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

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

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

(1) On the left, at the bottom of Rue du Port, explore the small park and its wash house. The wash house was built on the Roule Crotte stream in 1927. It was restored in 1990. Turn right to follow the river (Boulevard Nature sign) along the towpath for 2 km. Stay on the path until you reach the tunnel on the main road.

(2) Turn left. At the barrier, continue straight ahead (do not follow the Boulevard Nature sign) to reach the lake shore.

(3) At the junction, turn left, continuing to follow the shore. When you reach a car park, carry straight on towards a barrier. Follow the blue markings. Pass the sailing school, then walk along the beach.

(4) Join a path at the exit of La Gèmerie (after the leisure park) and turn right onto it.

(3) Return along the same path as 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 to see 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 windmill (private).