Charmante commune of Maine-et-Loire, Les Ponts-de-Cé takes place only a few kilometers from Angers, in the heart of the Pays de la Loire. It is located on the banks of the Loire, crossed by many bridges that gave it its name.
The town of Ponts-de-Cé, of Gallo-Roman origin, took on its full significance in the ninth century with the construction of a bridge fortified by Charles the Bald, grandson of Charlemagne, in order to defend himself from the invader Norman. Second favorite residence of King René in the 15th century, it was also a privileged place of reception for King Louis XI at the same time. In the 17th century, Les Ponts-de-Cé was the scene of a famous battle between Louis XIII and his mother, Marie de Medici, who was then removed from the regency.
Today, the city of the Loire is still appreciated for its rich architectural heritage, as well as for its proximity with Angers and its many tourist and historical sites.
Classified as Historical Monuments, the Château des Ponts-de-Cé dates from the 13th century. Rebuilt on the remains of an ancient fortress of the ninth century, it was reworked by King René in the fifteenth century. All that remains today is the donjon, made of tufa stone, formerly surrounded by a corbelled round path. It is possible to visit the museum of headdresses and traditions, with a collection of more than 400 headdresses and bonnets of Anjou, as well as reconstructions of ancient places of life such as the workshop of the perruquière, the Seamstress or ironer.
A little more recent, the castle of Rivet dates from the 15th century. Today private property, it is listed in Historic Monuments, while its chapel is classified.
The church of Saint-Aubin was built in the eleventh century and classified to the Historic Monuments in the early twentieth century. Following a fire in the 1970s that left only the original walls, the building was completely renovated. Outside, you can discover a neogothic façade, as well as windows with flamboyant and Renaissance frescoes. Inside, there are still some 16th century wall paintings, a statue of Saint Barbe from the same period, 17th century altarpieces, or the very beautiful stained glass window of the Jean Valchon chapel.
A former Romanesque building from the 11th century, the Saint-Maurille church was completely redone in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style.
According to a local legend not verified, Julius Caesar defeated the Gallic warrior Dumnacus, during the revolt of the Angevins, in the Ponts-de-Cé. In the 19th century, a statue of Dumnacus was erected in the city to commemorate the event.
It is possible to see in the town the last vestige of the former convent of the Cordelieres. It is a monumental door dating from the 17th century located at the entrance of a nursing home. The old church now serves as a theater under the name of Théâtre des Dames.
Dynamic, the town of Ponts-de-Cé has a leisure base where it is possible to practice canoeing on the Loire, as well as a swimming pool with many facilities for young and old.
The market is held every Friday and Sunday morning. A lively Christmas market is organized at the end of the year.
Ancient medieval festival with ancient origins, the Baillée of the girls is organized every year in May. In particular, there is a medieval market, a falconry show, games, a knights' tournament and equestrian shows.
The Traver'Cé musical festival is held in July, offering different concerts.
In September, the festival of cooked apples offers a garage sale and various festive animations.