Mouliherne is a town in Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire region, 29 km north of Saumur.
The vast communal territory (40 km²) belongs to the natural region of Pays Baugeois, famous for its forests. In fact, half of the area of Mouliherne is made up of wooded areas, which has always been and remains its main asset in terms of economy (implantation of sawmills, coal mines, saboteries...). Quarries have also been exploited and breeding and, more recently, arboriculture have developed.
Already occupied during the Neolithic then in Antiquity, the site of the locality is formed first south of the current village, the Carolingian era, then a church and a castle are built in the eleventh century, the village of today developing after the arrival of monks who clear land and cultivate it.
At the end of the Middle Ages, the town prospered and became a commercial hub renowned for its fairs.
With the exploitation of forests and quarries, Mouliherne has more than 2,000 inhabitants in the nineteenth century. It is now close to 900. The preserved heritage and particularly green environment of the town make it a pleasant stop near the major tourist sites of the Loire Valley.
A discovery of the historical heritage of the locality justifies a walk whose starting point is logically Saint-Germain church, built from the eleventh century on a hill overlooking the village, near a feudal castle destroyed in 1049 but of which remains the motte (William the Conqueror would have defeated the Count of Anjou). Repeated several times, the building is considered a copy of the Gothic Plantagenet style. There are Carolingian sarcophagi behind the altar, a singular "twisted" bell tower of the seventeenth century typical of the Baugeois and at the portal, sculptured modillions supporting the corbels. Listed in the Inventory, the church is part of the network of "welcoming churches in Anjou" open to visit.
In the nearby cemetery, do not miss an exceptional "lantern of the dead" restored in 1978, erected on a 12th century ossuary. Lit every evening to watch over the dead, it also once allowed travelers to find their bearings.
The manor of La Touche (15th century, remodeled in the 17th and 19th centuries) is also worth a look. First possession of a family Calvinist, it testifies the prosperity of this fief. The property is private.
Still in terms of heritage, a cobbled path of medieval origin connecting the church over the stream of Riverolle, the beautiful communal washhouse restored in the nineteenth century should be included in this circuit, as the millenary chestnut 14 m of circumference at a place called "Les Derouinières".
The majority of these sites, but also forest areas and heaths, not to mention the plots of orchards of the territory give rise to pleasant hikes. Many trails are marked on the town, also accessible to mountain bikes. Maps and information on +33 2 41 40 20 60.
It is also possible to browse this beautiful countryside during horseback riding. Contact the equestrian center at +33 6 58 98 19 06.
Always "nature" side, the lake of Lousière with its leisure base is synonymous with change of scenery and serenity. There is a picnic area, play equipment for children and a petanque court. Information on +33 2 41 67 09 00.
This place of walk is appreciated by the fishermen, who are also able to indulge in their favorite leisure since the banks of the various streams of the commune, the Riverolle (classified in 1st category), formerly dotted with many mills, the Lathan or the Vaux. Learn about the regulations on +33 2 41 87 57 09.
Beautiful castles of the Loire to visit, as well as countless vineyards, beautiful gardens, two beautiful zoos, art exhibitions, museums and troglodyte caves. In addition, you can go on hot air balloon rides, parachute jumps, river cruises or cycling on many routes around the region. There are also golf courses, swimming pools and lakes.