ÉGLISE DE GOUIS

The church of Gouis belonged to the oldest parish in Durtal. Originally the property of the Lord of Durtal, it was given to the Abbey of St Aubin in Angers, which had the village of Gouis built.

A priory that predates Durtal and became part of the commune in 1791, Gouis has passed through the centuries with an eventful history. A working-class district par excellence, the low, terraced houses of workers and fishermen stand side by side with middle-class residences. Gouis has inherited this variety of housing from its strategic geographical position. Situated between the River Loir and the Route de Paris, this suburb lives to the rhythm of the bells and art exhibitions of its central church. Recent redevelopment work has enhanced the town's precious heritage and brought back the vitality of yesteryear.

The church has a simple nave, a Romanesque choir and a vaulted ceiling with ogival panelling. The stone bell tower dates from the 12th century. All the original openings are walled in. The portal was rebuilt in 1873 by an architect from Angers. The Romanesque archivolt with its saw-tooth pattern and primitive details has been preserved.

The church is not open every day.