Sentier des moulins - Aigre

Now merged with Aigre, Villejésus is a very large commune with many hamlets, some of which have a long history. From the square in front of the Villejésus church, head towards the former town hall where a castle once stood, "Le Logis de la Cour", which was demolished in 1820. Continue along the Rue Haute to discover the typical houses. There are 3 main streets lined with very old houses. You'll notice blue and yellow signposts, the same as those on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. Once you've passed the agricultural cooperative, you'll leave the town centre and head for the cultivated plots as far as the Tusson forest. At Champ Caveraud, take the left-hand path into the woods. Keep your eyes peeled for wild boar and roe deer! At the end of the wood, on your right, you'll see the plant dome of the Gallo-Roman theatre at Les Bouchauds, in the commune of St-Cybardeaux. Watch out for the signs as you leave the white path and enter the woods on your left. There is another fine viewpoint over Marcillac-Lanville and, below, the village of Villejésus. Continue across the fields to Les Chênerasses and the model aircraft club. Take care as you cross the Route de Mansle, D739, to reach Saint-Aubin. The landscape changes as you take the Rue de l'Orgillet. Cross the Redour and turn right into rue du Moulin. You will see the beautiful Talonnière dwelling. Then walk along a branch of the Aume as far as the Bigot bridge and continue towards the Chollet mill. Take a break at the wash-house and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Take the wooded path on the left, parallel to the road. The Rue du Petit Mairat takes you as far as the former Moulin de la Commanderie and the former Petit Mairat railway station, where the train ran until 1940. Visit the parish church of Notre-Dame de Villejésus, built in the 12th century, then destroyed by the Protestants around 1615 and finally restored twice, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Artist Serge Van Khache has decorated the walls with contemporary frescoes and built a unique Way of the Cross. What to do: use your smartphone to scan the QR codes available in the church and enjoy a guided tour with the voices of Roger Carel and Mathias Van Khache (in French and English).