Since 1889, SAINT JAMES has upheld a French artisanal tradition in textile manufacturing. Those looking to rent a holiday apartment in Saint-James will also find historic sites, paths, landscapes and events here, offering different facets of the destination.
A visit to the SAINT-JAMES workshop introduces visitors to the production of the sailor sweater, from design to manufacture. Tricots SAINT JAMES opens its workshops so that visitors can discover the traditional artisanal know-how involved in making the genuine sailor sweater and marinière.
Culture and Craftsmanship
The Centre culturel de Saint-Benoît is a former church that was deconsecrated in 1994. Today, the Centre culturel de Saint-Benoît regularly hosts exhibitions, theatre performances and musical events. At the same time, it preserves its architecture with vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows.
The La pierre Saint-Benoît polissoir is located in Saint-James and was classified as a historic monument by decree of 5 December 1977. The grounds of La Paluelle Castle are also located in Saint-James.
History and Walking Routes
Flânerie dans son histoire is a 3.5-kilometre circular walk through the centre of Saint-James, focusing on the history and buildings of the town. A guided historical tour of Saint-James includes, among other sites, the Tour de la Redoute.
When it was founded, the Saint-Jacques Priory was handed over to the Benedictine monks of the royal abbey of Fleury-sur-Loire. Remains of the cloister of the Saint-Jacques Priory dating from the late 17th century are still preserved.
A large part of Saint-James's town walls has been preserved. Along the chemin de ronde, visitors can experience the thousand-year history of Saint-James's historic fortifications.
The Chemin de Tours, also known as the Grand Chemin montois, passes through Saint-James. It is signposted in both directions: to Mont-Saint-Michel and to Compostela.
Landscape
The Beuvron and Dierge rivers run through the municipality of Saint-James. The hilly, green landscape of Saint-James offers views of Mont Saint-Michel Bay from roads and paths.
Festivals and Events
The Foire Saint-Macé upholds a centuries-old tradition and brings together visitors, craftspeople, producers and fairground entertainers. The three-day Foire Saint-Macé includes exhibition areas, a funfair, an agricultural area, concerts, a DJ evening and fireworks.
Saint-James is particularly known for hosting an annual open-air photography festival. The Soirées Champêtres organised by the municipality take place on summer evenings in the Bas des Rivières area of Saint-James. The programme includes concerts.
The Centre équestre de la Dierge in Saint-James hosts equestrian events and riding competitions.
