Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
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Bridge over the River Sarthe
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 Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
Location in France
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
Location in Normandy
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| Country | France |
| Region | Normandy |
| Department | Orne |
| Arrondissement | Alençon |
| Canton | Damigny |
| Intercommunality | CU Alençon |
| Area
1
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3.86 km2 (1.49 sq mi) |
| Population
(2021)
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111 |
| • Density | 28.76/km2 (74.5/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code |
61372 /61250
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| Elevation | 115–193 m (377–633 ft) (avg. 120 m or 390 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is a small village in the Orne department in north-western France. It's known for its beautiful scenery and rich history.
The village sits beside the River Sarthe, about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Alençon. It's also about 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Paris. Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is special because it's listed as one of the "Petites Cités de Caractère," which means it's a small town with a unique historical feel.
Contents
History of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
The village gets its name from a man named Serenicus, who lived there in the 7th century. He was an Italian monk who became known as Saint Céneri.
The Miraculous Spring
Legend says that Saint Céneri settled here after a long journey. He was very thirsty and prayed for water. A special spring then appeared near the River Sarthe. People believed the water from this spring could help cure eye problems. Today, a small stone shelter with a cross covers this famous spring.
From Monastery to Castle
After Saint Céneri died, a monastery was built in his honor. However, Vikings destroyed it in 903. Later, in 1044, a man named William Giroie built a castle here. Only parts of its old walls remain today. This castle was involved in battles, including a siege by Duke William II of Normandy (who later became King William I of England) in 1060. His son, Robert Curthose, took the castle in 1088.
Protecting the Stronghold
During the Hundred Years' War, a brave leader named Ambroise de Loré successfully defended the village's stronghold. He protected it from the English kings Henry V and John Plantagenet until 1434.
A Village for Artists
Since the 19th century, the village's beautiful setting has attracted many artists. Famous painters like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, and Henri Harpignies came here for inspiration. The Auberge des Sœurs Moisy, a hotel run by the Moisy sisters, became a popular place for artists to stay between 1875 and 1908.
Today, this old inn is an art museum called the Auberge Des Souers Moisy Museum. One of its most interesting parts is the "Salle des Décapités," or "Room of the Beheaded." This room is decorated with black outlines of people's faces drawn on the walls. Artists would stand next to a white wall, and someone would hold a candle to cast their shadow. Another painter would then trace the outline, which was later filled in with black. This way, many artists who visited the inn left their mark.
The village even has its own festival each year to celebrate the painters who loved Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.
Exploring the Geography
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is located in the Orne department of the Normandy region. It's nestled in the Mancelles Alps, which are part of the Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park.
Nature and Wildlife
The village shares three special nature conservation areas with nearby towns. These are the Alpes Mancelles, the Haute vallée de la Sarthe, and the Vallée du Sarthon et affluents. These areas are protected because of their important natural habitats.
A large metal screw on the historic stone bridge marks the border between Normandy and the neighboring region of Pays de la Loire. The area is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. It has wooded hills, rocky cliffs, deep river valleys, and fields surrounded by hedgerows.
Outdoor Activities
Visitors can enjoy many activities here, such as hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, and fishing. You can even climb to the top of Mont de Avaloirs, the highest point in the region, for amazing views. There's also a 10-kilometer (6-mile) walking path that starts in the village, with information available at the tourist office.
Amazing Architecture
The village has many old stone houses along its winding streets. A beautiful four-arched historic stone bridge crosses the River Sarthe.
The Ancient Church
High above the river stands an 11th-century Romanesque church. Inside, you can see large frescoes, which are paintings done on wet plaster. These frescoes were painted in the 12th and 14th centuries. They were covered with plaster in the 17th century, which actually helped preserve them for about 200 years until they were rediscovered!
Saint Céneri's Chapel
A 15th-century medieval stone chapel stands alone in a large meadow near the Sarthe River. People believe the original wooden chapel was built by Saint Céneri himself. Inside, there's a statue of Saint-Céneri, and many miracles have been linked to it.
Economy and Tourism
The main way Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei makes money is through tourism. It's listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ("France's Most Beautiful Villages"), which attracts many visitors to enjoy its charm.
Notable Buildings and Places
Gardens and Museums
- Jardins de la Mansonière is a lovely garden that you can visit.
National Heritage Sites
The village has four buildings and areas that are listed as Monument historique, meaning they are important national heritage sites:
- Saint-Céneri Chapel is the 15th-century chapel mentioned earlier.
- The former Moisy Inn is an 18th-century building that used to be the hotel where many artists, like Mary Renard and Paul Saïn, stayed.
- Church of Saint-Céneri-le-Gerei is the 11th-century church with the ancient frescoes.
- The former Legangeux hotel is a 19th-century building that also attracted visiting artists. It is now a museum.
Getting There
Saint-Céneri is easy to reach, being within 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) of major roads. These include the A28 motorway, which connects cities like Abbeville and Tours, and the N12 trunk road, which goes from Paris to Rennes and Brest.
See also
In Spanish: Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei para niños
