The Château de Baugé was built between 1454 and 1465 as a hunting lodge for King René. Today, it offers the “Palais du Roi René” visitor trail, a scenographic and multimedia tour exploring the daily life of a 15th-century prince.
Culture
The foundation stone of the Hôtel-Dieu in Baugé-en-Anjou was laid in 1643; the institution opened its doors to the sick in 1650. Its historic furnishings include the Apothicairerie, which has been protected as a historic monument since 1947 and preserves more than 600 jars in their original setting. The Chapelle de la Girouardière also houses a fragment of the “True Cross of Christ”, brought from the Holy Land in 1244 by a crusader from Baugé.
The Church of Saint Denis de Pontigné features a twisted church tower rotated by a quarter turn. The church has Angevin architecture known as Plantagenet architecture, as well as wall paintings dating from the 13th to the 15th century. The Pontigné dolmen dates back to the Neolithic period: twelve stone slabs form a chamber with a portico at the front.
The “Pas de la Mule” historical trail follows yellow-marked paths through picturesque lanes lined with houses from the 15th and 16th centuries and leads to the site of the 1421 battle.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Baugé-en-Anjou can include this in their holiday planning.
Nature
In the Forêt de Chandelais, visitors can enjoy walks on foot, on horseback and by bicycle. The forest features diverse habitats, remarkable woodland fauna and a great variety of fungi.
Getting Around
The 30-kilometre Cuon–Baugé–La Flèche cycle path runs along a former railway line. The paved Cuon–Baugé–La Flèche route is suitable for walking, cycling, inline skating and travelling with a pushchair.
Tradition
Boule de Fort is played on a 20- to 24-metre-long, horizontal, curved lane. The metal-rimmed bowl is heavier on one side, known as the “fort”. Several Boule de Fort competitions take place throughout the year, contributing to the vitality of the local area in a convivial atmosphere.
