Chahaignes is a locality of Sarthe, Pays de la Loire region, 45 km south-east of Le Mans, on the borders of Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher.
The vast communal territory of nearly 23 km² borders the right bank of the Loir and is crossed by the course of the river of Widow, one of its tributaries.
In a landscape that already evokes the Touraine, Chahaignes is one of the communes that covers the famous forest of Bercé (more than 5000 hectares!).
The village victim of the rural exodus (720 inhabitants now compared to more than 1600 in the nineteenth century) remains prosperous thanks to its vineyards (appellation coteaux-du-Loir) and the timber trade.
Its architectural heritage of quality, both the "simple" houses of stone tufa town and the castles that mark out its territory, and its green environment make Chahaignes a step of quality.
A visit to the town can begin with the church of St. John the Baptist, built in the sixteenth century, considered one of the largest in the Loir Valley. Burned in 1705, rebuilt in 1733, it still retains a door of the original building, on the right side of the nave. The church also houses remarkable terracotta retables, dating from its reconstruction in the eighteenth, and have been classified.
A discovery of the heritage of Chahaignes will continue with the castle of Bénéhard, built in the sixteenth century a few kilometers north of the town. The lord of the place, become marquis in the seventeenth century, transformed somewhat the original castle, built on the foundations of a fortress dating from the Hundred Years War. The splendid Renaissance facade, the windows, a tower with three sides, terraced gardens and several "common" including a press and a bread oven make the castle, classified, a worthy cousin of the famous sites of the Loire Valley.... It is now the property of a renowned sculptor who exhibits part of his work in the park and the seat of an important agricultural estate. Visits possible. Contact +33 6 77 35 77 99.
Still on the town, the castle of Haut-Rasné is also classified, although dating only to the early twentieth century. But its amazing Neo-Gothic style, north-east of the village, is worth a look.
Finally, the castle of Jaille, north of the town still, is classified for its facade of the sixteenth. Remodeled in the nineteenth century, the building, sober but noble, also deserves a detour.
In the village itself, at the cemetery level, there is a cross hosannière (funerary monument surmounted by one or more crosses) and beautifully carved tombs. Finally, wash-houses, mills and several menhirs, including that of Gobianne (classified), mark out the paths and localities.
But for the visitor, the most spectacular is not always visible from the streets... The town has indeed many homes with cellars dug into the limestone hillsides that are part of the wealth of this wine village.
Small curiosities that we can discover during tastings... in moderation.
Most historic sites and heritage items can be included in hiking or mountain biking that can also include the banks of the Loir and the paths traced within the vineyard. Documentation and information on +33 2 72 88 18 81.
It is also impossible not to explore the wonders of the Bercé forest, which includes a total of 3000 hectares of oaks and 2400 hectares of softwoods. Among the most notable trees, oaks over 200 years old are sought to be turned into barrels. The forest also has a stand of oaks over 350 years old which is preserved.
Hikers on foot, mountain bike or horseback can enjoy in this green area of 280 km of marked trails and several trails of discovery and interpretation. Guided tour of the forest by reservation at +33 2 43 42 38 14.
Finally, in another register, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the Loir and the Widow's river. Contact +33 2 43 85 66 01 to know the developed sites and the regulations to respect.
In January or February, Winegrowers' Day (Saint Vincent).
In April, spring hike.
In May, "All Chahaignes in painting" program of art exhibitions.
In May also, garage sale.
In July, show of wines and gastronomy.
