Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné: Churches, Chapels and Trails

Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné offers visitors several distinct points of interest: the history of its churches and chapels, historic mills, trails through the commune, and regional produce. When planning a stay, it is helpful to distinguish between the buildings, the two trail options, and the opportunities to visit a producer's farm.

Churches, Chapels and Historic Buildings

The parish church of Sainte-Gemmes has been listed as a historic monument since 6 February 2014. The cemetery chapel has a different architectural character: it has an octagonal floor plan, a domed roof and a lantern. It was restored in 1989. It may have been built as early as the 17th century; it may have been partly rebuilt in the 19th century. The restoration should therefore be distinguished chronologically from the possible construction phases.

The fountain is also worth a closer look for its architecture: it is built of tuffeau stone and has a triangular pediment topped with a cross. A small niche still houses a statue of the Virgin Mary. The fountain may date from the 18th century. This cautious dating is part of the site's appeal, alongside the clearly identifiable architectural details.

The Château de la Blanchaie is documented from the 15th century. Its seigneurial chapel, dedicated to Saint Claude, was founded in 1536 and houses a limestone altarpiece depicting the Crucifixion. The château is privately owned; if you are planning a visit, check the arrangements in advance.

The Demeure de la Haute Rivière is a historic château in Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné and is considered to have been a seigneurie in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. One of the owners accompanies visitors as they discover the Demeure. As visiting arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the details in advance.

Local History and Trails

The village of Saintes-Gemmes developed from the 12th century onward around the former priory church. The Moulin de l'Homme has another historical connection: it was formerly an outbuilding of the Priory of Saint-Gemmes-d'Andigné. The present-day watermill appears to have been built in the 18th century and extended in the 19th century. This tentative dating of the mill is distinct from the clearly documented former connection to the priory.

There are two different options for exploring Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné on foot. The Voie verte runs through the commune and connects Segré with Pouancé. The Circuit de Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné, by contrast, takes you through the commune's lanes and trails. You can choose between a route linking different towns and a route described as passing through the village and its trails, without assuming a particular walking time or distance.

Produce and Visits

The Ferme de la Fouardière produces milk, butter, fromage frais and Lotier, a tomme cheese typical of the Segré area. The farm also has a stall at the Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné farmers' market on Friday evenings. The Verger de l'Epinay also sells its produce at this market on Friday evenings.

The Ferme de la Fouardière offers educational and guided visits for groups. Alongside trails and historic buildings, agricultural produce and visits for groups are therefore additional options to explore. Market and visit arrangements, as well as product availability, may change; check the details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Fontaine-Guérin, Brion, Linières-Bouton, Chambellay, Savennières, La Chapelle-Sur-Oudon, Saint-Martin-De-La-Place, Nueil-Sur-Layon

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