Chalonnes-sur-Loire walks

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.

Set amongst the banks of the Loire, the GR®3 trail and the Layon valley, this stage offers spectacular views of the rivers, all punctuated by local heritage sites against a backdrop of vineyards characteristic of the Anjou region.

A superb hike on the slopes of Layon, among the vineyards, between Louet and Layon. This hike follows theGR®3trail, which is very well marked in red and white.

A lovely walk along pleasant paths. Must-sees: panoramic views, vineyards, the beautiful village of Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, La Tranchée and the Malécots Mine, the village of La Haie Longue, the Sainte-Barbe-des-Mines Chapel… A lovely day out in store. Suitable for all seasons (unless the Layon river bursts its banks).

In Montjean-sur-Loire, the path that winds through the Châteaupanne Sensitive Natural Area takes you back in time. The path goes deep into the woods, runs along the banks of the Loire or follows old stone walls. Further on, you climb a coral reef, now a limestone quarry, where the sea was 400 million years ago. Further on, a strange fortress takes you back to the era of the lime burners.

The walk begins in the heart of the lime-burning hamlet of Châteaupanne, just a few steps from the priory and its chapel. First, let yourself be guided by the soothing murmur of the Ruisseau des Moulins, before heading slightly uphill. As you climb the hill, a unique natural spectacle unfolds before you: the remains of the world’s oldest wood, the dance of wild orchids and, come fine weather, the vibrant bloom of rock roses.

This circular route allows you to stroll through the streets of the Nisvelle neighbourhood. Discover which Saint-Georges personalities are hidden behind the street name plaques. The neighbourhood gives pride of place to former mayors and elected officials of the commune. You will walk along the Serrant Stream, which feeds the Arrouët Pond, where you can enjoy a break at one of the tables or work out at the sports facilities!

This circular route will take you around the village of Saint-Georges, alternating between natural areas and different neighbourhoods through squares and alleys. After the Benet Fountain, on the edge of the Murie business park, you will discover the silkworm farm, a testament tothe 19th century. Since the 1970s, the village has undergone rapid development and urbanisation. Discover its housing estates: Nisvelle, Les Sources, La Salle, La Croix Clet, Gravereuil...

This circular route allows you to reach the Loire from the village of Saint-Georges-sur-Loire. You will pass through hamlets in the Saint-Georges countryside. The station district was very active during the19th century. You will reach Port Girault and its slipway on the Grand Bras de la Loire, historically the main branch of the river. On the way back, you will pass through Éculard, where there is a beautiful18th-century mansion.

This circular route allows you to visit three of the five castles in the commune, all of which are now privately owned. Rural paths will take you through natural areas of ecological interest along two streams to the highest points offering panoramic views of the Loire Valley. Along the trails, you may come across the route taken by storks that have settled in the marshy areas near the hamlet of Éculard.

This circular route takes you from the Salle housing estate, built in the 1970s, to the brand new Croix Clet housing estate. Starting from the beautiful shaded areas of the Étang de la Salle and the banks of the Ruisseau de la Douinière, you will cross the pleasant gardens of the Guinguette before walking along the new paths, whose names highlight remarkable women from the commune.

Set off along the rural paths on the land between the estates of the châteaux of Serrant and Chevigné. Starting from the Benet Fountain to the east of the village, you will walk past farms with evocative names (Chèvre Pendue, Beauchêne) to reach the Chevigné Pond, a vast body of water that is home to many rare and even endangered bird species and is classified as a Sensitive Natural Area.

Towards the end of the circular GR® de Pays route, the path plunges into the heart of the Vallée des Moulins, sometimes climbing higher, sometimes winding along its base, before leading you back to the Loire and its scenic landscapes, revealing in particular the Île de Chalonnes over the final few kilometres of your walk.

Enjoy this variation on the Fours aux Moulins hike. You will set off to discover some of the thousand mills that once operated in the region. Through magnificent vineyards and small paths, enjoy a moment surrounded by nature.Hiking trail between Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye.

Enjoy the Loire and the historical past of Montjean-sur-Loire by hiking past the various lime kilns that made this village the largest port on the Loire in the 18th and 19th centuries. You will also discover some of the thousand mills that once operated in the region. Enjoy a moment in the heart of nature as you walk through vineyards and along small paths. Hiking trail in the municipalities of Montjean-sur-Loire and La Pommeraye.

A family-friendly circular walk, starting from the village of Rochefort-sur-Loire, which is pleasant and offers some lovely views. Perfect for a moderately challenging outing in a short space of time. No real technical difficulty apart from one or two climbs that will need to be tackled on foot and some pleasant descents over pebbles.

This is a very varied walk that will take you close to the racecourse (even better on a race day), through the hamlet of Les Lombardières with its old fishermen's and sailors' houses, then through the charming village of Savennières and its vineyards perched on the hillsides, and finally to Béhuard, a very pretty little village with its small church clinging to the rock. Some sections are the same on the way there and back, but this is necessary due to the river crossings and the railway line.

Explore the Oyon Valley at La Jumellière! Discover the area around the town in a different way, with its rich heritage and natural beauty! Accessible family hike.

Explore the hillsides of the Oyon Valley near La Jumellière. Discover Saint-Pierre Church and the Oratory of Notre-Dame d’Oyon, and cross the little stream in this pretty, remarkably well-preserved valley, home to interesting plant and animal species.

Starting from Montjean-sur-Loire, the second stage first follows the river upstream, passing by the Île de Chalonnes. In this town, you cross to the south bank to climb the Corniche Angevine, which you follow for a few kilometres before descending into the Layon valley. Following the greenway that runs alongside the river, you will reach the Pont Barré, the site of a battle in the Vendée and the end of this stage.

A circular route starting from the Cap Loire car park. The route runs alongside the Loire and passes by the lime kilns. A magnificent Symposium of Monumental Sculptures lines the entire path.

From hillsides to valleys to the banks of the Loire. A beautiful walk punctuated by a rich landscape, natural and architectural heritage.

A pleasant little walk through the undergrowth and shaded paths around Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux.

This walk follows the heritage trail: ‘Discovering Saint Martin du Fouilloux’, which is the result of a project led by the Children’s Town Council during their term of office. See the ‘Practical Information’ section below. The walk takes in a variety of landscapes, including hedgerows, meadows, woodland and the banks of ponds. This charming route allows everyone to reconnect with nature.

In the heart of the bocage countryside, let yourself be carried away on this literary stroll. Along the way, you’ll discover the splendid park and château of Martreil!

Discover the heritage of Neuvy-en-Mauges as you walk along its footpaths. You’ll enjoy views of the Morosière estate, built in 1869 from stone and tuffeau, and the Manoir de l’Aunay Gontard, dating from the Classical period (17th and 18th centuries) and spared destruction during the Wars of the Vendée.

On the borders of Layon and Mauges, this village nestled around its bell tower offers a hilly route between the hillsides and the Hyrôme valley. Family hike starting from Chanzeaux.