Montenay facts for kids
Montenay is a small and charming commune (which is like a town or village) located in the northwest of France. It's home to about 1,400 people, based on a count from 1999. This peaceful place is found in the Pays de la Loire region, within the Mayenne department.
Discovering Montenay
Montenay is a commune in France. A commune is the smallest local government area in the country. It's similar to a town or a village. In 1999, about 1,399 people lived there.
Where is Montenay?
Montenay is located in the northwest part of France. It is part of the Pays de la Loire region. This region is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites. Montenay is also in the Mayenne department, which is like a county.
A Look at History
The name Montenay has a long history. In the ninth century, it was called Montaniaco. Later, in 1225, it was known as Monteneio. Experts believe the name probably comes from the Latin word Montanus. This word often relates to mountains or hills.
Ancient Discoveries
People have lived in the area around Montenay for a very long time. It was likely settled during the Neolithic period. This was a time from about 5000 to 3000 BC. During this period, people started farming and building permanent homes.
Evidence of these ancient people can still be seen today. There is a dolmen nearby. A dolmen is a type of ancient stone tomb. It was built by stacking large stones. There is also a special stone called a groove. This groove is known as St. Guillaume's stone. It is located about 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) from the main village.
