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Gennes-Val-de-Loire

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Maine-et-Loire

Gennes-Val-de-Loire - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Maine-et-Loire
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Gennes-Loire Valley:

Gennes-Val-de-Loire is a town in Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays-de-la-Loire region, 20 km south-east from Angers and 20 km north-west from Saumur.

The town was created on January 1, 2018 following the merger of Gennes-Val de Loire (without dashes) and the localities of Rosiers-sur-Loire and Saint-Martin-de-la-Place.

Two years earlier, Gennes-Val de Loir was born from the merger of five towns: Gennes (5000 inhabitants), Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, Grésillé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil.

The entire new entity now has nearly 8,800 inhabitants for a vast territory of 145 km².

Inhabited since the Neolithic period, urbanized since Roman times, enriched since the Middle Ages, Gennes-Val-de-Loire presents an exceptional historical heritage in a unique environment, on both sides of the Loire, with some 18 km of banks... common logically belongs to the Regional Natural Park Loire-Anjou-Touraine.

Relying on a rich agriculture (horticulture, fruits, vines, goat cheeses...), the new city has also become a must for tourists visiting the region. Its classified monuments, its picturesque villages as its typical landscapes of the Loire Valley or its forest plateaux will fill everyone.

The Rosiers-sur-Loire:

A small town in Maine-et-Loire, Les Rosiers-sur-Loire is located in the heart of Anjou. The locality takes place in the Loire Anjou Touraine Regional Nature Park, in the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its geographical location is worth a number of protections such as Natura 2000, or classifications and inscriptions to the Historical Monuments.

Formerly entirely covered with forests, the Rosiers-sur-Loire site was mainly developed around the 12th century with extensive clearing. Highly impacted by the wars of religion, the city also suffered greatly during the Second World War, especially because of its bridge crossing the Loire. The latter was destroyed at that time.

Appreciated by visitors for its location, the city of Rosiers-sur-Loire is also a pool of monuments to discover. Many sites protected by the Historical Monuments testify to a rich and fascinating history.

Saint-Martin-de-la-Place:

Saint-Martin-de-la-Place is located between Loire and Authion. The first human occupation dates back to the Gallo-Roman era; Saint-Martin-de-la-Place was then located on one of the few crossings of the Loire. The development accelerates with the construction of the lift in the twelfth century. Mixing varied agriculture and activities related to the river (shipping, fishing), the locality knows its apogee in the XIXe century. It has kept its Ligurian setting and offers its visitors a magnificent view of the south bank of the Loire.

Geographical information

MunicipalityGennes-Val-de-Loire
Postcode49350
Tourism label
Latitude47.3511770 (N 47° 21’ 4”)
Longitude-0.2253240 (W 0° 13’ 31”)
AltitudeFrom 17m to 100m
Surface area144.94 km²
Population8647 inhabitants
Density59 inhabitants/km²
PrefectureAngers (31 km, 35 min)
Insee code49261
IntercommunalityCA Saumur Val de Loire
DepartmentMaine-et-Loire
TerritoriesAnjou, Loire Valley
RegionPays de la Loire

Nearest cities & towns

Saint-Clément-des-Levées4.7 km (7 min)
La Ménitré7.7 km (9 min)
Loire-Authion10.9 km (11 min)
Beaufort-en-Anjou12.4 km (13 min)
Longué-Jumelles12.7 km (13 min)
Dénezé-sous-Doué12.8 km (14 min)
Verrie14.4 km (20 min)
Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent15.1 km (19 min)
Blaison-Saint-Sulpice16 km (17 min)
Mazé-Milon16.5 km (15 min)
Saint-Philbert-du-Peuple17.1 km (17 min)
Tuffalun17.2 km (18 min)
Vivy17.6 km (18 min)
Blou17.9 km (21 min)
Louresse-Rochemenier18 km (19 min)

Things to see and do

Gennes-Loire Valley:

In terms of historic built heritage, the town is part of the perimeter of the Loire Valley World Heritage listed by UNESCO as a cultural landscape that reflects the "interactions between people and the river over two thousand years of history." It is a remarkable ensemble for the quality of its architectural heritage, its cities and historic sites and for its world-famous castles...

In addition, the old communes of Thoureil and Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault are labeled "Small Towns of Character" and Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault is recognized "Village of charm".

In detail, a discovery of these jewels will include many menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic, especially around the villages of Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies, Thoureil and Gennes. Note local specificity, gantry dolmens (triliths).

