Saint Ceneri to Bazouges France

Travelled: 245km

Visited: Saint Ceneri le Gerei, Bazouges la Perouse

Stay: Bazouges la Perouse, Brittany - free aire and services N48.42409 W1.5740

It was another early start (the effects of jet lag). So by 8am we had had breakfast, been for another stroll through the village of Verneuil and used the service point. Then we were ready to set off towards one of France’s Classified ‘Prettiest Villages’ - Saint Ceneri le Gerei. Which is situated on the bend of the Sarthe River and originated in the 7th century when an Italian monk, de Ceneri, built a wooden abbaye and preached throughout the region. The present day church was constructed after his death in the 11thC. Inside there were some painted murals. Around this time the Giroie family constructed a castle where the village now stands. During the 100 year war the William the Conqueror and Henry 1st destroyed the castle. It then became an artists village during the 19th century. 

The bees nest in the church has been protecting it since 898.

After some lunch and some running repairs on the battery connections and water valves, we set off through some lovely countryside to Bazouges le Perouse in Brittany. This is a classified ‘cite of caractère’ with its beautiful church perched on a hill and stone buildings surrounding it. We followed part of the tourist office walking map, admiring the village but also feeling sad that most of the commerce has left the town centre. As is the case of many villages throughout not only France, but Europe in general.