The best road cycling routes around Saint-Ouën-Des-Toits

The patronage of this church has been entrusted to Saint Simeon, who is mentioned in the New Testament. According to the biblical account by Luke, he and the prophetess Anna were the two people present in the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus Christ, when Mary and Joseph—following Jewish custom—entered the Temple with their firstborn son and an offering (two doves). The Evangelist records the following prayer on the occasion of this encounter between the elderly Simeon and Jesus as the promised Messiah: "Now, Lord, you are releasing your servant in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32)

easy and beautiful route

This lake on the banks of the Mayenne is a fantastic place for hiking. You will find hiking trails all around the lake itself and for more interest you can look for the ardens where you will find a vegetable patch.

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This church has existed since at least the 9th century, but it got its current appearance in the 12th century, when Benedictines set up a priory there. The nuns left Avesnières during the Hundred Years War and the church then became a simple parish church again. It was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1898 by Pope Leo XIII.

Simeon is an old man from the time of Jesus Christ who was told by God that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. Imagine the anguish he had seeing himself aging day after day. But one day, in front of the Temple of Jerusalem, he saw Mary and Joseph bringing their son Jesus, to fulfill the Law of Moses, like good practitioners. Then Simeon took the child: "Now Lord, you may let your servant go in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen the Savior whom you are preparing, Light to enlighten the Greeks, and Glory of your chosen people." Simeon's canticle is also called the "Nunc Dimitis". It is sung every night before going to sleep by all the priests and all the men and women religious of the Catholic Church throughout the world.

On the Old Bridge of Laval, one is captivated by the medieval castle which sits over the city, in particular by this "Tour-Maîtresse", a jewel of medieval architecture. Anecdote at the origin of this bridge: Guy I of Laval, Lord of Laval in 1020 spanned the Mayenne at the foot of his castle. But he fell with his mount and, seeing himself lost, commended himself to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Brought back mysteriously to the shore, he was making a prayer of gratitude when, in the branches of an oak tree, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him. He built a chapel, called Notre-Dame d'Avesnières, and a monastery of nuns where his daughters entered. Pilgrims flocked there and the chapel, enlarged several times, gave way to a basilica completed by Count Guy V de Laval, great-grandson of the founder.

The "Pont Vieux" makes it possible to cross the Mayenne to Laval. It dates from the 12th century, until the construction of the Pont Aristide-Briand (or "Pont Neuf") at the beginning of the 19th century, it is the only bridge in Laval. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1926, it was originally called "Pont Saint-Julien". The Laval hospital chapel also had the same patron saint.