Chalonnes-sur-Loire, commune in Maine-et-Loire, France
Chalonnes-sur-Loire is a small town in Maine-et-Loire on the left bank of the Loire River. The town has narrow streets lined with stone buildings, an old riverport with visible wharves, and bridges crossing the water offering views downstream.
The town was settled in Roman times and later served as a trading point for goods moving between the countryside and larger cities. Over centuries it was an important river port, with the Church of Saint-Maurille dating to the 12th century and castle ruins testifying to its medieval past.
The name Chalonnes traces back to Roman times and reflects settlement along the Loire. Today, wine production and river commerce shape daily life, with old craft workshops and local markets throughout the streets keeping these traditions alive.
The town is walkable, with paths along the riverbank and through surrounding hills. The nearest major airports are in Angers and Nantes, from which you can reach the town by car or public transport.
The town is known for its sweet wines made from grapes grown on steep slopes that catch the sun well. Archaeologists have found prehistoric caves and rock shelters in the region along with Roman tools and animal bones, showing the area has been inhabited for thousands of years.
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