The best traffic-free bike rides around Rochefort-Sur-Loire

In 1760, Laurent Bertholet, the village priest, rebuilt the church and had the bells recast. Dedicated to Saint Augustine in the 18th century, the church measured 15 meters long by 7.40 meters wide, with a chancel (4 meters by 3.25 meters) and a sanctuary (2 meters by 4.20 meters). The bell tower now houses three bells: Pauline, Louise, and Bernadette. The stained-glass window in the center of the chancel was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. de la Perrière. In 1789, the parish of Saint-Augustin-des-Bois was renamed, like all other parishes bearing the name of a saint. It was then called "Le Grand Bois" (The Great Wood). The grievance notebooks provide us with information about village life: “The poor abound among the hemp growers, as well as among the tenant farmers and sharecroppers scattered throughout the woods and heathland, who saw their work reduced to nothing by the invasions of does, stags, badgers, wild boars, rabbits, partridges… all sorts of predatory animals that destroy rural property.” The presbytery, for its part, was acquired by the municipality in 1825, and the cemetery was moved outside the village in 1808.

The first written traces of the church date back to the 6th century. Then, in the 11th century, we learn that a certain Lord Sigebrand donated the church to the Abbey of Saint Serge in Angers, becoming a monk there. The church is dedicated to Saint Aubin. In 1568, the original Gothic building was pillaged and burned by the Huguenots, but was not completely destroyed. In 1582, it benefited from the addition of a side porch named Henri II, adorned with all the delicacies of Renaissance art. Note the studded portal of the period, decorated with coffers, which complete the harmony of this entrance, which is listed as a historic monument. The church was remodeled in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style, while retaining its Renaissance portal and three 18th-century altarpieces. The high altar was restored by the municipality in 2015. The life of our church is timeless, and for it to continue, urgent consolidation and renovation work must begin. https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org/les-projets/securisation-eglise-saint-aubin/87709 https://www.wiki-anjou.fr/index.php/%C3%89glise_Saint-Aubin_de_Saint-Aubin-de-Luign%C3%A9

This beautiful building, listed as a Historic Monument, has been occupied by the town hall since 1987. It was the village presbytery for four and a half centuries. Its construction was the work of Jean de Pontoise, the village priest in the 16th century. Today, it is one of the finest examples of the Renaissance in Anjou. The façade facing the church, although some openings have been altered, still bears witness to this today. The dormer window framed by two columns topped with scrolls is characteristic of 16th-century art. Prominently displayed here is the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Indeed, Jean de Pontoise's father was the famous pontiff's personal physician. Jean accompanied his father to Rome before returning to France and becoming the village priest. This reference proves that he has not forgotten the Pope's generosity. Inside, you can still admire a magnificent 16th century fireplace, whose painted mantelpiece also bears the Borgia coat of arms.

A magnificent church, known in particular for its Renaissance portal. It has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. In the square, you'll find a grocery store selling a little bit of everything.

This former 16th-century presbytery - which currently houses the town hall of the "charming village" - bears witness, through its splendor, to the significant impact of the Renaissance in Anjou.

The scene of one of the fiercest battles of the First Vendée War, this place is today a completely peaceful green setting.

Quiet rest area on the Loire

I received a lovely welcome, with service that was quite quick in my opinion and, above all, a good vegetarian burger served with delicious homemade fries. In short, an excellent break!