Church art and striking landscapes offer two distinct ways to explore Izé. The Church of Saint-Pierre combines a long building history with an unusual window; two circular routes lead through forests, sunken lanes and hedgerow landscapes. You can tailor your stay to whether you want to focus on culture, choose a route or enjoy both.

Church Art and History in Izé

The Church of Saint-Pierre dates from the 17th century and was rebuilt after a tornado in 1978. Its 1981 Resurrection window depicts two Roman legionaries with the facial features of François Mitterrand and Georges Marchais. The chronology has three distinct reference points: the church’s origins, its reconstruction and the window. When viewing it, a religious image of the Resurrection sits alongside the unusual portrayal of the figures.

The Menhir de Gué Péan was classified as a historic monument on 5 July 1978. Izé also has a Sainte-Rosalie Chapel. For visitors interested in culture, the menhir broadens the focus beyond Saint-Pierre: the church is notable for its building history and window design, while the menhir is notable for its monument classification. The Sainte-Rosalie Chapel adds another religious building to the local cultural attractions. The exact date of the classification provides a more precise reference than the year the church was rebuilt.

Saint-Pierre is open free of charge year-round. This information helps with planning your visit; however, as access arrangements may change, check access shortly before your visit. This quick check is especially useful if you plan to include the church visit as a fixed part of your day.

Walking Routes and Landscapes Around Izé

The Circuit du Bois d’Izé No. 36 is 8.6 kilometres long and starts in Izé. It passes through the forests of Izé, along sunken lanes and over hilly paths. The route description therefore combines a specific starting point in town with woodland and varied terrain. When choosing, consider both the distance and the specific landscape along the loop.

The Circuit de la Vaudelle No. 35 is in the Izé area, is 9.4 kilometres long and is rated easy. It passes through hedgerow landscapes and over hilly paths. Its rating and length offer two concrete points of comparison; the hedgerow landscape also provides a different focus from the forests and sunken lanes of the Bois d’Izé.

At 9.4 kilometres, the Vaudelle is 0.8 kilometres longer than the Circuit du Bois d’Izé. Both routes include hilly paths; the Bois d’Izé passes through forests and sunken lanes, while the Vaudelle passes through hedgerow landscapes and is rated easy. You can weigh up the length, scenery and rating of the Vaudelle when choosing. As route conditions may change, check the latest route description before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Vaiges, Gorron, Craon, Renazé, Saint-Denis-D'anjou, Chemazé, Loigné-Sur-Mayenne, Quelaines.

For the broader travel overview: Mayenne.