The attractions in Aubigné-Racan range from traces of ancient times to a waymarked walk. The archaeological site of Cherré is a Gallo-Roman complex; the Dolmen du Colombier may date from the Middle or Late Neolithic, and parts of the first Romanesque church of Saint-Martin-de-Vertou have been preserved. The circular route Sur les traces du poète Racan offers a different kind of experience. When planning, it is particularly helpful to distinguish between a guided tour and a walk along a set route.

Cherré: Gallo-Roman site

The Site archéologique de Cherré in Aubigné-Racan is a Gallo-Roman complex dating from the 1st to the 3rd century. The site is open year-round and free to enter. An educational trail makes it easier to explore; a guided tour lasting around two hours is also available. It introduces the theatre, the market forum, the temple and the baths. This gives you two different ways to approach your visit: the educational trail helps you find your way around the site, while the guided tour focuses on specific parts of the complex. The approximate duration of the tour provides a practical guide for planning your time.

Walking and planning your time

The circular route Sur les traces du poète Racan is an easy 9.9 km walk that takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. It starts at the Salle Polyvalente car park and is signposted with yellow Circuit A2 markers. These details answer different questions: the distance describes the route, the approximate duration indicates how much time to allow, the markers show the way, and the car park identifies the starting point. Compared with the approximately two-hour guided tour at Cherré, the stated duration of the walk is around 45 minutes longer. This lets you compare the two experiences in terms of time and type: a guided visit on the one hand, and a longer walk on the other.

Dolmen and Romanesque church

The Dolmen du Colombier dates from a much earlier period than Cherré. The monument may belong to the Middle or Late Neolithic, whereas Cherré is classified as a Gallo-Roman complex dating from the 1st to the 3rd century. This comparison makes the difference between prehistoric and Gallo-Roman heritage tangible.

At the Église Saint-Martin-de-Vertou, its state of preservation is itself an important part of the building’s history. Only the bell tower and the foundations of part of the nave and apse remain from the first Romanesque church. The bell tower was built from a raised square tower dating from the 12th century. So it is not enough to describe it as Romanesque: its significance lies both in the surviving parts of the first building and in the tower’s origins as a 12th-century square tower.

Check visitor access

The Manoir de Champmarin is privately owned and is not open to visitors. This is important when choosing what to see, as Cherré is open year-round and free to enter: the two cultural sites offer different opportunities for a visit.

Discover more destinations: Yvré-Lʼévêque, Saint-Ouen-De-Mimbré, Sainte-Sabine-Sur-Longève, Changé, Lavernat, La Chapelle Huon, Cormes, Semur-en-Vallon

For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.