Saint-Georges-sur-Loire is a commune of Maine-et-Loire in the Pays de la Loire region, 20 km south-west of Angers.
The territory of the locality located on the right bank of the Loire, presents a green landscape composed of hills overlooking the banks of the river.
Saint-Georges-sur-Loire knows a real prosperity since the Middle Ages thanks to its location on the road connecting Angers to Nantes. The commercial and agricultural city is also endowed with castles quickly having a residential rather than military vocation, as it was of setting in all the area.
Certainly affected by the Hundred Years War, the village is however preserved during the Revolution and the Vendée troubles. Its heritage, such as the exceptional castle of Serrant and the abbey become the town hall, testifies to this wealth.
With more than 3500 inhabitants thanks to its proximity to the Angevin metropolis and its preserved environment, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire is a pleasant stopover during a stay in the region where major tourist sites are legion.
Like most of the towns along the Loire, the town has a heritage that deserves to be discovered.
The oldest testimony to this architectural wealth is the abbey founded in the 12th century by the lord of Plessis-Macé. Destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, it was rebuilt in the 16th century and remodeled in the 17th century. Protected as a historic monument, it now houses the town hall of Saint-Georges-sur-Loire and a very pretty park adjoins the old convent buildings. Possible visit to the chapter house, the grand staircase and the council room. Information on +33 2 41 72 14 80.
Listed in the Supplementary Inventory, the parish church was completed in 1829. It presents a rather unique neo-Greek style architecture. Inside, we notice the stations of the cross made up of paintings by the contemporary artist Stani Nitkowsi (1949-2001), whose genius was noticed by Jean Dubuffet, and who had established himself in the locality.
In addition to the region's old slate-roofed dwellings, the locality also has several castles and manor houses. This is the case of the Château de la Bénaudière, equipped with a chapel, which first belonged to the lords of Serrant in the 16th century then became the property of Angevin bourgeois who gave it an opus residential style and interior.
The building is protected as a historic monument, such as the Château de Chevigné, built in the 17th century, still surrounded by a moat. Let us also mention the castles of Comterie and that of Epinay, which now houses guest rooms.
However, the jewel of the town is the castle of Serrant, to the east of the town, which was first a medieval fortress built in slate schist, surrounded by a moat, monitoring navigation on the Loire. During the first half of the 16th century, Péan de Brie decided to considerably remodel the castle to give it a Renaissance style. A reversal of fortune meant that the work remained unfinished, and would not be resumed until a century later. The main building is completed, equipped with pavilions, a south tower and wings. A few years later, a chapel was designed by Hardouin Mansard. In the middle of the 18th century, an English-style park was created and in 1830, the estate passed to the family of the Duke of La Trémoïlle who renovated the site. His descendants, the prince and princess of Mérode, are still owners. Listed since 1948, the castle can be visited all year round. We discover around fifteen rooms with precious furniture and decor (Louis XIII, Louis counting 20,000 works which as such is the subject of a classification. The estate also hosts numerous events throughout the year (such as a role-playing festival in mid-September), as well as receptions. Price: from 5.50 to 10 euros. Information on +33 2 41 39 13 01.
To better understand the heritage and riches of the city, booklets are available and signs line the city. The walk lasts about an hour. Information on +33 2 41 72 14 80 or +33 2 41 78 26 21.
On a cultural level, events (workshops) and exhibitions are regularly scheduled at the city library. Inquire at +33 2 41 39 10 61.
As for sports and nature leisure activities, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire is obviously crossed by the Loire cycle circuit. Other circuits are dedicated to mountain bikers taking the small roads crisscrossing the hillsides. It is also possible to join the outings organized by the local cycle touring club by contacting +33 2 41 39 36 27.
Located at a place called Grand Faiteau, “He was a farm” is an animal park presenting the animals farm.
For hiking, marked circuits are available on the territory itself and some include forays into neighboring localities.
These itineraries can also include walks in the park of the old abbey and "relaxation" breaks on the banks of the Loire or at the Arrouet pond. Maps and information on +33 2 41 78 26 21.
