Montreuil-Bellay brings together a fortified town overlooking the Thouet and traces of several centuries of history. The chapel, former monastery church and historic houses give the town its cultural character, while the garden, island and river add a connection to nature. There are also opportunities for hiking, cycling and water activities. You can therefore explore Montreuil-Bellay through both its architectural history and the different ways of moving through the landscape.
The fortified town on the Thouet
The fortified town of Montreuil-Bellay stands on a rise above the Thouet, which flows at its feet. The town and river are two striking features of the local landscape. The fortifications include the Porte Saint-Jean, which was listed as a historic monument in 1889. The town gate links the visible fortifications to a specific date of protection.
Chapel, monastery church and historic houses
The Hôpital Saint-Jean welcomed pilgrims and the sick before they entered Montreuil-Bellay. Its chapel was consecrated on March 10, 1484. Another religious history is associated with the Église des Grands Augustins: it is a former church of the Augustinian monastery dating from the 17th century and was restored between 1988 and 1992. The two sites thus reflect different historical functions and periods.
You can also discover specific details in the houses. The Maison du Mire-Apothicaire dates from the 15th century. Wooden sculptures on either side of its door depict the preparation of an ointment. At the Maison Dovalle, by contrast, the focus is on literary origins: the 16th-century house is the birthplace of the poet Charles Dovalle. Together, these connections span the care of those in need and religious architectural history, as well as craftsmanship in sculpture and literature.
Garden and island in the Thouet
Next to the Chapelle des Petits Augustins, a botanical garden showcases aromatic plants and plants used as spices, as well as a rose collection. These different plant-related features make the garden a complement to the buildings and houses: here, collections and plant species take center stage rather than the town’s history.
ĂŽle aux Moines is the largest of the many islands in the Thouet and is a suitable spot for a picnic break. It offers a different focus from the historic buildings: the island is part of the river landscape and is a good place to stop for a rest. If you want to combine culture with a break outdoors when planning your trip, these two aspects complement each other without requiring a set itinerary.
On the water, on foot and by bike
The Thouet at Montreuil-Bellay offers opportunities for canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating. You can choose from several ways to get out on the river. There are hiking opportunities in Montreuil-Bellay near the GR36 and the Way of St. James. For cycling, you can follow the Circuit du Thouet à Vélo and the Vélo Francette. The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is on the Loire à Vélo route.
These activities offer different ways to explore the area: canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating take place on the Thouet at Montreuil-Bellay, while hiking opportunities are near two named routes. Cycling, in turn, has its own route options. When choosing your outings, you can first decide whether you would rather be on the water, on foot or by bike; the cultural sites and botanical garden offer further themes for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bauné, Grez-Neuville, Le Coudray-Macouard, Broc, Saint-Clément-De-La-Place, Brion, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Chenillé-Changé
For the regional travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
