DRotureau

Circular of the three lakes of Crozet, Loup and Grande Sitre from Saint-Mury-Monteymond on the north-western balcony of the Grande Lance de Domène in the Belledonne Massif.

The light green Lac de la Balmette is located in a very wild cirque dominated by the Grand Pic de Belledonne and Pic Lamartine. Several torrents flowing under the scree feed it and its overflow gives rise to the Ruisseau d'Articol.

Route passing through the Vallée du Pressoir (classified as a Natura 2000 site since March 2025) then the left bank of the Thouet valley from Pommiers to Sainte-Radegonde. Pass through Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars on the left bank of the Thouet, then Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, the Cirque de Missé and return to Thouars on the right bank of the Thouet via the GR®36. The hike also offers views of the town of Thouars, with its historic monuments and rich heritage.

Leaving Sainte-Radegonde, you will discover the Pressoir valley, newly classified as a Natura 2000 nature reserve, then the west and south facades of Thouars, located on the promontory with the Thouet river flowing at its feet. Next, pass through Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, which overlooks the Thouet valley, the fortifications, the castle on its rocky spur, and the three large and remarkable natural meanders: Saint-Jean, Le Châtellier and Missé. Enjoy the superb valley and then enter Thouars at the foot of the castle ramparts.

A superb circular hike allowing you to discover Montsoreau, Fontrevaud and Candes-Saint-Martin in their natural setting and localities located in remarkable sites. The circular hike is done anti-clockwise on the hillside to enjoy a pleasant route through the woods and panoramic views of the right bank of the Loire.

A circular loop exploring the troglodyte dwellings on the hillside between Dampierre-sur-Loire and Montsoreau, alternating between sections through the vineyards of Souzay - Champigny, including the unusual "Clos Cristal", the tuffeau cliff shaped by man and erosion overlooking the Loire, the remarkable villages and their heritage, and the wild left bank of the Loire.

The Puss in Boots Walk in Cléré-sur-Layon takes its name from a rather unusual local legend. The route, which stretches for 17 km between Anjou and Poitou, passes through the neighbouring village of Passavant-sur-Layon. It is said that this village inspired Charles Perrault to write his famous tale. The nave of Passavant church houses a tomb bearing the name ofthe Count of Caravas, which is said to have directly inspired the famous title of the cat’s master: the Marquis of Carabas.Cléré-sur-Layon, a small rural village, is situated in the south of the Saumur region, on the border with the Deux-Sèvres. The Layon, a tributary of the Loire which flows through the commune from west to east, has carved out a steep-sided valley here, through which a picturesque footpath winds, offering a perfect vantage point from which to explore the village: its vineyards, its bocage and its quarry (see the ‘Places to Visit’ section for further historical information on the area).