Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Faigne, Chapel in Pontvallain, France
The chapelle Notre-Dame de la Faigne is a small place of worship at the edge of a wood along the road from Pontvallain to Écommoy, in the Sarthe department. Its plain facade has a rounded doorway, a pediment with the inscription Ave Maria and a restored figure, topped by a small bell turret.
The chapel's origins go back to the Middle Ages, and parts of the building as it stands today date from the 18th century. Local tradition holds that Bertrand du Guesclin came to pray here after his nearby victory in 1370, giving thanks to the Virgin.
The chapel has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, drawing people every Whit Monday who walk or drive to attend mass and pray together. Around that day, shared meals and gatherings take place, turning the visit into a community event.
The chapel is not regularly open outside of events, so it is worth contacting the association Les Amis de la Faigne in advance. Access is from departmental road 110, and basic parking is available on site.
The chapel's pediment displays scallop shells and a pilgrim's pouch alongside the Ave Maria inscription, hinting at an old connection to pilgrimage routes. Inside, a glass case holds three medieval terracotta figures discovered during restoration work.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
