Those looking to discover culture in Coutures will find a range of different points of interest: a château with an exhibition, prehistoric dolmens, an art gallery in the rock and activities that combine games and wine. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the historic sites and visits with fixed or seasonal dates.
Château and Walking Trail
Château de Montsabert consists of three building sections and two towers. One of the towers dates from the 14th century. Since 7 August 1986, the façades and roofs of the château and its orangery, as well as the entire chapel, have been protected as historic monuments. The château overlooks the plain; an exhibition is held there from June to September. If you would like to include this exhibition in your stay, check the current programme before travelling.
The “Vignes et troglos” walking trail also links Château de Montsabert and Manoir de la Caillère: both are located along its route. The two stops appeal to different interests. At the château, the architecture and exhibition shape the visit; at the manor, art and a labyrinth complex carved into the rock offer a different focus. When planning, you can decide whether you would rather explore château architecture or art and underground spaces.
Art and Activities
The gallery at Manoir de la Caillère is a 400 m² labyrinth complex carved into the rock. The underground site also houses Richard Rak’s contemporary art gallery. Guided tours with commentary are available for adults and children, as well as for experts and beginners. This allows visitors to approach the experience from two perspectives: the unusual layout sits alongside contemporary art, and the tour is not aimed exclusively at a specialist audience.
Domaine de Bois Mozé in Coutures offers a different kind of visit. The “Les Seigneurs de Bois Mozé” escape game takes place in the winery’s tower, followed by a wine tasting. This sequence combines a playful activity with a culinary theme. If you plan to take part, check the current dates and booking conditions before your visit.
Dolmens, Church and Event Dates
The dolmens offer a much earlier historical focus. Dolmen de l’Etiau is a prehistoric monument in the hamlet of Etiau near Coutures. Dolmen de la Caillère is a Neolithic monument in Coutures. Its southern entrance portico was destroyed around 1840 during roadworks; only one chamber remains.
Coutures’s present-day church also adds to this historical span: the Neo-Gothic building was constructed between 1859 and 1862. If you are focusing on architecture, you can visit it alongside the château; the church represents a 19th-century building, while one of the château’s towers dates back to the 14th century.
The Foire aux Artichauts, an event held in Coutures in September, is another factor to consider when planning your dates. Check the specific event dates before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Cantenay-Épinard, Fontevrault-L'abbaye, Le Vieil-Baugé, Coron, Saint-Paul-Du-Bois, Mazé, Villedieu-La-Blouère, Saint-Sigismond.
For the wider travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
