as a registered historic monument.

The parish church of Saint-Georges also has its own building history: it was built as part of a construction campaign in 1829, designed by the architect Binet. On 18 April 1991, the church was listed as a historic monument. The abbey and church thus represent different periods for anyone interested in the town’s architectural heritage.

Château de Serrant and its collection

Château de Serrant has been classified as a historic monument since 1948. Its holdings include 20,000 books, which were also classified as historic monuments in 2001. Historical interest therefore extends beyond the Château itself to include a large collection in its holdings. As seasonal visitor information, the Château is open from mid-February to mid-November. If you plan to visit, check the current opening hours before setting out.

Walking trails, the Loire landscape and local history

The “Prairies et Boires de Loire” trail crosses Saint-Georges-Sur-Loire for approximately 7 km: it runs from Château de l’Epinay to Port Girault and passes via the railway station. A section of the route follows the GR3. The Chemin de la Croix Marie starts at a different point: it begins in the abbey gardens and leads through the surrounding countryside. When planning, you can therefore choose between a route with an approximate distance and a trail whose starting point is specified as the abbey gardens.

The abbey gardens and the pond offer opportunities for walking and cycling; check local conditions before your visit. The proximity of the Loire, the Loire landscapes and the Loire à Vélo route are also local options for visitors. Port Girault is a village on the Loire. Historically, it served as a link between the centre of Saint-Georges-Sur-Loire and river trade. It is also an endpoint of the “Prairies et Boires de Loire” trail, so you can combine the route with a look at this local history.

Animal encounters and practical information

Il était une Ferme offers a signposted self-guided tour and close encounters with animals. Activities include petting and feeding dwarf goats, grooming a pony and bottle-feeding goat kids. The park covers 7 hectares and is home to more than 150 animals. This offers a different way to spend time in Saint-Georges-Sur-Loire than visiting historic buildings or walking the countryside trails.

The information point at the town hall provides visitors with a range of tourist and cultural information materials. You can include this resource in your plans when bringing together the town’s different themes, from historic heritage to the Loire trails.

Discover more destinations: Beaufort-En-Vallée, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-Sur-Aubance, Vezins, Faye-D'anjou, Baugé En Anjou, Segré, Ambillou-Château, Chazé-sur-Argos.

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