In Hercé, historic traces take different forms: the church points to an older predecessor building, the dolmen to clearly defined stone architecture, and the cemetery is home to an 18th-century cross. These also offer different points of interest: building history, construction and ornamentation. These differences bring Hercé’s cultural and historical character to life.

Church of the Immaculate Conception: Two Building Phases

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Hercé was rebuilt in 1869 on the site of an earlier church dedicated to Saint Peter. The year 1869 refers to the new building; the dedication to Saint Peter identifies its predecessor. This makes it possible to distinguish the two building histories, even though they concern the same site. The church contains a carved high altar made of tuffeau limestone. The building date, former dedication and stone material offer different perspectives on the church and its furnishings.

The Dolmen de la Pierre: Shape and Dimensions

The Dolmen de la Pierre can be understood through its construction. Its imposing five-sided capstone is 3.80 metres long and 0.80 metres thick. It rests on two low supporting stones; together with the capstone, the stones form a polygonal chamber. The focus is therefore not only on the individual stone, but also on the shape created by the components working together. In the Mayenne department, the dolmen is considered unique and, at the same time, a very rare simple dolmen.

Cross, Château and Calvary

An 18th-century cross adorned with lilies stands in the cemetery in Hercé; its sides are sculpted. The dolmen’s structure is defined by its capstone and supporting stones, while the cross is distinguished by its ornamentation and elaborately crafted sides.

The Château du Bailleul is privately owned and located on the D33 at the entrance to Gorron. It originally belonged to the du Bailleul family. Its earlier appearance is described as that of a fortress in 1787, with towers, double moats and two drawbridges. The dates refer to different kinds of time periods: 1869 is the date the church was rebuilt; 1787 refers to the Château’s former appearance as described. Thus, a building event is not equated with a historical account of a fortress’s form.

The Calvaire de la Courcière stands on the road from Gorron to Vieuvy.

Check Visit Conditions

Visiting conditions vary. Visits to the church are possible by prior request; confirm access before your visit. The dolmen is visible from the path without entering the property; check conditions on site. For the Château du Bailleul, access should be clarified again before approaching. This distinguishes a request to visit the church, viewing the dolmen from the path and checking in advance about access to the Château.

Discover more destinations: Peuton, Villiers-Charlemagne, Bouchamps-lès-Craon, Montigné-Le-Brillant, Larchamp, Torcé-Viviers-En-Charnie, Désertines, Erbrée

For the overview of the wider region: Mayenne.