Challain-la-Potherie is a town in Maine-et-Loire, in Pays de la Loire, 45 km northwest of Angers, bordering the department of Loire-Atlantique.
The approximately 48 square kilometers of its territory were to connecting Britain to France in 1532 on the border between two distinct states then until the Revolution between two different provinces. Belonging precisely Haut-Anjou, the town has a wooded landscape dotted with woodland, undulating discreetly covering the end "is" the Armorican.
Economic activity has always been and remains centered on agriculture.
Inhabited since Neolithic times, the Challain-la-Potherie site belongs to the Middle Ages William Thouars, lord of Cande, before becoming an autonomous fiefdom whose last lord emigrated in 1790. Some time later, Challain also became a Royalist stronghold.
With now just over 800 inhabitants, the town showcases its heritage and its environment with its leisure offer, it makes a pleasant stop close to other major tourist destinations.
Challain-la-Potherie The town has several prime heritage buildings starting with Challain-la-Potherie eponymous castle, built in the mid-nineteenth century in place of a medieval castle which was the seat of the local lords. Included in the Inventory, it is a true jewel of Gothic Revival architecture in the vast dimensions (37 m long and 47 m high). Its plan is rectangular, the house being framed by corner towers, the assembly comprising a square keep the center. The majesty of the castle is enhanced by the choice of material (Saumur tufa stone and granite for the bases). Many owners have succeeded. Now the area is home to luxury guest rooms and receptions and events.
An English park dotted with ponds surrounding the castle. Tours by reservation. Price: 6 and 11 euros. Information +33 2 41 92 73 19 or +33 7 71 70 25 91.
In another genre, but also protected as historical monuments, the windmill Rat built from 1796 to 1827 reflects the fishmeal vocation of the region. This mill is nevertheless exceptional in its scale, high-shaped three-story tower built in schist. The building was restored from 1978 and since 1990, it produces new white flour made from cereals grown in the area. Information at +33 2 41 92 86 83.
See again the mansion Grand Marce (fifteenth and sixteenth centuries), the washhouse and the fountain Saint Helier (XIX) in the village, or the parish church of Our Lady rebuilt in the eighteenth century on medieval bases then enlarged in the second half of the nineteenth century.
Finally, this course discover the heritage will end at the mansion of the Court of Aulnays former manorial estate including a house of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, a newer building (early nineteenth), chapel of the sixteenth... Not forgetting old elements defensive (flukes, drawbridge). The set is included in the Inventory and reveals at once a landmark open to the public (free or guided) but also a lively cultural venue hosting concerts, plays and exhibitions throughout the year. Information +33 2 41 61 99 30 or +33 6 61 93 94 34.
On Sport and Recreation Plan "nature", the village has a picnic area and games next to a pond, this green also suitable for family walks.
A sports hall that can satisfy fans of basketball, futsal or badminton and an outdoor tennis court are also accessible to visitors. Inquire in the hall +33 2 41 94 12 64.
In another genre, the Garden of the castle, which originally belonged to the domain Challain-la-Potherie was rehabilitated in 2005 according to its original design and to rediscover the wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown at the time. The town became the property site is now open to all, gardeners or gentle walkers. Vegetables and fruits are sold on site. Information +33 2 41 94 12 64.
For fans of hiking, then note that three marked trails are located in the territory: one follows the route of an old Roman road, a second leads from the washing to the mill of the Rat and a third is drawn from the Court of Aulnays. Maps and information (including on other routes including neighboring communities) +33 2 41 92 86 83.
More curious still: it is possible to learn about the "Cani-rando" with a center of enthusiastic breeders husky sled dogs. Contact the +33 2 41 26 20 29 or +33 6 48 31 99 21.
