Circuit du Val de Jouanne

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

TO DISCOVER ALONG THE WAY
- Moulin de la Roche - Pond - Conservatory and educational apple orchard - Château d'Hauterives - Church of Saint Cyr and Sainte Julitte d'Argentré

1. Along the rue de Ballée, take a look at the architecture of the houses (from the 15th to the 19th centuries), particularly the granite, limestone and wooden lintels. Alleyway and rockery leading down to the Jouanne. Footbridge. You pass by the old La Roche mill.

2. After the bridge, follow the river on the right bank. View of beautiful limestone cliffs once used for lime kilns. After the bridge over the D131, Montaigu steepens to follow the Jouanne on the left bank through a wooded area overlooking the lake.

3. After the Basse-Place (15th century), pass under the bridge of the former departmental railway and return via the long Maritourne valley. There is a crossroads at Bas-Mont-Roux. Remains of a lime kiln. Grey marble quarry. The trail crosses the conservatory and educational apple orchard.

4. Take the beautiful driveway of the Château d'Hauterives for 400 m. Follow the D 549 for 900 m. Then take the chemin des coprins to a wooded country site with a pond. A quiet area ideal for birdwatching.

5. 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
The evolution of the village Human occupation of Argentré has not ceased since Neolithic times. Its population lived through the Hundred Years' War, the plague epidemic (130 deaths in 1633), the Revolution of 1789, the Vendée wars: when the Bourbons returned, the people of Argentré were very enthusiastic. In 1871, the Prussian advance stopped at La Bruyère farm. From the 9th century onwards, houses formed the village around the parish church.
The village, which was mainly agricultural, continued to grow. The Seigneurie d'Hauterives came into being around the 12th century. Sand, marble and limestone quarries, as well as lime kilns in the 19th century, contributed to the growth of the population. Today, Argentré is a dynamic community with a wide range of sports and leisure facilities. Close to Laval, it offers its residents a high quality of life.

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