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).

A lovely, easy walk through the vineyards on the hillsides of Concourson-sur-Layon. A few windmills and vineyard huts can be seen along the way, and the walk ends at a lovely spot near the river, the Layon, which has given its name to the local sweet wine: Coteaux du Layon.

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.

This route will allow you to discover the natural treasures of La Salle de Vihiers.

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.

This walk is a revised version of the “Sentier des dolmens”, a 13-kilometre route illustrated on a sign at the Saugré washhouse. The route described here takes you past several dolmens and ends in hamlets where the houses have cave dwellings. The walk regularly offers very unobstructed views where the eye can see for miles.

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.

An easy walk along paths through meadows and woodland ⚠️ At certain times of the year, hunting may take place along this route, particularly between (5) and (6) in the Verrie area.Hikers are free to abandon or alter their route if they consider the conditions to be unsafe.