The churches

Unlike the main tourist routes, the Vallée du Loir offers an intimate way to discover our heritage: no queues here, just churches opening onto peaceful squares, preserved frescoes, discreet chapels and stones that have survived the centuries.

In La Flèche, the Notre-Dame-des-Vertus chapel is open to the public all year round. Originally a simple Romanesque chapel, it was restored and enlarged by the Jesuits of the Collège Henri IV in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 1850s, it was richly furnished with items from the region’s castles and religious buildings. Amongst other things, you can admire the bas-relief of the“Muslim warrior” that adorns the door of the west door, as well as the superb ceiling of the nave. It was covered in 1649 with panelling painted with flowers, hearts and litanies to the glory of the Virgin.

Nearby, in Bazouges-sur-le-Loir, the church of Saint-Aubin is one of the most remarkable examples ofreligious architecture in the Loir Valley. Situated near the old houses of the village and the medieval tower known as the Pilori, the Romanesque church stands in the centre of the village. Founded in the 11th century, it has preserved its 12th-century Romanesque portal and 16th-century painted vault. If you look up into the nave, you’ll see a polychrome panelled roof depicting the twelve Apostles, angels carrying the instruments of the Passion and trees inscribed with the Credo in Old French.

In Poncé-sur-le-Loir, Saint-Julien church sits harmoniously in a setting of tufa stone, wine cellars and artists’ studios.
Its architecture, both simple and refined, lights up magnificently as the day progresses. The church dates back to the twelfth century, but is thought to have been founded by Saint Julien himself in 832. During your visit, you will discover 12th century wall paintings, discovered in 1890. Restoration work in 2021 has brought the church’s murals back to life.

Active and commercial, La Chartre-sur-le-Loir is a village where people like to take their time. Its church, in the heart of the village, is one of its landmarks. It hosts concerts, events and tours, and is an integral part of the town’s cultural life. Saint-Vincent church was completely rebuilt in 1830. The romantic organ was installed in 1860 and restored in the 20th century. The stained glass windows were created in 1897. They depict episodes from the lives of saints, some of whom have a close connection with the town of La Chartre.