Oratoire et fontaine Saint-Céneré

Saulges

Céneré, born around 600 at Spoleto in Italy, a Benedictine monk who came to evangelise Merovingian Gaul, arrived at Saulges around 649–650 and settled there as a hermit at the bottom of the Erve valley. Tradition relates that he caused a spring to gush forth there, around which local devotion took root and which gave its name to the fountain, renowned for its healing powers. He died on 21 July 680; his remains are kept in the church of Saint-Pierre at Saulges, in the village. The present oratory, set against the hillside, is a rebuilding of 1849, completed by a grotto laid out in 1903 and then by a nave in 1933; it houses a polychrome wooden statue of the 18th century. The pilgrimage, which tradition traces back thirteen centuries, is held each year around 15 August and still brings together the parishes of the Coëvrons. An association of the Friends of Saint Céneré, founded on 1 June 1971, maintains the site and organises the events. The setting — limestone cliffs, a meander of the Erve, prehistoric caves close by — makes this little valley one of the most singular in Mayenne.

Destination Mayenne — Oratoire Saint-Céneré à Saulges ↗

Getting there : Route de Vaiges, on the edge of the village of Saulges (53340), going down towards the Erve valley; free access all year round, car park, picnic area and children's playground on site. The site is a few hundred metres from the Saulges caves, including the Rochefort cave and its underground lake, which can be visited by reservation. The path linking the oratory to the village is short but steep.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound