Ernée is a city of Mayenne, Pays de la Loire region, 30 kilometers north-west of Laval.
Strategically located on the borders of Brittany and Normandy, the locality has developed in the valley of the river of the same name, the Ernée, in a landscape of grove suitable for agriculture.
This activity remains its main asset in the economic field, with the agri-food and associated industries (agricultural mechanics), the textile industry that had established itself in the past during the twentieth century.
A powerful commercial center since the old regime, positioned on major axes of communication linking Paris and Brittany and Normandy and the Atlantic facade, once a fief related to the Counts of Anjou, Ernée today has nearly 6,000 inhabitants.
The preservation and enhancement of its historic heritage (the territory was inhabited since the Neolithic) as its natural environment, the development of recreational facilities and a certain cultural vitality make it a stage of interest.
Ernée has a rich and varied heritage that deserves to be discovered at the option of a journey that can begin with the chapel of Charné, built in the twelfth century, and now a Historic Monument. Surrounded by a cemetery with very ancient tombs, you will notice its bell tower, its Romanesque choir, and inside, a polychrome statue of the Virgin, 15th century wall paintings and altarpieces of the 17th century.
It was replaced as parish church when was built in 1697 the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, on the site of an old feudal castle whose stones were thus reused. Malmaison during the Revolution, the building adorned with a singular dome has still preserved interesting ornaments such as its lantern tower, its stained glass windows, a high altar and classified altarpieces of the eighteenth century.
Also worth mentioning is the 16th-century Renaissance Pannard Castle, which now houses a private agricultural school.
Testimonies of the very ancient past of the territory (Neolithic), Ernée also has two "covered alleys", the dolmens of the Contrie and Tardivière, which were discovered at the end of the eighteenth. These were funerary monuments.
However, you have to walk in the forest to discover them. Previously, one can visit the museum of Prehistory and the Gallo-Roman treasury of the city, whose collections present series of axes, scrapers and other remains discovered during excavations, as well as Gallo-Roman coins, which testifies that the commercial vocation of the city is millenary... Open all year except Sunday and Monday. Information on +33 2 43 08 71 17 or +33 2 43 08 71 10.
A walk in Ernée brings visitors to discover other treasures: the sculptures, some of which are monumental by Louis Derbré (1925-2011), an artist revealed in the 1960s, and who quickly became internationally renowned. This figure of contemporary art from Mayenne installed his studio in the Paris region, before returning to Ernée in 1991 where he set up a foundry workshop, an introductory center for crafts and a sculpture garden. on 7 hectares with scenic spaces, among which a theater of greenery.
The Louis-Derbré area, which also hosts seminars or family reunions, can be visited by appointment. Contact +33 6 86 38 16 21 or +33 6 08 84 51 34.
In terms of the environment, the Bizeuls bog, in the north of the territory, is a wetland protected by the singular ecosystem.
All these sites can be the subject of thematic or recreational routes designed by the Tourist Office or be included in larger hiking or mountain biking tours including the city. Documentation and information on +33 2 43 08 71 10 or +33 2 43 53 18 18.
As for sports and leisure activities, the Cardamines lake is ideal for strolling and jogging in a green setting (swimming is prohibited). It is also possible to enjoy the leisure base of Bizeuls, a 7-hectare area that includes a mini-golf, a petanque, a mountain bike track, indoor tennis courts and marked walking trails. Information on +33 2 43 08 71 10.
You can also enjoy the Aquatic Center, with its swimming pools, fun and well-being facilities, supplemented in summer with outdoor areas for lazing around or beach volleyball. Entry: 3 and 4 euros. Information on +33 2 43 05 03 80.
For a tennis game, call +33 2 43 05 16 65.
In another register, Ernée prides itself on owning with the Raymond-Demy circuit one of the most famous motor-cross circuits of the Hexagon. It regularly hosts championships from France, Europe and international competitions. Apart from these highlights, introductory or advanced courses are offered. Information on +33 2 43 05 87 10.
In terms of culture, exhibitions are regularly offered at the municipal library (information +33 2 43 08 71 19), and the Espace Clair de Lune program throughout the year concerts, exhibitions, dance performances and plays of quality. Inquire at +33 2 43 05 98 80.
From mid-July to mid-August, the Nuis de Mayenne offer in the department of live shows combining culture and heritage. This festival is staged every year at Ernée.
The first weekend of September, over three days, the Saint-Grégoire festival program sports events, animal competitions, exhibition of old vehicles, strolling concerts of fanfares...
On the second Saturday of September, Au foin de la Lune is a storytelling and musical hike in the evening.
Every second week of November, regional artistic exhibition at Espace Clair de Lune.
Finally, the rich terroir of the region is to discover during the weekly market on Tuesday morning.
