Highlight • Historical Site
Ruins of the Turmelière Manor
Cycling
5.0
(7)
Hiking
5.0
(1)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
Tips
Fred
October 1, 2021
Cycling
Located below what has become a romantic park, these ruins are those of the castle where the poet Joachim du Bellay was born. Destroyed during the wars of Vendée, one can still guess with these towers and ramparts the military origins of this old stronghold.
Translated by
•
•
Fabrice Rigalleau
February 4, 2025
Road cycling
Having spent his early years on the family estate of Liré in Anjou, Joachim Du Bellay spent several years in Rome alongside his cardinal uncle, where nostalgia for the gentleness of Anjou inspired his most famous sonnet "Heureux qui comme Ulysse". In it, he notably mentions this "little Liré" of which only ruins now remain, standing among the chestnut trees. A very pleasant site that you can freely access via a tarmac road when entering the Turmelière estate and going behind the 18th century castle.
Translated by•
•Fabrice Rigalleau
February 4, 2025
Road cycling
Happy is he who, like Ulysses, has made a beautiful journey,
Or like the one who conquered the fleece,
And then returned, full of experience and reason,
To live among his parents the rest of his life!
When will I see again, alas, of my little village
Smoking the chimney, and in what season
Will I see again the enclosure of my poor house,
Which is a province to me, and much more?
More pleases me the abode that my ancestors built,
Than the bold brow of Roman palaces;
More than hard marble pleases me fine slate,
Or like the one who conquered the fleece,
And then returned, full of experience and reason,
To live among his parents the rest of his life!
When will I see again, alas, of my little village
Smoking the chimney, and in what season
Will I see again the enclosure of my poor house,
Which is a province to me, and much more?
More pleases me the abode that my ancestors built,
Than the bold brow of Roman palaces;
More than hard marble pleases me fine slate,
Translated by•
•
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Nearby routes
Best routes near Ruins of the Turmelière Manor
2
riders
12.8km
01:01
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Moderate
Details
Informations
Elevation 80 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 8 November
16°C
6°C
63 %
Additional weather tips
There’s a fairly high chance of rain. Consider packing a waterproof jacket.
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December