The church:

Dedicated to St Martin de Vertou, Saché church was built in the 12th century, altered in the13th century and extended in the 16th century. In the nave, two Romanesque bays feature Angevin vaults (12th century). The second Romanesque bay is flanked by the square church tower. The west front has a timber porch which adds a special charm to the little square outside.

The Château

The only remnants of the early fortress are a round tower and part of the moat. The current building dates from the 16th century and is currently home to the Balzac Museum. Balzac actually stayed in the château on several occasions between 1829 and 1837, hosted by Monsieur de Margonne, a friend of his parents. Here, Balzac wrote "Le Lys dans la vallée" (The Lily of the Valley) , "Louis Lambert" and "La recherche de l'absolu" (The Search for the Absolute).

Alexander Calder:

Alexander Calder, the American sculptor, lived in "La Basse chevrière" in around 1950 before building his studio in the settlement of "Le Carroi". He lived there until 1975 and presented the village with the mobile which stands in front of the church. For several years, with the support of the Regional Department of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) and the consent of Alexander Calder's heirs, the studio has been a place of welcome and residence for overseas artists who would have been unable to complete their projects unaided. Nearby, several private properties are visible from the road, including the 15th century Château du Boulay just off the D217. The Manoir de Bécheron is situated off the D84. Dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, this house formerly belonged to the sculptor Davidson. The neighbouring Château de la Chevrière was chosen by Balzac as the setting for Clochegourde, the house of the heroine of "The Lily of the Valley" . Alexander Calder's home and studio is also situated off the D84 in a hillside location.