For the buildings of later eras, on Chenehutte-Trier-Cunault, the visitor will linger at the level of the tower of Trier, endowed with machicolation, keep of the castle rebuilt in the 15th century. To see also, the Notre-Dame de Cunault priory church, Romanesque style, inheritance of a priory established since the 9th century and which depended on the abbey of Tournus. Conventual buildings were removed in the 18th century. The village also counts the classified churches of Saint-Aubin, Saint-Maxenceul and Tuffeaux, and, still older, a remarkable Roman camp.

On the ancient town of Gennes, a Gallo-Roman amphitheater and a temple (or nymphaeum) of the same period have been preserved. The city was then a central point where converged several Roman routes to cross the Loire.

In addition to the memorial dedicated to the cadets of Saumur and the Algerian riflemen killed in 1940, to see also, the church Saint-Eusebe which dominates the city and the church Saint-Vétérin.

In Grézillé, the magnificent castle of Pimpéan is definitely worth a visit. It has four main building built in the seventeenth century on the bases of a fortified wall of the fifteenth. We will also take a look at the Gasté mill, a fine example of the many works dedicated to the milling activity that still mark the territory.

After Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and its churches Saint-Barnabé and Saint-Pierre-en-Vaux, continue with Le Thoureil. We will discover the Saint-Maur abbey of Glanfeuil. Founded in the 9th century, it was the first Benedictine abbey established in Anjou. She then rose to the Assumptionists until the 1980s. She now welcomes green classes. The Saint-Genulf and Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais churches in Bessé complete the stage.

At the level of Rosiers-sur-Loire, then, which owes its name to its horticultural vocation, we will focus on the Notre-Dame church of the twelfth, fifteenth, sixteenth and nineteenth centuries: its square bell tower of the Renaissance period is remarkable. In the same village, always, located on the right bank of the Loire, the facade of the house of the Porte de la Vallée (XV), the windmill of the Lowlands (XVIII) and the presbytery in part of the XVIth are also to include in a discovery circuit...

Finally, the village of Saint-Martin-de-la-Place is not outdone, with the castle of Boumois (fifteenth and sixteenth), that of the Poupardière (sixteenth and nineteenth) and the priory of the Madeleine Boumois including the chapel dates from the 12th century.

In addition to all these classified sites, the visitor will also appreciate many examples of troglodyte dwellings, dwellings dug in the limestone. A very local specificity that includes small houses but also larger homes depending on manor or ancient hearts of medieval fiefs. Troglodyte houses were built until the 19th century.

After the built heritage (including fountains, mills or bridges), the remarkable environment is also to be covered. Several protected natural sites punctuate the new town, like the reserve of woods and the pond of Joreau which forms a whole of 400 hectares, and of course the banks of the Loire, with several zones classified Natura 2000 for their ecosystem.

Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails have been designed that include all or part of these historic and natural sites. Themed trails have also been created for history buffs. Finally, note that the cycle route of the Loire by bike includes the banks of the town. Documentation and information on +33 2 41 40 20 60.

For walks of another kind, it is possible to choose to go through some of these circuits in hitch. Contact +33 2 41 54 20 97.

For athletes, the town has many facilities including a bi-cross field in the forest of Joreau, Gennes, and outdoor tennis courts and covered in Chênehutte, Gennes, Grézillé and Le Thoureil. Contact in particular the +33 6 81 95 77 01.

In a different genre, thrill seekers can try water skiing. Inquire at +33 6 82 37 25 47.

In addition, two summer swimming pools discovered have sports pools and recreational facilities in Gennes and Les Rosiers. Open on weekends in June and all week in July and August. Entry: 1.50 and 2.50 euros.

Finally, an original walk allows to discover the Loire, the landscapes and the monuments which border it while navigating on the river on a traditional boat... Contact the +33 7 86 18 52 10.

The Rosiers-sur-Loire:

When passing through the Maine-et-Loire, difficult not to succumb to the charm of the small town of Rosiers-sur-Loire and its exceptional heritage.

Listed as a Historical Monument, the Notre-Dame church was built in the 13th century and modified in the 15th, 16th and 19th centuries. It still reveals an original bell tower of Renaissance style and formed of two towers. This last, work of the Angevin, Jean de l'Espine, was classified. Visitable, it offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Also listed as Historic Monuments, the rectory with its facades and roof of the sixteenth century, the Porte de la Vallee 15th century with its spiral staircase, or the windmill of the Lowlands. The latter was built in 1725.

The city of Rosiers-sur-Loire also has several sites listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage. Thus, in the old center, one can admire several houses of the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The Jeanne-de-Laval fountain, the 19th century, the dike, or the chapel of Patoil, former mansion of the thirteenth century are not lacking interest either.

The farm located on the path of Saint-Clément-des-Levées dates from the seventeenth century. You can still admire a pigsty, a bread oven or even the main house.

