Aubance (rivière) - Affluent de la Loire walks

A beautiful walk through the vineyards around the Château de Brissac, which appears at numerous points along the route.

Hiking route in the forest with slight elevation gain.

Tour through vineyards and picturesque villages along the Loire River. Between breathtaking panoramas, heritage and the scent of vines, all your senses will be awakened!

This looped circuit, accessible to all, allows you to discover the landscapes and built heritage of the banks and hillsides of the Aubance in the commune of Mûrs-Érigné. The Aubance is a winding river hidden behind dense vegetation. At a place called "La Chaussée", a statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen before you walk along the wooded foothills of the hillsides near Les Gilardières. Discovering the hamlets of Gaigné, Petit Claye and Grand Claye allows you to appreciate the local heritage (beautiful buildings, chapel). Passing near the village of Mûrs, you can see the sensitive natural area of the Aubance loops, whose biodiversity is protected by the municipality of Mûrs-Érigné and the Layon Aubance Louet Association. This wetland is a reservoir of biodiversity whose various ecological functions are essential to the region.

This is the third stage of a cycle tour in southern Anjou. The route first follows the Layon between Beaulieu and Faye d'Anjou, then heads towards Brissac-Quincé through forests and vineyards. Leaving the imposing castle behind, you then join the string of villages that line the Loire, before descending to Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing the river marks the end of the vineyards and the entrance to the Angers conurbation, the end of the three-day journey.

Are you familiar with the hillsides of Aubance, less famous than those of Layon? After this hike, you will definitely want to taste the wines from the vineyards you will be passing through. The Aubance is a small river that flows into the Louet, itself a branch of the Loire. You are in a hilly, partly wooded landscape, often with unobstructed views. The Château de Noizé is exceptional in terms of its setting and aesthetics. The hike is a little long but very varied, with no significant elevation gain.