Jarzé brings together several themes for a cultural trip: the architectural history of the church and Château, megalithic monuments, and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montplacé with its art and summer concerts. A signposted Trame verte route adds a clearly measured walking stage to this selection.
Culture and History in Jarzé
The Église Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte was built in phases during the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries. It has been classified as a historic monument since 22 June 1967; the protected status also covers the interior murals. Jean Bourré and his wife Marguerite are buried in the church.
Jean Bourré is also connected with the history of the Château de Jarzé: around 1473, he had it rebuilt on the foundations of a fortress erected under Foulque Nerra. The same name thus appears in two contexts: in the château’s architectural history and among those buried in the church. Another historical date concerns Charles IX, who visited the Château on 12 November 1595.
The megalithic monuments include the Dolmen de la Roche-Thibault. It is one of two well-preserved dolmens north and south of the road from Jarzé to Seiches. The Dolmen des Landes, or du Plessis, is associated with an upright sandstone slab known as the Menhir des Landes, or du Plessis. Different forms of cultural heritage therefore stand side by side: buildings from several centuries and named dolmens with their associated designations.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montplacé: Art and Visiting
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montplacé was built in the 17th century on the heights of Montplacé in Jarzé. It houses a 14th-century walnut-wood Pietà; a collection of bridal crowns is also displayed there. The gap in time between the chapel’s construction and the Pietà is evident from the two centuries.
Concerts are held in the chapel every summer. It is open for visits on Sundays in July and August from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., except on concert days. Free visits for individuals and groups are available year-round by appointment. As seasonal visiting arrangements may change, check the current opening hours and concert dates before your visit. To visit year-round, make an appointment in advance.
On Foot: the Trame verte de Jarzé
A municipal notice from September 2023 gives the signposted Trame verte de Jarzé circular route as 2.7 km long, with a walking time of 30 to 40 minutes. This specific time estimate helps you plan the route as a short, dedicated block of time. Check the signs on site before setting off.
For planning your day, the route and the chapel visit offer different points of reference: the route has a stated distance and estimated walking time, while the chapel is subject to seasonal Sunday opening hours or visits by appointment. This lets you schedule the walking stage and a chapel visit according to their respective time constraints, while keeping concert days in mind.
Discover more destinations: La Daguenière, Juigné-Sur-Loire, Beaucouzé, Les Ponts-De-Cé, Vaudelnay, Landemont, Bouchemaine, Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou
Return to the main travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
