The best road cycling routes around Gesnes

The cathedral (i.e., a bishop's church) in Laval was not dedicated to one of the many people we venerate as saints, but rather, the ONE God in THREE Persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God's Holy Spirit – was chosen as its patron saint. Father Reinhard Körner writes about the mystery of the Holy Trinity: + "Among the great prayer-givers in the history of Christianity... I found prayer texts in which each of the divine Three was explicitly addressed – in the same prayer. When I tried to recite the texts, I could sense that these people had not only individually envisioned God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit – they were addressing a divine community. And it seemed to me that they could only do this in their written prayers because they also did so otherwise, quietly in their hearts."

This church was not dedicated to one of the many people who died as martyrs (witnesses to their faith) for their Christian beliefs, or whom we venerate as blessed or saints because of their exemplary lives. Rather, this parish has chosen God himself – in the "Holy Trinity" – as its patron saint. According to Christian doctrine, we believe in ONE God, who exists in THREE persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The following description can be found on the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) website: + “The word attempts to express the seemingly impossible, namely that God is simultaneously three and one. To understand this, it helps to consider how people have experienced God throughout history: as a Creator who loves his world and humanity like a father loves his children. As a God who himself became human in Jesus Christ, his Son, and shared human life. And finally, as a God who is still present and alive among people in the Holy Spirit.”

This church is a neo-Romanesque building made of limestone and granite rubble. The architect was Pierre-Aimé Renous. The building houses several works listed as Historic Monuments, including stained-glass windows from the workshop of François Fialeix. Also inside are two wooden altarpieces, statues of the Three Marys from the Seigneurial Chapel, and a statue of Saint Martin from the Chapel of St. Martin.

In June 1795, the Chouans set fire to the church of Brée to flush out the Blues who had taken refuge there. Detailed article: Battle of Brée. The church was restored in 1809, based on an estimate by Tellot, architect, for 12,490 francs. The tower was restored and crowned with the current spire in 1866 by Mr. Baudriller of Évron.

Romanesque church that preserves superb medieval wall paintings, dating from the mid-13th century, depicting the life of Saint Vigor and the Resurrection of the Dead. Remarkable 17th-century altarpiece with marble and tufa columns, the work of Michel Langlois. Free admission.

In the heart of the picturesque village of Deux-Évailles, nestled in the department of Mayenne, sits the Saint-Martin Church, a true jewel of architectural and spiritual heritage. This church, which has gracefully survived the centuries, is much more than a simple place of worship; it embodies the rich and eventful history of the region. The history of Saint-Martin Church dates back to the Middle Ages, a time when the Christian faith was the pillar of daily life. The first traces of the church date back to the 12th century, when it was erected. Over the centuries, it has undergone transformations, renovations and additions which bear witness to the evolution of Gothic architecture and the importance of religion in society. During the French Revolution, the church witnessed major upheavals. Like many other religious buildings, it has been affected by acts of vandalism and has been used for secular purposes. Despite these trials, Saint-Martin Church survived and was restored in the 19th century, preserving its legacy for future generations. The Saint-Martin Church is distinguished by its remarkable architecture, mixing Romanesque and Gothic elements. The imposing facade, adorned with delicate sculptures, welcomes visitors with timeless elegance. The pointed vaults inside the church create an effect of grandeur and harmony, emphasizing the skill of the craftsmen who contributed to its construction. The majestic bell tower rises above the village, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Its imposing presence testifies to the central place occupied by the church in community life, both as a place of worship and as a visual landmark.

The Catholic Church - Saints Cyr and Julitte d'Argentré dates from Roman times and is dedicated to Saint Cyr and Saint Julitte, two martyrs of the early Christian church. You can admire the fresco in the vault above the main altar, which features geometric patterns from the 12th century. You can also admire the marble altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, the clock from 1875, the paintings and stained glass windows from the 20th century. The church is open to visitors during Heritage Days which take place every year in September.

The Saint-Cénéré church is a Romanesque church built on a rocky promontory in the village of Saint-Cénéré, in the department of Mayenne. The church dates from the 12th century and has remarkable frescoes from the 12th and 14th centuries. From the church, you can admire the view of the Erve valley and the surrounding countryside. The village of Saint-Céneré is also one of the most beautiful villages in France, with this plan of stone houses, its flower gardens and its bridges over the river. You can wander the streets and learn about local history and culture.