Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Priory of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, located on the banks of the Loire River, was given in 929 by Foulques le Roux to the Abbey of Saint-Aubin and the Chapter of Saint-Lézin. It quickly became one of the richest estates in Anjou, with a church and refectory built by reusing pagan sarcophagi. In 1014, after a conflict, he went entirely under the control of the Abbey of Saint-Aubin. The 1157 cartular confirms its status as a priory, placed at the head of many regional dependencies, generating significant income.

Between 1150 and 1175, a mural was made in the refectory, representing the Crucifixion with a green cross symbolizing life, framed with gilding. A Virgin with the Child and a mysterious geometric city complete this exceptional work, proof of the richness of the priory. The artistic quality suggests the presence of a renowned master, attracted by the importance of the site.

In the 16th century, Mathurin Legay de la Hamonnière, prior between 1510 and 1541, transformed the priory into a mansion inspired by the Loire castles. It adds a polychrome Renaissance fireplace, now emblematic, composed of 15 panels illustrating mythological and floral scenes. Suffragant by the bishop of Angers (1540-1541), he made a lasting mark on local religious history.

The priory was strengthened in 1670, then sold as national property in 1789 for 85,600 pounds. In 1823, the church factory became its owner and built the current presbytery in 1847. Divided into 19th century dwellings, its Renaissance decorations are preserved under a layer of lime. In 1989, an association saved him from the ruin and restored him, while organizing events such as the Hortomnales, the Cucurbitaceae festival.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1955 (fresco) and 1957 (whole of the priory), the site still reveals mysteries. The fireplace, restored in 2013, delivered new interpretations of its panels. The Prioral Home, partially destroyed by a fire at the end of the 15th century, was enhanced by a floor to compensate. Today, the priory combines medieval and Renaissance heritage, testifying to almost a millennium of an Angeline history.

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