Circuit des deux Moulins

LOCATION Argentré, 11 km east of Laval
PARKING Behind the town hall N 48.08401 °, W 0.64195 °

TO DISCOVER ALONG THE WAY
- Moulins de la Roche and de Montbesnard (private) - Châteaux de Vaucenay and de Grenusse (private) - Church of Saint Cyr and Sainte Julitte

1. To the right of the church on the rue de Ballée, take a look at the architecture of the 15th to 19th century houses, particularly the granite, limestone and wooden lintels. The Roquet de Patience winds its way down to the Jouanne. From the footbridge, you can see the old La Roche mill. Impressive limestone reliefs on the banks of the Jouanne.

2. Left on the small tarmac lane, then left when you come to the A81 motorway and left again towards Grande Morlière.

3. Cross the D 550. After the chemin du Vaux, there is a magnificent view to the right towards the châteaux of Grenusse (19th century) and Vaucenay (17th and 19th centuries), separated by the chapel of Sainte Anne. The sunken path leads down to the Montbesnard mill (private courtyard, but authorised passage). Footbridge across the Jouanne.

4. Cross the D32. Return to the heart of the village along a long wooded path, a medieval route from Laval to Montsûrs rectified in the 17th century by the Lords of Hauterives. Cross the D 549. A succession of streets and lanes between houses and gardens.

HERITAGE
Châteaux and mills On this route, which often takes in the local paths and is therefore very practicable in winter, you will discover the old flour mills (still powered by water) and, from a distance, various châteaux, all of which are still inhabited. In 1899, the flour mills in operation were the Moulin Neuf, Montbesnard, de la Roche, de la Place and Maritourne (Trompe- souris). In 1960, only the Moulin de la Roche and the Moulin Neuf were still in operation. Today, the latter produces electricity. Château de Vaucenay was built in the 17th century and remodelled in the 19th century. Grenusse dates from the 19th century.

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