Villevêque – a Small Town That Thinks Big
Villevêque – Quelle histoire! What a story ! You can arrive by bike, car or bus. We chose the bus since we didn’t want to rent a car and because it was on the city bus-line out of Angers, France. We wanted to visit the Château de Villevêque. It is connected to the Musée de Beaux Arts in Angers so we thought it might be an interesting way to spend a Saturday afternoon. On display are items from the collection of Daniel Duclaux.
Villevêque Bus Adventure
Our day turned in to more of an adventure than we bargained for but we were well rewarded by what we found in this picturesque village. It seems that although the city bus line indicates you should take #32 at 9:00 for Villevêque, in actuality it is the #2/2b (which leaves from the adjacent stop). The #32 bus leaves at noon Monday through Saturday, but not at 9:00 (even thought the bus brochure states it does!). So even though we arrived at 8:30 for a 9:00 bus, we missed the bus. Sigh……. Back home to wait for the next bus.
The bus journey was a short 30 minutes and we had time to explore before the Château opened at 2pm (14h). Like Angers, we discovered that Villevêque has its own “art in the street” project this summer. Here are a few of the painting we discovered.
Garden and Field Sculptures
As the Château de Villevêque wasn’t open yet when we arrived, we wandered around the gardens where there were some incredible sculptures!
This first sculpture is in front of the Château and was made by Frank Criquet. A bit of the sculpture in progress can be seen on his webpage.
Le Cheval
Just behind the Château, these metal “men” jump and tumble through the trees. Serge Crampon titled his sculpture L’envol des illusions (The Illusion of Flight).
L’envol des illusions
Behind the Château
As we followed the path behind the Château, we saw the sculpture titled Graines d’Espace by Gérard L’Hériteau.
Graines d’Espace
The Mill and the River
As we wandered the path through the field to each of the art installations we ended up at the river. It’s absolutely beautiful here! There is a roped off swimming area along with a little beach. Being totally unprepared to swim or even wade, we enjoyed the view from a bench under a huge tree.
This field of wood sculptures was midway down the hill.
The view of the mill is spectacular! This is definitely a place to return to with a picnic lunch (not dinner as the last bus back to Angers departs at 7:30 (19h 30).
L’Engrenage Moulin de Villevêque
If you don’t want a picnic, this little restaurant has a terrace with a wonderful view of the Loir.
Les Tonnelles du Bord du Loir
Château de Villevêque
Returning to the Château, we explored the two rooms that are open to the public and the beautiful little cloister. The collection of ancient pottery was fascinating! What is on display is only a small part of the former owner’s collection. It would be wonderful to be in Angers in September for the Jours de Patrimoine when the Musée de Beaux Arts is going to display more (if not all) of the collection.
Ceiling details
However, this wood statue of the Virgin was definitely my favorite piece here. She is simply elegant!
Virgin of the Annunciation, Siena, 15th century, polychromatic wood and gilt
This one also dates from the 15th century and is of polychrome and wood.
La Témperance
This Virgin and Child dates from the 13th century and is in a climate controlled box as it is also of wood.
Exiting the Château to the rear we enjoyed the little cloister. The day was super hot but the position of the cloister was such that the air circulated through and made it nice and cool.
Villevêque NOV ART Project
This is the 36th consecutive year that Villevêque has brought art to their town. Unlike the street art in Angers, this year Villevêque has large murals decorating various walls. The painting I liked the best was the one on the church. I think it is the whole tableau of the church, the painting and the flowers that speaks to me.
Killing Time Before the Bus Arrives
Waiting for the bus, we bought some chouquettes (lovely little choux pastries covered in giant sugar granules) for a little snack. There was a wedding reception at the town hall but it felt intrusive to watch, much less take photos! So ,we wandered a bit more.
Down by the river, there is space to park your RV or to pitch a tent. Should you need water for you RV, this beautiful tiled fountain is available. In the center, you can see the slot for your euro coin.
Pay fountain for RVs
And should you lose your way, there is even a signpost to guide you! A bientôt!
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