Loiron-Ruillé is a commune in the Mayenne department, in the Pays de la Loire region, 16 km west of Laval.
It was created in 2016 after the merger of the localities of Loiron (1700 inhabitants) and Ruillé-le-Gravelais (1000 inhabitants).
Endowed with a vast territory of nearly 40 km² with a bucolic and verdant aspect, the new town is part of the former historic province of Maine. The two villages that appeared in the 12th century became seats of small lordships in the Middle Ages and then under the Ancien Régime. Focused on agriculture and the exploitation of dense, prosperous forests, Loiron and Ruillé experienced some troubles after the Revolution. The supporters of the Chouans are in fact in the majority there and the Republicans are therefore hunted down there... on the two towns is ideally located between Laval and Rennes. Loiron-Ruillé has an offer of cultural and "nature" leisure activities justifying a stopover.
The two towns making up the new town can be the subject of a walk in the form of heritage discovery.
On Loiron, to the east, the parish church of Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais dates from the 11th century for its oldest parts. The building was restored in the 19th century. Note the thick buttresses at the corners and along the nave, where you can also see semicircular windows. Fluted pilasters and archivolts with simple moldings can still be seen inside, even though the nave was extended and restored in 1867, while the choir and the transept were rebuilt in 1879.
The Charbonnerie chapel, the chatelier de Loiron (former small castle) and the house of La Forge (15th century), which has preserved stylish elements (ogival door, grilled window, etc.) are also worth a look.
To the west of the territory, on Ruillé, the first thing to mention is the Romanesque church of Saint-Méen. The most notable piece of heritage, however, is the Château de Terchant, built in the 15th century and heavily remodeled in the 19th century. A wing was then replaced by a terrace overlooking a gallery. Endowed with a pretty park (with gardens, woods, ponds), the castle which was a Protestant stronghold has also lost its old ditches...
Finally, at the entrance to the town, the Saint-Méen fountain which was the he object of processions until the end of the 18th century would have a miraculous origin, according to a legend: a peasant woman going to fetch water would have helped a traveler who, to thank her, would have struck the ground with his stick thus causing a source much closer to the village than before…
On the cultural level, the Jules Verne media library in the village of Loiron regularly offers events (meetings, readings, etc.). Inquire on +33 9 67 36 90 07.
Since 2013, the town has also had a performance hall, "Les Trois Chênes", with contemporary architecture, equipped with a 230-seat hall and a conservatory. musical. In addition to concerts, plays or dance galas given by professional artists, this cultural center in a rural environment also gives pride of place to associations and amateur artists. Information on the program on +33 2 43 10 25 80.
For athletes, tennis courts are available (reservation with the club on +33 6 04 40 47 19 or +33 2 43 98 83 33) and it is possible to join the outings of the cyclo-sport association (road cycling in leisure mode and mountain biking): contact +33 6 81 28 63 78 or +33 2 43 02 17 45.
In a different genre, near Ruillé, the pond of Cantinières is dedicated to fishing in a bucolic environment. Join the association in charge of its management on +33 6 36 91 46 70.
There remains the potential offered in the two villages and the surrounding countryside and woods for lovers of hiking or two-wheeled excursions. A pleasant way to get to know the landscapes and rural heritage of Maine… Some loops join Laval. Maps and information from the tourist office on +33 2 43 49 46 46.
Every Saturday, Place de Chantepie in the town of Loiron, the market showcases local produce from the region.
The third weekend of July, Blés d'or festival with cycling race, fun and gourmet events, concert, fireworks.
