Distré is a town in Maine-et-Loire, in Pays de la Loire, southwest of Saumur which it borders.
Covering an area of 14 square kilometers, the territory of the town is occupied by humans since prehistoric times (dolmens have been discovered) and in antiquity, it crossed two important Roman roads, including the following that left bank of the Loire.
From the Middle Ages and under the old regime, two lordships have their headquarters there, and it's first parish Chétigné (now a hamlet of Distré) that develops around the church belonging to the bishops of Angers.
In 1793, it is Distré that are shot 235 Chouans who had been captured near Nantes...
The town benefits the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to its proximity to Saumur. Houses and shops are located. Its population now has nearly 1,700 inhabitants. Distré knew, however, maintain its frame green and pleasant life (vineyards, wetlands) and heritage, revealing therefore a pleasant stop during a stay in the Loire Valley where tourist attractions are many.
In terms of heritage, a discovery of the common circuit can start with Castle Poce, historical monument in 1862. It has preserved important medieval foundations of the eleventh and twelfth centuries when it was the seat of a powerful fiefdom run by knights who perceived rights of way. There remain many defensive elements of the building of massive appearance but has over time of decorative touches, which seems placed between two hills like "butcher" the transition. Surrounded by farmland and vineyards, it is no longer inhabited and can not be visited.
It continues with the church of the hamlet of Chétigné, dedicated to Our Lady, which was built from the twelfth century and rebuilt in the fifteenth. It is protected as historical monuments, like the Saint-Julien church in the village. It was built in the eleventh century but was rebuilt in 1567 after being severely damaged probably during disturbances and fires related to religious wars. We note his amazing lateral semicircular portal made with stones in diamonds, its chorus (the only original element with its barrel vault), the bell tower with two floors wearing a type of arrow "twisted" (the tip is twisted due to a defect). The building houses a beautiful window of St. Julien Brioude overlooking the apse ass oven and wooden stalls of the fifteenth century.
Rather visible during walks, finally, we must not forget to observe the most ancient evidence of the historical heritage of the town: the stone covered (dolmen) of La Vacherie, the megalithic Timber Chenaise and bridge Perray, Gallo-Roman origin, the locality Munet.
Place then leisure "nature" and sports.
Visitors and tourists can dispose Distré a green picnic area near the stadium, play areas for young children and petanque (the village level as each hamlet). outdoor fitness rigging are also located between the stadium and the old Roman road and a "city stadium."
One of the major attractions of the town is also the water of Echallier favorable to country walks, picnics and fishing trips (inquire at +33 2 41 50 28 50 opening dates and regulation).
Another idea output, a hike along the outline of a botanical trail built and maintained by volunteers that connects the two forms of the common landscapes: vineyards (to the church, on the slopes) and marshes and their particular habitat in the lower hamlet Munet. Notable plants are shown through educational panels.
For hiking or mountain biking on a larger scale, noted that Distré is crossed by two well-marked trails taking secondary roads connected to the large-Bike Route along the Loire, Saumur passing. More simply, on foot, you can also visit the city a few kilometers to discover the charm of its old districts and Loire.
Maps and information at 02 41 40 2060.
