Culture
The Le Grand Poillé ensemble in Contest comprises a former courtroom dating from the 14th century, a manor house from the late 15th century, and a feudal motte with a water-filled moat. These parts of the ensemble were classified as historic monuments by decree of 5 July 1996.
Above the Mayenne River stands the Church of Saint Martin in Contest. Its east end features a twin window dating from the 11th century. Two chapels built in 1608 form a transept and gave the church its cruciform shape. The present monumental altarpiece is made of tuff stone and marble and dates from 1658. The south chapel contains a carved half-relief image of the Rosary, also known as the “Vierge au lait”; the church also houses the “Vierge de Pitié”.
The Arbre de Mai in Contest is considered unique in Mayenne and is a replica of the maypoles erected in Bavaria (Germany).
Nature and Trails
The main circular trail in Contest is 4.5 km long and offers a viewpoint over the Mayenne Valley and the “Grenoux” weir with lock.
A restored old well can be seen in La Maigrière. The Fontaine Daniel watercourse is also located in the municipality of Contest, at a place known as Anvore.
Places
The Manoir de Poillé in Contest is privately owned and can only be admired from a distance. The Moulin de Pontneau in Contest is also privately owned and can only be admired from a distance.
Events
On the third Sunday in September, the youth association “Sacrés Contestois” organises a flea market in Contest.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment can consider Contest, with Le Grand Poillé and the Church of Saint Martin, as a travel destination.
