In Saint-Aubin, Adelyne Neveux’s major work adorns the church walls across nearly 200 m². Chambellay also offers a bridge with a history of its construction, routes along the Mayenne and waterside activities. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can shape your stay around your interests: art and local history, wildlife watching, a hike or water sports.
Art and local history in Chambellay
The Church of Saint-Aubin was built in 1858 in the Gothic Revival style, on the site of an 11th-century Romanesque building. The church contains 15 paintings by Adelyne Neveux. Four canvases, which had previously been removed and kept in the presbytery, were restored and form part of the exceptional collection visitors can see there. Architectural history and painting come together in this building; the restored canvases also bring their own history to the collection.
Maison Brialy offers another glimpse into the town’s past. Dating from the 18th century, it was once a stagecoach stop. A blacksmith’s forge was still there in the 1960s. The Chambellay Bridge was built by the Société Escarraguelet from 1867 and opened in December 1869. Together, these sites offer several points of reference across time: from the Romanesque predecessor to Maison Brialy and the 19th-century bridge.
The Mayenne: riverbanks, wildlife watching and water activities
The towpath along the Mayenne in Chambellay is open to pedestrians, horses and bicycles. Herons, kingfishers, grey wagtails and dragonflies are among the wildlife that can be observed along the riverbanks near Chambellay. This offers another way to enjoy time by the river: as well as activities on the water, you can also look out for wildlife along the banks.
Le Bivouac is a wooded area around a pond where fishing is possible. Fishing, river boating, kayaking and water skiing are also possible on the Mayenne and at Le Bivouac. There are several options to choose from: wildlife watching along the riverbanks, fishing in the pond or activities on the water.
Towpath and circular walk
The Circuit du Cambolitain is a 9.5-kilometre circular walking route of moderate difficulty, with an indicated duration of around two hours and 40 minutes. It connects the banks of the Mayenne, rural landscapes and heritage sites. Its length, approximate duration and difficulty offer different points of reference for planning: distance, timeframe and route character.
If you’re looking for a circular route with a stated distance and approximate duration, consider the Circuit. The towpath is open not only to pedestrians but also to horses and bicycles. These details can help you weigh up a specific circular walk against other ways of getting around by the river.
Ceramics as a creative activity
Ceramic artist Florence Landais regularly offers three-hour sessions in Chambellay. Participants learn a technique and can make one or more pieces. This adds a creative activity of a set duration to the choices of walking, wildlife watching and water activities. It may interest travellers who would like to give their stay a hands-on focus.
Discover more destinations: Chemillé-Melay, Saint-Sylvain-Dʼanjou, Clefs-Val D'anjou, Tillières, Saint-Laurent-De-La-Plaine, Saint-Philbert-Du-Peuple, Coutures, Saint-Aubin-De-Luigné.
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
