Cléré-sur-Layon walks

The Puss in Boots Walk in Cléré-sur-Layon takes its name from a rather unusual local legend. The route, which stretches for 17 km between Anjou and Poitou, passes through the neighbouring village of Passavant-sur-Layon. It is said that this village inspired Charles Perrault to write his famous tale. The nave of Passavant church houses a tomb bearing the name ofthe Count of Caravas, which is said to have directly inspired the famous title of the cat’s master: the Marquis of Carabas.Cléré-sur-Layon, a small rural village, is situated in the south of the Saumur region, on the border with the Deux-Sèvres. The Layon, a tributary of the Loire which flows through the commune from west to east, has carved out a steep-sided valley here, through which a picturesque footpath winds, offering a perfect vantage point from which to explore the village: its vineyards, its bocage and its quarry (see the ‘Places to Visit’ section for further historical information on the area).

Verchers-sur-Layon has an unusual history, comprising 15 hamlets, some of which are actual villages. It was formed in 1818 by the merger of three parishes: Saint-Just, Saint-Pierre and La Lande. This union was marked by architectural richness, with a rather exceptional heritage (the church of Saint-Just, the châteaux of Échuilly and Bussy-Fontaine, etc.) and renowned wine-growing. A journey through the heart of the vineyards.

Le Puy-Notre-Dame stands at 106m on a tuffeau hill. The name ‘puy’ derives from the Celtic word ‘peuch’ (small mountain). Centred around an early church and a Cluniac priory founded by William VIII, Duke of Aquitaine, the village grew, welcoming pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela and those who came to venerate a relic brought back from the Crusades: the Holy Belt of the Virgin.

An easy route combining tarmac and paths. We will pass through the village of Maligné (one of the largest hamlets in Martigné-Briand), then walk alongside the Stade de Girondeau, before returning to the narrow streets of Martigné and its château.

The Ruisseau du Pressoir stream flows through a narrow, deep valley marked by the Cascade de Pommiers waterfall. Some steep slopes overlooking the stream from a height of around 40 metres make this wild and picturesque valley a unique natural environment in the Thouarsais region.

Farm tracks, much of which runs through woodland and the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation vineyards.

Route passing through the Vallée du Pressoir (classified as a Natura 2000 site since March 2025) then the left bank of the Thouet valley from Pommiers to Sainte-Radegonde. Pass through Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars on the left bank of the Thouet, then Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, the Cirque de Missé and return to Thouars on the right bank of the Thouet via the GR®36. The hike also offers views of the town of Thouars, with its historic monuments and rich heritage.

Leaving Sainte-Radegonde, you will discover the Pressoir valley, newly classified as a Natura 2000 nature reserve, then the west and south facades of Thouars, located on the promontory with the Thouet river flowing at its feet. Next, pass through Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, which overlooks the Thouet valley, the fortifications, the castle on its rocky spur, and the three large and remarkable natural meanders: Saint-Jean, Le Châtellier and Missé. Enjoy the superb valley and then enter Thouars at the foot of the castle ramparts.

Go for a walk around Valanjou, where you’ll discover the Moulin de Gué Robert and the Bois de Lala.

This pleasant walk through farmland and the Brossay forest allows you to discover the region's rich architectural heritage.

Explore the outskirts of the village of Cossé d’Anjou.

This loop will take you past countless (private) ponds, mostly through woodland. As its name suggests, the path can be muddy, especially in wet weather.This hike is best done in summer, when the paths are shaded and less muddy.There are many variations that allow you to shorten the loop.

Take a stroll to explore the small town of Melay; you’ll pass through the Jardin du Curé and the ruins of the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, which is steeped in history, and halfway along the route, enjoy a relaxing break at the Étang de Coulvée in Chemillé.

Set off to explore the small town of Melay. You’ll pass by the Jardin du Curé and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, of which only ruins remain but which is also steeped in history. At the end of this walk, enjoy a relaxing moment by the town’s ponds.

The name comes from the Latin word ulmus, meaning elm tree, and was given to the village because of the presence of this tree. The surrounding woods and estates were entrusted to the monks of Saint-Maur Abbey, and the village developed around a priory and its church. The priory, which was remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries, is still attached to the Church of Saint Vincent of Spain, which features beautiful remains from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Hiking route in the forest with slight elevation gain.

Discover the area around Chanzeaux through its mills and enjoy the tranquillity of the Hyrôme during part of your walk! Park at the Poizeaux car park and make use of the picnic tables before or after your walk. A small path winds through the hedgerows towards the hamlet of Saint-Ambroise and its little chapel.

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.

A region of woods and heathland, sometimes infested with wolves, the commune of Grézillé has a history dating back to Antiquity, with turbulent periods, particularly during the Revolution. Primarily agricultural, the village was home to tuffeau quarries in the 19th century, which a few decades later became mushroom farms and wine cellars. A gently undulating route that winds through vineyards and woods.

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!

From the Place du Château de Marson, a short walk takes you through the woods, past water features and along the botanical trail, where you can discover the area’s plant biodiversity.

A lovely walk alternating between streams, vineyards, hillsides and historical discoveries. It's also a great way to learn interesting facts about the vineyard thanks to the information boards dotted along part of the route. The route is marked in yellow by the Communauté de Communes des Coteaux du Layon, which offers this circuit.

A pleasant walk, starting from Beaulieu-sur-Layon, heading towards the Beaulieu Forest. Along the way, discover the Château de l’Orée. In the forest, the route follows various types of paths, from a wide avenue to a narrow track. The rest of the route offers breathtaking views of the Layon hillsides as it descends to the village of Rablay-sur-Layon via the steep Sillanderie path. On the way back to Beaulieu-sur-Layon, the route passes the Château de la Mulonnière, then takes the Rue du Moulin des Cinq, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

An easy walk along paths through meadows and woods

A pleasant walk suitable for children around Bressuire Castle (11th–19th centuries)

Discover a magnificent, rugged landscape with exceptional panoramic views and a wealth of flora and fauna all along the Layon. You are in the Coteaux du Pont-Barré Nature Reserve and among the vineyards of the Layon hillsides of Saint-Lambert du Lattay. Discover Pont-Barré, famous for the victory of the Vendéens against the Republicans on 18 and 19 September 1793.

Discover the Layon, the surrounding vineyards and an episode from the Vendée wars.

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.

The settlement of Gennes dates back to the Neolithic period (4500 BC). Menhirs and dolmens, inherited from this distant era, stand proudly before the eyes of walkers. Its Gallo-Roman amphitheatre has also stood the test of time, offering a real journey through history. The Étang and the Forest of Joreau are a nature reserve and have been classified as a Natural Area of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest (Z.N.I.E.F.F.) since 1992.

A hilly, wooded route between Trèves and Chênehutte, along the Loire and on the hillside. This route also winds through the historic streets of the village of Trèves.

Dominated by its Romanesque church, a former Benedictine priory, the village of Cunault was a place of pilgrimage and renowned fairs in the Middle Ages and until the end of the 19th century, an important port on the Loire specialising, like its neighbouring (and twin) port of Trèves, in the shipment of tuffeau stone. Steep slope at the start, then flat, shaded paths.

A hilly, wooded route. Situated on the left bank of the Loire, downstream from Saumur, this village in the Loire Valley is a former Gallo-Roman settlement and home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Maine-et-Loire. Finds made on the plateau prove human presence dating back to the Neolithic period (4500 to 4000 BC).

A flat route between the banks of the Loire and the Authion. It allows you to explore the birthplace of Aristide du Petit Thouars and its heritage. Please note: The paths along the banks of the Loire are impassable during periods of high water