Aubigné-Racan: Gallo-Roman traces and Romanesque architectural history

Visitors to Aubigné-Racan can plan their stay around a long span of history: the Cherré archaeological site represents a Gallo-Roman complex dating from the 1st to the 3rd century, while the Dolmen du Colombier may date from the Middle or Late Neolithic. Also worth seeing are the surviving parts of the first Romanesque church of Saint-Martin-de-Vertou and the Sur les traces du poète Racan walking trail. Together, they offer a range of historical themes and ways to explore. When planning your visit, it is worth treating the free-access site visit, the possible guided tour and the hike as separate activities, each with its own time slot.

Cherré: archaeological site and guided tour

The Site archéologique de Cherré is open year-round and admission is free. An educational trail makes it easier to explore the site and provides a framework for independent discovery. Dating from the 1st to the 3rd century places the complex in a clear historical context; a guided tour brings its different areas to life, introducing the theater, market forum, temple and baths.

A guided tour lasts about two hours. You can therefore choose between exploring with the educational trail and taking a guided tour focused on these four areas. The approximate duration makes it easier to set aside a separate time slot for the tour. If you would like to include it in your visit, check in advance whether it is available at your preferred time.

The Sur les traces du poète Racan walking trail

Another option is the Sur les traces du poète Racan walking trail. This easy hike is 9.9 kilometers long and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Yellow Circuit A2 markers indicate the route, which starts at the Salle Polyvalente car park. The difficulty, distance and approximate duration give you concrete points of reference for assessing the hike as a separate activity.

Compared with the approximately two-hour guided tour at Cherré, the stated hiking time is about 45 minutes longer. The activities also differ: on the tour, you learn about the archaeological areas mentioned above with a guide; on the hike, you walk a marked route. You can weigh up which format to prioritize based on the time available and the activity you prefer.

Dolmen and Romanesque architectural history

The Dolmen du Colombier in Aubigné-Racan may date from the Middle or Late Neolithic. Its possible date points to prehistoric times and offers a historical contrast with the Gallo-Roman complex at Cherré.

Only the bell tower and the foundations of part of the nave and apse survive from the first Romanesque church of Saint-Martin-de-Vertou. The bell tower was created by raising a square tower dating from the 12th century. The nave and apse are distinct parts of a church building: the nave is the main lengthwise section, while the apse is the area at the end of the church. This helps place the surviving foundations within the former church building, while the tower reflects a separate phase of construction.

Keep accessibility in mind

The Manoir de Champmarin is privately owned and cannot be visited. Take this access restriction into account when choosing your sightseeing destinations.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Georges-De-La-Couée, Solesmes, Saint-Corneille, Crannes-en-Champagne, La Bruere Sur Loir, Jupilles, Coulans-Sur-Gée, Pirmil.

Back to the regional travel overview: Sarthe.