Luçon Cathedral – The Lay at Moutiers-sur-Lay loop from Luçon
Luçon Cathedral – The Lay at Moutiers-sur-Lay loop from Luçon
9
riders
Luçon Cathedral – The Lay at Moutiers-sur-Lay loop from Luçon
02:21
54.9km
360m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 0 m for 261 m
After 54.7 km for 212 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1.40 km
Luçon Cathedral
Highlight • Other
But Luzon is best known for its religious status. From the 7th century, the foundation of a monastery which was destroyed by the Viking invasions made it the spiritual center of Bas-Poitou and the town became the seat of the bishopric in the 14th century.
In 1608, a certain Armand Jean du Plessis was appointed Bishop of Luçon. Noting the sad state of the city ravaged during the Wars of Religion, he described the region as "the ugliest bishopric in France, the dirtiest and most disagreeable" (especially in order to justify his request for subsidies from the ecclesiastical authorities). endeavored from then on to reorganize the diocese which he left in 1623 to put himself at the service of the king, after a long ascent to the throne.This bishop of Luçon, with remarkable intellectual qualities, ended up becoming the principal Minister of Louis XIII, and remains known under the name of “Cardinal of Richelieu.” The history of the city remains intrinsically linked to the figure of Richelieu who officiated in this cathedral.
Begun in 1091, the cathedral was initially in the Romanesque style. The portal of the north transept remains from this period. But for the most part, the building (the nave, the choir, the cloister) that we see now was rebuilt several times in the Gothic style. During the wars of religion, the church was repeatedly ransacked. The high openwork neo-Gothic spire is a splendid romantic fantasy according to 19th century taste. It peaks at 85 m and gives the cathedral the silhouette we know today.
The city center of Luçon also offers other historical and religious monuments.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.96 km
The Luçon water tower
Highlight • Other
The water tower with the adjoining electrical factory which made it possible to operate it (factory powered by coal from Faymoreau) made Luçon a city at the cutting edge of modernity with running water and electricity. . However, in 1961 the water tower was decommissioned, and it gradually deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. In 1991, the reinforced concrete monument was threatened with demolition, but by a decree of February 10, 1992 it was automatically classified as a historic monument, in order to allow its preservation. It now stands as a witness to early 20th century architecture consecrated by the appearance of reinforced concrete, and offers a light and astonishing silhouette for a water tower with its late art deco style and ceramic flourishes. . On the main facade, two cast iron lion faces had an orange lamp. This monument was to be supplemented by a lighthouse which was never completed.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.29 km
Route Bike Path
Highlight • Cycleway
43.8 km
The Lay at Moutiers-sur-Lay
Highlight • River
Tip by
54.9 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
52.4 km
1.50 km
309 m
294 m
271 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
52.9 km
1.57 km
157 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (80 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Friday 26 June
36°C
21°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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