Description of the attraction
Beyuar is the name given to an island on the Loire River and a municipality in the Maine-et-Loire department of the Pays de Loire region, 13 kilometers from Angers and 75 kilometers from Nantes. Actually, the village is located on this small island; about one and a half hundred people live here permanently.
The Loire is one of the most famous rivers in France: firstly, it is the longest (its length is more than a thousand kilometers), secondly, in the river valley there are many medieval castles (for example, Beaufort, Chevenon, La Roche), cathedrals and palaces (the palace of the Dukes of Nevers), as well as cities such as Orleans, Tours, Blois, Angers and others. Near Nantes, the Loire flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire is also called “the royal river”, and its valley is called “the wedding dress of France” for the beauty of its architectural heritage. The architectural monuments in the Loire Valley are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are very few attractions on the island of Beyouar. One of them is a church built in the 15th century. If you believe the local legend, then this church owes its appearance to King Louis XI, who, traveling along the Loire, got into such a strong storm that he was forced to call for the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The king gave his word that if he was saved, he would build a church in honor of the Mother of God. Louis XI was thrown ashore on the island of Beyuar, he kept his promise, and today pilgrims from all over France and other countries are striving to a small church on the island. In addition to the church, the island also houses a nursing home for clergy.
The island of Beyouar is often flooded during floods, so the locals monitor the water level in the Loire using a scale installed next to the coast.
The village on the island of Beyouar is recognized by UNESCO as a cultural monument.
