In Loiré, architectural history and landscape sit side by side: the parish church and two chapels showcase different architectural details, while the châteaux span several periods of construction. There is also a woodland area with a drier north and a distinctly wetter south. These themes offer different ways to explore Loiré as a destination and tailor your search for a holiday rental to your interests.

Church and chapels: comparing architectural styles

The parish church of Saint-Caprais et Saint-Laurent was built between 1862 and 1866 on the site of the former parish church. The plans were drawn up by the architect Pierre-Étienne de Coutailloux. Its floor plan is basilica-like and cruciform: the nave, divided into four aisles, comprises four bays; it is joined by a transept, a single-bay choir and a semicircular apse. This layout makes it possible to describe the church by its individual components, from the nave to the end of the choir.

The Chapelle de la Grande-Potherie was built in 1890, and the Chapelle de la Babinaie in 1896. The few years between their construction dates provide a brief chronological comparison; their architectural features further distinguish the chapels. At Grande-Potherie, a false barrel vault and brickwork on the masonry, cornice and side openings are documented. At Babinaie, the openings are framed with tuff stone. Those interested in architectural styles can compare a vault and brick details with the distinctive framing of the openings.

Châteaux from different periods

The châteaux can also be distinguished by their location and construction date. Château du Gué lies near the centre of Loiré and was the municipality's most important château because of its history. Château de la Ferté is north of Loiré, on higher ground. Château de Vallière was built around 1765; Château des Noyers was built between 1845 and 1847. Château de la Rivière-d'Orvaux dates from the 1860s, and its plans were drawn up by René Hodé.

The dates span the period from Château de Vallière through Château des Noyers to Château de la Rivière-d'Orvaux. Vallière's approximate date remains an estimate. The locations of Château du Gué and Château de la Ferté add two different points of reference to the chronological comparison: one near the centre of town, the other to the north on higher ground.

Woodland contrasts and a green retreat

The ZNIEFF 520220056 covers 5.2 hectares in Loiré. The northern part of the site is dry woodland, while the southern part is distinctly wetter. The contrast in woodland conditions is a striking feature of this landscape; the area figure also gives a clear sense of its size. At Le Porteau, green spaces, the shade of trees and proximity to the Argos provide a setting for a picnic or a refreshing break.

Getting around and local amenities

Loiré lies on the route between Laval and Nantes. Other planning options include places to eat and fruit and vegetable growers. FraiseKiri in Roche d’Iré sells fruit and vegetables and offers pick-your-own. Check the farm's details before setting off.

Auberge de la Diligence at 4 Rue de la Libération is a restaurant. Catering and takeaway meals are available on request; check opening details before your visit. This makes it possible to include local amenities in your travel plans without confusing them with the sights or the landscape.

When searching for a holiday rental in Loiré, you can first decide whether architectural history or the landscape will play a bigger part in your stay. Churches, chapels and châteaux offer different historical and architectural points of interest; the woodland area and Le Porteau add nature and a green place to take a break.

Discover more destinations

Ingrandes, Le Louroux-Béconnais, Seiches-Sur-Le-Loir, Vernoil-le-Fourrier, Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Charcé-Saint-Ellier-Sur-Aubance, Chemiré-sur-Sarthe, Noëllet

For the main travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.