Concourson-sur-Layon walks

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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

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.

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.

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 shaded route through the forest. Between Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay, this former fortified village is a must-see for heritage enthusiasts. Numerous15th- and16th-century manor houses and18th-century stately homes line the medieval-style narrow streets. Please note: Be sure to follow the direction of traffic; the route is shared with horse riders.

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.

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 lovely trip to the countryside through woods and meadows, taking in the Land Art, the castle and Marson Pond along the way.

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!

This walk, mainly along small roads, begins at the charming Priory of Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies, set in beautiful green surroundings. You will then see a fine example of a Bollée wind turbine and finally be able to visit the Hélice Terrestre de l’Orbière, a monumental sculpture in a troglodytic site.

In the heart of the Anjou vineyards, this walk invites you to discover the living landscapes of the Domaine de la Gonorderie.Between vineyards, terroirs and expertise, the trail reveals the soul of a committed, family-run estate.Young and old alike will find something to enjoy, thanks to a fun treasure hunt for children.A moment to share, surrounded by nature, heritage and a passion for wine.

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 30km mountain bike route between Gennes-Val de Loire, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies and Le Thoureil. Dolmens, menhirs, cave dwellings and rural heritage can be explored along this undulating route, which is sure to delight mountain bikers. The route also offers beautiful views of the Loire.

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).

This route allows you to discover the remains of human activity scattered throughout the Anjou countryside (dolmens, menhirs, wash houses, mills, priories), as well as numerous troglodytic constructions of varying sizes.

Walk around the village of Coutures, passing through farmland and vineyards that change constantly with the seasons. There are numerous views of Montasabert Castle and the agricultural plain, which is dominated – particularly in May and June – by artichoke fields. The route follows almost entirely along dry, stony paths.

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

A family-friendly route to explore the banks of the Loire. You can extend your walk with a heritage trail that will take you to the village’s most iconic spots. Please note! The path along the banks of the Loire is impassable during periods of high water.

A beautiful walk through the vineyards around the Château de Brissac, which appears at numerous points along the route.

Megaliths, priory, chapel, church, sailors' houses; the history of Thoureil can be discovered through its buildings and landscapes, linked in their history by the Loire. Hilly route.

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.

A hike through varied landscapes: overlooking the Loire, vineyards, orchards, fields and forests, all between two villages steeped in history.

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.

Are you familiar with the hillsides of Aubance, less famous than those of Layon? After this hike, you will definitely want to taste the wines from the vineyards you will be passing through. The Aubance is a small river that flows into the Louet, itself a branch of the Loire. You are in a hilly, partly wooded landscape, often with unobstructed views. The Château de Noizé is exceptional in terms of its setting and aesthetics. The hike is a little long but very varied, with no significant elevation gain.