The environment for students living between the Loir valley and Bercé forest- part 2

"Churches and castles :

Saint Guingalois : Originally, Château du Loir had 3 churches : saint Martin's, which has been destroyed, saint Saviour's and saint Guingalois', which comes from a Breton saint who have founded a monastery before her death in 504. Saint Guénolé's relics were brought here during the 10th century Norman invasions. The church became the parish church during the Revolution and despite successive transformations, it kept a few Roman elements like the crypt. That's the oldest part with two rows of cylindrical columns between the naves. The chruch was sold as national property during the Revolution and for a long time served as a stable. The Gothic influence is visible in the windows of the five-sided choir. In the 16th century two side aisles were added and the organ was bought in 1843 at Château l'Hermitage.

Le Lude's castle : It dates from the 10th century, the fortress was built on the banks of the Loir on the border with Anjou. During the Hundred Yeras War, the castle was occupied by the English and liberated in 1427 by Loré, Beaumanoir and Gilles de Rais, the legendary Bluebeard.

Gallerande's Castle : It has a pleasant sheltered courtyard, as well as a park and a fortress transformed into a residence in the 15th century.

Flée's church : Saint Peter's church dates from the 11th century and is mainly constructed of stone and wood.

The mound of Joan of Arc dominating La Chartre : The statue of Joan of Arc stands on a hill dominating La Charte as the result of mother's prayer : she prayed that her son should return safe from the First World War and promised the statue in her honour. The son retruned, but the mother lacked the funds of fulfil her promise. These were provided thanks to a collection made in the area and the statue was erected..."