Saumur Val de Loire Tourisme

Verchers-sur-Layon has an unusual history, comprising 15 hamlets, some of which are actual villages. It was formed in 1818 by the merger of three parishes: Saint-Just, Saint-Pierre and La Lande. This union was marked by architectural richness, with a rather exceptional heritage (the church of Saint-Just, the châteaux of Échuilly and Bussy-Fontaine, etc.) and renowned wine-growing. A journey through the heart of the vineyards.

The name comes from the Latin word ulmus, meaning elm tree, and was given to the village because of the presence of this tree. The surrounding woods and estates were entrusted to the monks of Saint-Maur Abbey, and the village developed around a priory and its church. The priory, which was remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries, is still attached to the Church of Saint Vincent of Spain, which features beautiful remains from the 11th and 12th centuries.

A hilly, wooded route. Situated on the left bank of the Loire, downstream from Saumur, this village in the Loire Valley is a former Gallo-Roman settlement and home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Maine-et-Loire. Finds made on the plateau prove human presence dating back to the Neolithic period (4500 to 4000 BC).

The settlement of Gennes dates back to the Neolithic period (4500 BC). Menhirs and dolmens, inherited from this distant era, stand proudly before the eyes of walkers. Its Gallo-Roman amphitheatre has also stood the test of time, offering a real journey through history. The Étang and the Forest of Joreau are a nature reserve and have been classified as a Natural Area of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest (Z.N.I.E.F.F.) since 1992.

A hilly, wooded route between Trèves and Chênehutte, along the Loire and on the hillside. This route also winds through the historic streets of the village of Trèves.

Hiking route in the heart of the Courléon State Forest. This hike can be enjoyed in all seasons. Pleasetake care during the hunting season

Hiking route in the heart of the Courléon National Forest. This hike can be enjoyed in all seasons. Please take care during the hunting season

This charming village is the starting point for a nature walk through unspoilt countryside with wooded hills and dotted with heritage sites.

For nature lovers, enjoy this walk in the heart of a dense forest rich in biodiversity.

This pleasant walk through farmland and the Brossay forest allows you to discover the region's rich architectural heritage.

A raised walkway showcasing the various attractions of the Saumur region: the Loire, troglodyte dwellings, vineyards alternating with wooded and marshy areas. Please note that the trail is impassable in the event of flooding of the Loire and/or heavy rainfall.

A hilly route combining the Loire, vineyards, forest and troglodyte dwellings. Please note: part of the route along the Loire is impassable in the event of flooding. Take care during the hunting season.

A region of woods and heathland, sometimes infested with wolves, the commune of Grézillé has a history dating back to Antiquity, with turbulent periods, particularly during the Revolution. Primarily agricultural, the village was home to tuffeau quarries in the 19th century, which a few decades later became mushroom farms and wine cellars. A gently undulating route that winds through vineyards and woods.

Hiking route in the forest with slight elevation gain.

A flat route between the banks of the Loire and the Authion. It allows you to explore the birthplace of Aristide du Petit Thouars and its heritage. Please note: The paths along the banks of the Loire are impassable during periods of high water

The village of Brézé lies in the shadow of a castle steeped in history. It was to a member of the Dreux family, the owners of Brézé, that Mirabeau addressed his famous retort on 23 June 1789: ‘We are here by the will of the people and we shall only leave by the force of bayonets.’ Grassy or stony towpaths along the Thouet and the Canal de la Dive.

A hilly route along the hillside through the vineyards. Home to a magnificent 14th-century Romanesque church and the Manoir de Morains, where Marguerite d'Anjou is said to have died. Dampierre-sur-Loire is also renowned as a commune in the Saumur-Champigny appellation. Please note: section along the Loire River impassable in case of flooding.

A family-friendly route to explore the banks of the Loire. You can extend your walk with a heritage trail that will take you to the village’s most iconic spots. Please note! The path along the banks of the Loire is impassable during periods of high water.

Megaliths, priory, chapel, church, sailors' houses; the history of Thoureil can be discovered through its buildings and landscapes, linked in their history by the Loire. Hilly route.

Dominated by its Romanesque church, a former Benedictine priory, the village of Cunault was a place of pilgrimage and renowned fairs in the Middle Ages and until the end of the 19th century, an important port on the Loire specialising, like its neighbouring (and twin) port of Trèves, in the shipment of tuffeau stone. Steep slope at the start, then flat, shaded paths.

Farm tracks, much of which runs through woodland and the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation vineyards.

Le Puy-Notre-Dame stands at 106m on a tuffeau hill. The name ‘puy’ derives from the Celtic word ‘peuch’ (small mountain). Centred around an early church and a Cluniac priory founded by William VIII, Duke of Aquitaine, the village grew, welcoming pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela and those who came to venerate a relic brought back from the Crusades: the Holy Belt of the Virgin.

A 30km mountain bike route between Gennes-Val de Loire, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil. Dolmens, menhirs, cave dwellings and rural heritage can be explored along this undulating route, which is sure to delight mountain bikers. The route also offers beautiful views of the Loire.

A shaded route through the forest. Between Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay, this former fortified village is a must-see for heritage enthusiasts. Numerous15th- and16th-century manor houses and18th-century stately homes line the medieval-style narrow streets. Please note: Be sure to follow the direction of traffic; the route is shared with horse riders.