Ideal for a walk in the sun, the rose garden Loubert unveils a collection of 2500 varieties of roses in a beautiful English garden.

The work of Bernard Gitton, the Zen fountain, on the Notre-Dame church square, is a must in Rosiers-sur-Loire.

Several hiking trails and other cycling routes are available on the town, like the circuit of the town, hiking Authion, or the circuit of the Loire by bike.

Saint-Martin-de-la-Place:

Castle Boumois (sixteenth century).

Saint Etienne church, 18th century bell tower.

The stele in memory of Admiral Dupetit Thouars, killed at the Battle of Aboukir.

The Poupardière, manor house on the banks of the Authion (XVI).

Remains of the Gallo-Roman wooden pavement (the Port).

The houses of the seventeenth-nineteenth century.

The pedestrian and cycling paths along the Loire and in the countryside.

Places of interest

Information points
Monuments
Transport

Events and festivities

Gennes-Loire Valley:

In May, the May de l'Orgue festival organizes organ concerts every Sunday in the Cunault Priory.

On the Rosiers-sur-Loire, at Pentecost, strawberry fair.

In June, cycling festival on Les Rosiers-sur-Loire.

In July, the festival of Musical Hours of Cunault program many concerts of classical music in the prieurale. Information on +33 6 12 42 49 33.

In September, on the site of the troglodyte lodging of Saint-Pierre-in-Vaux, in Grézillé, the fairy festival proposes fun and musical animations for all publics.

All year, finally, the products of the rich local soil are to discover on Tuesday morning on the market of Gennes and Monday morning on that of the Rosiers.

The Rosiers-sur-Loire:

The market is held every Monday morning.

In mid-May, the strawberry festival offers tastings, sales and entertainment around the red fruit.

Art en Crue is a festival taking place in August. Guinguette of edge of the Loire, it proposes animations, concerts, balls, all in a festive and relaxed tone.

The city also offers a Christmas market in December.

Saint-Martin-de-la-Place:

Bike Festival: the 3rd Sunday of June.

Great table of St Martiniens: in July.

Bouillonnantes Festival: July 31st.

Concert as part of the welcoming church concerts: early September.

Garage sale: early September.

Photos

Zen fountain and Rosiers-sur-Loire church
Zen fountain and Rosiers-sur-Loire church
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The Thoureil and its banks of the Loire
The Thoureil and its banks of the Loire
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The mill of Sarré
The mill of Sarré
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Bridge of Rosiers-sur-Loire
Bridge of Rosiers-sur-Loire
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Castle of Pimpéan
Castle of Pimpéan
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Bridge of Rosiers-sur-Loire
Bridge of Rosiers-sur-Loire
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Facade of the Saint-Maur de Glanfeuil abbey
Facade of the Saint-Maur de Glanfeuil abbey
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Gasté Mill
Gasté Mill
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Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies - Saint Barnabas Church
Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies - Saint Barnabas Church
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Saint-Genulf Church
Saint-Genulf Church
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Gasté Mill
Gasté Mill
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Grézillé - Church
Grézillé - Church
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Weather

Tuesday 19 march
Min. 4°C - Max. 17°C
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Wednesday 20 march
Min. 9°C - Max. 18°C
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Thursday 21 march
Min. 12°C - Max. 20°C
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Night

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

The armored museum in Saumur: a very surprising place of history that will arouse the curiosity of young and old alike.

The tourist route between Saumur and Angers.

The Loire cycle nature, circuit for VTC along the Loire between Saumur and Les Rosiers-sur-Loire.

Canoeing in traditional Canadian style, organized by a professional hirer.

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Discovery walk and activities with llamas
Nature and the great outdoors8 € Tuffalun (5.6 km)
Introduction to the game of Boule de Fort
Sports sensations25 € to 80 € Saumur (14.8 km)
Fun sensory tour of La Grande Vignolle
Entertainment5 € to 7 € Turquant (24 km)
Show: The Master of the Apple Trees
Culture and education17 € Angers (28 km)
Ticket for the Château d'Angers - Pays de la Loire
Culture and education11 € Angers (28 km)

Outings

Last nameOuting typeDifficultyDurationDeparture municipality
Rose Circuit
Village visitEasy40 minGennes-Val-de-Loire
Bike tour "the Loop of the Loir"
All-terrain bike itineraryIntermediate2:10Seiches-sur-le-Loir (27 km)
Loir Loop Interpretive Trail
HikeIntermediate2:55Seiches-sur-le-Loir (31 km)
Botanical circuit of the Val d'Argance
HikeEasy20 minDurtal (36 km)
Between the Loire and the hedged farmland
Cycling itineraryEasy2:00Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux (36 km)

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

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