La Ménitré is a village in Maine-et-Loire in the Pays de la Loire region, on the right bank of the river, 25 km east of Angers and 25 km north-west of Saumur.
The municipality was created in 1825 by the fusion of three hamlets, endowing itself with a notably modern urbanism brought to coexist with an older habitat. The center of the village was designed around two poles, the church and the town hall, according to an orthogonal plan, which makes the originality of the village in a landscape that remains for the most part agricultural and marked by the Loire and the lands Flooding.
The site of La Ménitré was already known in the 15th century for its small port, which faces the Abbey of Saint-Maur (on the other side of the river): Louis XI disembarked there several times While traveling to Angers by boat.
The port still exists and is one of the attractions of the municipality which also demonstrates a real cultural dynamism. With a quality environment, La Ménitré has the label Station verte de vacances, which distinguishes communities that favor nature tourism.
At the level of the built heritage, the municipality has several notable buildings deserving a visit.
Two were built in the wake of the creation of the city: the town hall, of classic monumental style (1866-1869), with ornaments carved on its facade and gardens that confer a certain nobility, Jean-Baptiste (classified). Built in 1837 parallel to La Loire (while all the other churches of the time were built perpendicular to the river), it is of ancient inspiration. Its sober decor that highlights the architectural volume. In front, the porch is surmounted by a square bell tower with lanternon.
See also the manor Jeanne de Laval, also known as "Grenier aux rentes", built in the 15th century by King René for his second wife. It was transformed into a town hall in the 19th century and was subsequently bought by the Vilmorin company (seeds, seeds, trees), where a private museum was built.
The local terroir is recognized: on the territory of the commune, there are also the arboretum of the Minier nurseries (on 30 hectares) and the National Center of Horticultural Promotion (formation).
A walk in La Ménitré can also include the Virgin mill. It was built in 1839 and raised by a ground floor and a floor to better catch the wind. It ceased to function in 1901. Since 1906, it is surmounted by a statue of the Virgin High of 2.40 m offered by a Parishioner returned cured of a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The mill of the Goislard, dating from the eighteenth and was located on the neighboring town of Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire. It was bought and transferred to La Ménitré by the Vilmorin company which wanted to position it in front of the factory entrance. But the short trip having weakened the edifice, a replica identical has been substituted.
In a different register, the site of Port Saint-Maur which enjoyed a sustained activity in the 19th century is now devoted to leisure in a green setting.
There is a playground and picnic tables. It is a starting point for hiking along the river.
We also embark on comfortable boats for cruises on the river, whose valley has been inscribed on UNESCO's patrimony. The opportunity, between Saumur and Angers, to appreciate differently the castles, the villages of sailors but also a rich fauna (migratory birds). Information on +33 2 41 57 01 82.
More sporting, but also recreational, the nautical base built on the Port offers the rental of canoes. Contact the +33 6 17 08 91 75.
Lastly, many hiking and cycling routes have been set up, including the remarkable points of the locality (explanatory panels). Other longer-term routes include La Ménitré but also other sites in the Loire Valley. Brochures and information at +33 2 41 57 01 82.
On the last Sunday of May, the commune organizes at the Port Saint-Maur "Mystère de Loire". On the program, creation of an artistic and landscaped ephemeral garden (with the students of the Center of promotion horticole) which serves as decoration to a choreographic spectacle, craft market, workshops...
The first Sunday in June, garage sale and bike festival in the center of the village.
In June, July and August, "apéros concerts" on the site of the Port (one evening per month, from 19h30). Information on +33 2 41 45 63 63.
On the last weekend of July, the Folklore Festival of Anjou and the World (formerly Celebration of the Headdresses), has an international reputation. Dancers and musicians from all continents delight a large audience in a friendly atmosphere. Program, shows, parades and fireworks closing.
Finally, to discover the specialties of local producers and craftsmen, a market takes place every Saturday morning in the church square.
