Abbaye Notre-Dame des Gardes walks

Take in the views of the Chemillois countryside from the Toit de l’Anjou, before letting yourself be enchanted by the mystical atmosphere of the Sanctuaire des Gardes.Discover the unmissable Planche Grelet and the Jardin des Chirons along the route.

Circular mountain bike route on roads and tracks. You’ll pass two beautiful buildings: the Chapelle de la Planche Grelet and the Abbaye de Notre-Dame des Gardes.

A large part of the route is in the woods, well shaded and very pleasant in strong sunlight, with one section to be done on foot (stairs and very steep slope).

This circular walking route offers a unique and refreshing experience, combining nature, rivers and heritage. As it winds through the valleys of the Èvre and the Hyrôme, the path follows the meandering waterways, sometimes taking you right alongside the river, and at other times leading you higher up to take in idyllic panoramic views. Throughout the route, the rural landscape reveals itself in all its diversity:unspoilt hedgerows, shady woodlands, windmills and watermills;small-scale local heritage, charming villages, and even the highest point in Anjou punctuate the journey. A true journey on foot through the heart of a vibrant and authentic region, where every bend in the path offers a new glimpse into the natural and cultural riches of the Mauges.

Stage Three.This stage marks the transition between the Hyrôme and the Èvre, inviting walkers to traverse a more open landscape, punctuated by country lanes through the heart of farmland. During the first part of the route, the silhouette of Notre-Dame-des-Gardes Abbey looms on the horizon, guiding the traveller’s steps and highlighting the region’s characteristic landscape. This stretch, which feels like a transition between two worlds, unfolds peacefully before returning to the more secluded and intimate atmosphere of the banks of the Èvre.