Erbrée: Church, historic estates and trails

Erbrée offers two themes for planning a trip: architectural history and trails. Its architectural history includes the Église Saint-Martin, Château de Bois le Beau and Manoir de la Picotière; trails include 80 local circular routes, the Tour des Portes de Bretagne and activities at Lac de la Valière. When planning a stay, you can consider culture and outdoor activities as distinct focuses.

Circular trails and activities by the water

Erbrée’s 80 local circular trails are available through the free Visorando app and on the Vitré Communauté website. Among the trails in Erbrée are the Sentiers des Papillons, des Abeilles and des Fourmis. The Tour des Portes de Bretagne hiking trail runs for almost 100 kilometres through the area and connects the four lakes of Châtillon, La Valière, la Cantache and Haute Vilaine. At Lac de la Valière in Erbrée, there is a 100-hectare body of water, with six kilometres of trails for walking, horseback riding and cycling.

Lac de la Valière is accessible year-round. Check access conditions before travelling, as recreational opportunities may change. The difference in distance is clear: the trails at the lake cover six kilometres, while the Tour des Portes de Bretagne is almost 100 kilometres long. The local circular trails offer another way to explore the area on your own routes.

Église Saint-Martin and its bells

The Église Saint-Martin is a neo-Gothic church built of sandstone, granite and limestone. It was constructed under the direction of architects Audrouin and Gelly. It is 41 metres long and 18 metres high beneath the vaults. The term “neo-Gothic” identifies its style, while its materials and dimensions provide further specific details about the building. The original church tower could not be completed because the foundations could not safely support its weight.

The church’s bells are named Aline, Louise-Agathe and Pauline-Emilie. They come from Villedieu-les-Poêles in the Manche department and are associated with the local families of lords of the manor: Hay des Nétumières, Modeste de la Borderie and de Legge. In the same order as the names, the bells weigh 500, 900 and 600 kilograms. Their names, origins, family associations and weights add further aspects of the church’s history to its architectural features.

Château de Bois le Beau and Manoir de la Picotière

The central block and chapel of Château de Bois le Beau date from different periods. The central block was built in 1842 for the de La Plesse family of Vitré. The neo-Romanesque chapel was built between 1890 and 1900. These two dates make it possible to distinguish the construction history of the two parts.

Manoir de la Picotière was probably built in the 16th century. A chapel, living quarters and an orangery were added in the 17th and 18th centuries; it was remodelled in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its history therefore encompasses a probable early construction period, later additions and further changes over several centuries. Alongside the specific dates for the central block and chapel at the château, the manor offers a different perspective on the timeline of Erbrée’s historic architecture.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ernée, Châtillon-Sur-Colmont, Trans, Saint-Samson, Saint-Germain-le-Guillaume, Bouchamps-lès-Craon, Hardanges, Champfrémont.

For the broader travel overview: Mayenne.