Attractions and Places To See around Monhoudou - Top 10

The church of St Pierre des Ormes holds an important place in the heart of the village, surrounded by its pretty flowerbeds. Dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, it has retained its Romanesque portal. After crossing it, you cross the narthex to reach a second door which opens onto the main nave of the building. The wooden vault is barrel-vaulted. An extension was made in the 16th century by adding a side aisle, with two windows which would become dormers. The small door with Renaissance decoration opened onto the cemetery, then adjoining. The current choir was built in the 19th century. The altar is made with two hemp braies supporting a beautiful wooden board. Note, on each side of the choir, wooden niches, one of which houses a statue of St John (with an eagle). A pilgrimage was organized every September 8th to Saint Gourgon, because the fountain was reputed to cure eye diseases. Very popular until the beginning of the 20th century, it was gradually abandoned. The fountain, now filled in, was located in the cellar of a house near the current town hall.

Of Romanesque origin, the church of Louvigny has undergone many transformations over time. Among other things, the altars and the altarpiece were donated in the 18th century by Mr. François Thébault, a wealthy donor born in Louvigny. A commemorative plaque was erected in his memory in the sacristy of the church after it was found at the end of the 19th century by Father Chartrain, then parish priest, on the roof of his presbytery, in place of a tile. It is likely that it was thus protected from the pillaging of the Revolution. The steeple dates from the 19th century. It replaced a campanile. It was also in the 19th century that the stained glass windows, the Stations of the Cross and the baptismal font were installed. Generally made of stone, these are very original, since decorated in the Napoleon III style, the period of their manufacture, they are made of cast iron and undoubtedly a fine example of the industrial production of this time. The portal, typically Romanesque, is preceded by two steps in which an eight-pointed star and a cross are drawn. This is perhaps a summary of the life of Christ, from the Star of the Nativity to the Crucifixion. Several elements classified as Historic Monuments have been restored over the last few years, thanks to subsidies from the State and the Department of Sarthe, as well as the generosity of subscribers to the Fondation du Patrimoine. Thus, the remarkable tabernacle of the high altar in gilded wood. Painted in faux marble in the 18th century, it is one of the largest tabernacles preserved in Sarthe. The painting located just above, also superbly restored, and attributed to François Mongendre (1644-1690), represents Saint Germain d’Auxerre meeting Saint Geneviève as a child.

Very popular Market Square

Built in 1818, the halls of Mamers replace old halls which were installed on the current theater. We know that the pillars were made of wood and were 54m long and 16m wide. Demolished to respond to the breakthrough of the Rue du Fort, then rebuilt to house the cloth merchants, haberdashers around 1819. Two halls then face each other: one for grain, the other for canvas. The Halle aux grains still houses the markets today (Monday, Friday and Saturday). The Countess of Ségur mentions the Halles de Mamers and its market in the "memoirs of a donkey" with Cadichon, published in 1860.

René's halls were built in 1535, thanks to Jacques Hamelin who obtained from Françoise d'Alençon the right to halls, fairs and markets in this town. They still center the life of the municipality. They were partially demolished in 1847 when the communication route that runs alongside them was created. They were rented until 1932. These halls narrowly escaped demolition. In 2000, the town of René restored them. Source: enpaysdelaloire.com

René's halls were built in 1535, thanks to Jacques Hamelin who obtained from Françoise d'Alençon the right to halls, fairs and markets in this town. They still center the life of the municipality. They were partially demolished in 1847 when the communication route that runs alongside them was created. They were rented until 1932. These halls narrowly escaped demolition. In 2000, the town of René restored them. Source: https://www.enpaysdelaloire.com

A small town full of character where it is good to stroll ... or have a drink in the village café. Known for its old market, this village is worth a detour ... Some local artists have chosen to leave their mark there.