Épineu-le-Chevreuil: Church, stained glass and historic manor houses

Épineu-le-Chevreuil brings together landmarks from different centuries: the Church of Saint-Fraimbault and Saint-Antoine is mentioned as early as the 12th century, while its manor houses add their own architectural touches. There is also a described hike featuring paths, waterways and historic buildings. When choosing a hotel, this combination can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: sacred art and architectural history, or a hike that takes in historic houses.

Church and art from different centuries

The Church of Saint-Fraimbault and Saint-Antoine is mentioned as early as the 12th century. Its northern seigneurial chapel was built in the early 16th century. In 1931, stained-glass artist Auguste Alleaume created a stained-glass window in the church depicting the death of Joan of Arc. Thus, the church’s early mention, the later construction of the chapel and a 20th-century artwork represent different periods. The dates offer a clear timeline: from the medieval reference, through the chapel, to the stained glass.

Historic houses and their architecture

At Logis du Carrefour, the focus is on the scope of protection. The entire estate is protected as a historic monument; it was listed on 29 December 2023. The façades and roofs of the building adjoining the north gable wall are also protected. The adjoining building was formerly a bakery. To understand the designation, it is worth distinguishing the areas: the Logis is fully protected, while the adjoining building is specifically protected for its façades and roofs.

At Manoir de la Gagnerie, several details describe its form. The Circuit des passerelles describes the floor plan as L-shaped and mentions a square tower. The “En Champagne Sarthoise” hike passes the manor and describes two building sections and a square tower referred to as a 12th-century watchtower. The manor itself dates from the 16th century. The dates therefore refer to different parts: the tower is assigned to the 12th century, while the manor dates to the 16th century. An L-shaped floor plan and two building sections also describe different aspects of the complex: its overall shape and its layout.

Manoir de la Cour has a different architectural feature. The Circuit des passerelles highlights the unusual stone ornamental finials on the sloping roof sections of the gables. While the Gagnerie is described in terms of its floor plan and tower, here the focus is on a detail of the roof design. This makes it possible to distinguish the two manor houses by different features.

Hiking and landscape

The route description was updated in October 2020. It names Épineu-le-Chevreuil as the starting point, rates the “En Champagne Sarthoise” hike as easy and describes a long section on the GR®365. According to the description, more than half of the route follows paths and quiet minor roads. These details give a specific impression of the route and its composition.

The hike crosses the Ruisseau Rigaudière first and the Vègre later. The route also passes Manoir de la Gagnerie. Thus, water crossings and stretches of trail feature in the same route description as a named historic building. When planning your stay, you can choose between focusing on church art and manor houses, or taking a hike that also offers a connection to architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Montreuil-le-Chétif, Mézières-Sous-Lavardin, Cérans-Foulletourte, Chantenay-Villedieu, Mézeray, Semur-en-Vallon, Mamers, Le Grand-Lucé.

Return to the broader travel overview: Sarthe.