The best MTB trails around Challain-La-Potherie

Dating from the 19th century, the Veurière (or Saint-Anne) lime kilns are Angevin industrial buildings located in Angrie (Maine-et-Loire), about fifteen kilometers southwest of Segré. Angevin lime production developed in the 19th century and left its mark on the landscape of the department. In Angrie, a locality in Segréen, there were several industrial activities: marble quarries (La Verrière), slate quarries (La Boue, La Grée des Cerisiers), iron mine (La Roserie), antimony mine (Grand-Bois ), as well as lime kilns. A rural country, agricultural activity is very present, notably with cereal crops. A lime kiln is mentioned there at the end of the 18th century, and others in Dérouères and La Fresnaie at the beginning of the 19th century. Those of La Veurière, located between Angrie and Vern-d'Anjou, were built at the beginning of the 19th century, and mentioned in 1832 and 1857. They include three large units, with three ovens around fifteen meters high. Boilermaking activity was important before the First World War, of which there were around fifteen sites in the Angrie and Vern-d'Anjou sector. They ceased their activity in the middle of the 20th century. The Chaufournier site of La Veuvrière is a protected heritage site. The lime kilns and access ramp are listed as Historic Monuments by decree of March 25, 1980. This disused industrial establishment is the property of a private person. It is possible to visit the site, as well as the chapel and the Saint-Pierre ovens source: https://www.wiki-anjou.fr/index.php/Fours_%C3%A0_chaux_de_la_Veuri%C3%A8re

The Gâchetière manor is a 17th century manor house which includes a chapel and a facade with high dormer windows. You can discover the surroundings of the manor which include a farm, a stream and a wooded area.

The Saint-Pierre lime factory is a lime kiln built in 1866 and closed in 1978, now classified as a historic monument. There you can admire the two massive kilns which were used to produce lime from limestone and discover the history and techniques of this activity. The Saint-Pierre lime factory is a unique and fascinating place to discover.

The Veurière lime kilns are a site of three large lime kilns which were built in the early 1800s and operated for around a hundred years. There you can discover the history and the lime production process, as well as admire the architecture and landscape of the site. You can book a guided tour or an educational tour by contacting the owners on 06 72 92 20 631. The site is open to groups by reservation all year round. The entry price is 5 euros per adult and free for children under 18 years old.

The Bécon-les-Granits Arboretum is a botanical garden that displays a variety of trees and plants from different regions of the world. You can admire the beauty and diversity of nature as you stroll along the trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The arboretum is located near the village of Bécon-les-Granits, which has a rich history of granite mining and cutting. You can also visit the Granite Museum1, which tells the history of this industry and its workers. The arboretum is open from April to October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children.

Built in the 19th century, the Saint-Pierre church in Bécon-Les-Granits is a fine example of granite architecture and features impressive frescoes describing the life of Saint Pierre. You can admire the church from the outside or go inside to see the nave and baptismal font. The church is surrounded by a large green space, where you can picnic or take a walk. You can also explore the nearby village of Bécon-Les-Granits, which has a rich history of stone carving and quarrying.