Around the Boulevard Nature: Arnage, the witch’s curse

From Le Mans, head towards Arnage and park by the church.

(S/E) With your back to the church, turn left towards Rue du Port and then turn right towards the river.

(1) On your left, at the bottom of Rue du Port, you’ll find the small park and its wash house. The wash house was built over the Roule Crotte stream in 1927. It was restored in 1990. Turn right to walk alongside the river (signposted ‘Boulevard Nature’) along the towpath for 2 km. Stay on the path until you reach the tunnel on the departmental road.

(2) Turn left. At the barrier, carry on straight ahead (do not follow the ‘Boulevard Nature’ sign) to reach the lake’s shores.

(3) At the junction, turn left, continuing to follow the shore. When you reach a car park, carry on straight ahead towards a gate. Follow the blue signposts. Walk past the sailing school, then follow the beach.

(4) Join a path on the way out of La Gèmerie (after the leisure park) and turn right onto it.

(3) Head back along the same path you took on the way there, but in the opposite direction.

(1) Continue straight on along Boulevard Nature. 630 m further on, stop at the end of the path.

(5) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the church (S/E).

Starting from Arnage harbour, follow the yellow and blue markings.
Public transport: Bus line 13 or 21, Rue du Port stop.

Places of interest along the way:

• Arboretum along the route.
• Washing house.
• La Gémerie open-air café.
• La Gémerie Lake Leisure Centre.
• Arnage Church.

Places to visit in the village:

• Garden.
• Bollée wind turbine (private).