Walk through the hillsides of Rochefort-sur-Loire

Start from the centre of the village of Rochefort-sur-Loire, near the estate agent’s on Rue René Gasnier.

(S/E) Follow Rue René Gasnier until you reach number 34.

(1) Turn right onto Rue du Temple and head down towards the Louet. At the bottom of the street, turn left and follow the Louet.

(2) Look out for Rue Haute du Marteau on your left (return route) and carry on straight ahead until you reach the Rochefort-sur-Loire health centre (near the old football stadium).

(3) Turn left before the football stadium and head back up towards the health centre until you reach the road to Chalonnes-sur-Loire (Route René Gasnier), then turn right and continue for about a hundred metres.

(4) Turn left, begin the climb through the hillsides and continue along this road to the top of the hill. Turn left again in front of the Basses Brosses farm at the end of the climb and reach the start of a path on the right.

(5) Leave the road and take this narrow, somewhat overgrown path, following it uphill until you reach the vineyards about 300 metres further on. Continue in this direction until you come to the D54; cross the road and carry on straight ahead. Mountain bikers should take care on this downhill section.
Then head for the hamlet of Le Grand Beauvais and follow the Chemin des Treize Vents to the right until you reach house no. 6.

(6) Just past No. 6, opposite No. 7, turn right onto the path between the houses, then through the gardens and vineyards. At the crossroads, turn left and head towards a grove of pine trees, passing through it. Brake as you enter the grove, then go full throttle down the descent.
At the bottom of the descent, turn right and follow the track uphill for 200 m until you come to a small stony path on the left which takes you between the vineyards below. Continue along this path through the vineyards for 150 m, cross a stream, turn right and climb towards the top of the next hill.
It’s a rather steep climb; Olympic champions will stay on their bikes, whilst the rest of you will probably have to dismount more than once. This section is steep but it levels out at the top – stay calm and be careful.
After a 500-metre climb, carry on through a wooded area before reaching the vineyards again. You’ll come to a four-way junction.

(7) Turn left towards Moulin Guérin. You can climb to the top of the building and enjoy a lovely view from the orientation table. For those feeling tired, it’s a good excuse to take a breather for a few minutes and rehydrate.
Continue along the path, cross the road and head up to the top of the path at a place called Tartifume. At the 90° right-hand bend, just after the house, leave the tarmac and go straight on. Pass close to a pretty house on your left and continue for 250 m, then veer slightly to the right to rejoin the main track and the vineyards. About 150 m after the small hut, take the path on the right and follow the edge of the woodland on your right.

(8) Turn right and enter the woodland. Continue through this slightly easier-to-ride section of copse for 500 m before reaching the Route des Hauts de Chaume. Caution!Do not ride too fast; the road only comes into view at the last moment and braking may be a bit of a surprise.

(9) Turn right and follow the road for 50 m, then take the path immediately on the left which follows the valley and joins the Chalonnes-sur-Loire road (D751).
For mountain bike downhill enthusiasts, now’s the time to make the most of it. An 800-metre descent along a forest track that’s easy to ride, with a few rocky patches but no hidden hazards. As a bonus, there are a few tiny ‘pops’ (jumps) to add to the fun. For your information, the right-hand side of the track is a bit easier (fewer stones).

(10) Cross the road and continue along the path opposite. After a left-hand bend, head down to the Ruisseau de Saint-Lézin, follow it for a few metres, then turn right and follow the Fossé Véron. Continue straight on along this path until you return towards Rochefort-sur-Loire and rejoin the route you took at the start.

(3) Continue along the Fossé Véron, following the route in the opposite direction to the outward journey, until you reach Rue Haute du Martreau.

(2) Turn right onto this street and head towards the village centre and the starting point (S/E).

This circular route can also be done on foot.

Suitable for children (though it will take longer); you can get off your bike when it gets too tiring for them...

The Moulin Guérin is a former mill converted into a tower, from the top of which you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view and find your bearings using an orientation map. The flag of Anjou flies atop this tower.