Longuenée-en-Anjou is a town of Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire region, about twelve kilometers north-west of Angers.
The town was created in January 2016 following the merger of La Membrolle-sur-Longuenée (2027 inhabitants), La Meignanne (2235 inhabitants), Le Plessis-Macé (1230 inhabitants) and Pruillé (719), thus counting in total about 6500 inhabitants.
If the territory of more than 50 km² crossed the course of the Mayenne was covered with forests until the year one thousand, the four parishes which became common to the Revolution had their destiny bound since the Middle Ages with the establishment of churches and abbeys and land under the control of the lords of Plessis whose castle is erected from the twelfth century. This major building remains the heritage jewel of the new town.
With other buildings, the charms of the banks of Mayenne, many leisure activities and a preserved environment, this is a milestone of interest near the agglomeration of Angevin.
Established on the basis of a Gaulish oppidum, the castle of Plessis-Macé, which is said to be "the most Angevin des Châteaux", is the essential heritage site of Longuenée-en-Anjou. It was built in the 12th century and partly rebuilt in the 15th century while maintaining its castle look. This is how the medieval fortress turned into an elegant pleasure residence. Inside the walls, the defensive architecture reveals a seigniorial dwelling with a refined Renaissance style. Featuring a splendid carved balcony, it houses richly furnished rooms (library, large living room, dining room), but also a chapel decorated with Gothic woodwork. Property of the department since 1967, the castle is now a place of promotion and dissemination in theatrical matter on the department.
Open from April 12th to May 31st on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 1:30 pm to 6 pm, from July 8th to August 31st every day, from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, and from September 1st to November 1st on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 1:30 pm at 18 o'clock. Simple visit: 6.50 euros. Dramatized tours or activities are also offered. Information: +33 2 41 32 67 93.
Still in terms of heritage, on Pruillé, a break can be considered at the church of Saint-Symphorien, Romanesque building. Its old openings are visible (windows, south side door) under the plaster of restoration of Gothic inspiration of the nineteenth.
On the village, the dam and the lock of the Roussière located on the right bank of the Mayenne, beside which a beautiful house on the water was built, are worth a look. A mill was there for a long time. Now, fishing lodges mark this section of the watercourse.
From there, you can easily reach the marina of Pruillé, where you can make a stop before reaching the numerous rivers and streams of the West. Nearby, the nautical base allows in summer to practice canoeing, water skiing, pedalo, rent electric boats. Information on +33 2 41 32 67 58.
Finally, the picturesque ferry Trait d'union can cross the Mayenne. Useful to locals and tourists alike, with its paddle wheels, this is a moment that will delight young and old alike. Price: from 2 euros. Operates from mid-April to mid-October.
In another register, the farm of Olisun estate is a place of resources focused on biodiversity associating nature and the human. It includes a horse breeding, a home for horseback riders, an organic market gardening permaculture, a teaching farm committed to the preservation of ancient breeds. Information on +33 6 79 68 36 13.
It is also possible to visit a breeding dedicated to alpacas, with walks in a landscape looking like grove. Open all year by appointment. Price: 4.50 euros. Information on +33 6 77 22 14 89. As for the Asinerie du dolmen in La Meignanne, donkeys of different breeds are raised, donkey milk is produced and many cultural and recreational activities are offered. Information on +33 2 41 60 13 70.
Finally, in terms of the environment, the new municipality has a long green lung with the forest of Longuenée, which extends over more than 400 hectares. Crossed by a forest road of 6 km, hiking trails, riding trails or reserved for mountain bikes, composed of softwoods and hardwoods, the forest has a wide range of wildlife: deer, wild boar, squirrels.. But also newts, frogs and salamanders, woodcocks and buzzards around the pond surrounded by trees!
For information on hiking in the forest or including other sites of interest of the town, inquire at +33 2 41 27 14 08 or +33 2 41 23 50 00.
Note also that the banks of the Mayenne are part of the Vélo Francette, a cycling route from Caen to La Rochelle!
For fishing enthusiasts, river or pond, contact +33 2 41 87 57 09 to learn about the sites and regulations.
In March, the theater festival Very Early Scene offers daytime shows for school and evening for all ages at the castle of Plessis-Macé.
During the second half of June, the Anjou festival offers the castle quality shows that attract an audience from all of the "Great West". Many stars perform on this occasion.
At the end of August, in the villages of the new commune, "Middle Street" offers street theater shows.
In September, in Plessis-Macé, the Gadoo Night is a race combining mountain biking and walking in the evening.
The first weekend of September in Pruillé and the third weekend of September in La Membrolle-sur-Longuenée, garage sales.
On Friday before Christmas, La Ronde de Noël at La Meignanne is an evening race held in a friendly atmosphere.