Essé (Ille-et-Vilaine) walks

The route starts at the Roche aux Fées dolmen, the best-preserved iconic monument in Europe. The walk takes you through meadows and fields, perfect for relaxation. The crossing of Theil-de-Bretagne is fairly short, so you can take the opportunity to stop at the wash house park. The route continues through the hamlet of La Rigaudiére and the pond of the same name.

This is a short circular variation on the walk known as the ‘Boucle dans la campagne du Theil-de-Bretagne’ starting from La Roche aux Fées (no.88594830) The circular route starts at the Allée couverte de la Roche aux Fées, an iconic monument that is extremely well preserved. Le Theil de Bretagne is a predominantly rural commune, rich in architectural, religious and natural heritage. The Résidence Bon Abri, the Notre-Dame de Beauvais Chapel (listed as a Historic Monument), the Château de La Rigaudière, and the Church, with its patriotic stained-glass windows, are just a few examples. This countryside walk crosses the commune of Le Theil-de-Bretagne.

Le Theil-de-Bretagne is a predominantly rural commune with a rich architectural, religious and natural heritage. The Résidence Bon Abri, the Notre-Dame de Beauvais Chapel, listed as a historic monument, the Château de La Rigaudière and the church with its patriotic stained-glass windows are just a few examples. This hike takes us through the countryside around Le Theil-de-Bretagne, where we can discover a landscape of hedgerows and orchards as we stroll along, enjoying the peace and quiet and gentle way of life.

A very pleasant path, partly under the trees and along the left bank of the Quincampoix, leads you into the Parc du Château de Piré, the former grounds of an 18th-century château. You will be able to see the Château des Pères, now a gourmet restaurant. The park is a departmental nature reserve. You will finish by walking through the village of Piré-sur-Seiche

After walking along small asphalt country roads, it is a pleasure to find yourself on these green paths surrounded by magnificent trees, first along the Seiche and then the Quincampoix.

This unmarked route will allow you to explore the village of La Couyère, Château du Plessis and the Astronomy Centre. N.B. A long stretch of road (5 km); the rest consists of paths and tracks.

Unfortunately, they have since disappeared, but in the 17th century, the region’s vineyards produced a wine of some renown. Madame de Sévigné, in fact, mentions it in several of her letters. Today, the only traces that remain are the names of local hamlets: Les Bourgeons, La Vigne, etc. Over the final few kilometres, the route runs alongside the Quincampoix, a small river teeming with wildlife. Vineyard Route No. 57 on the RANDO’ maps of the Vitré Community

A short 5 km walk in Corps-Nuds, offering a chance to recharge your batteries amidst natural surroundings (a pond, a short forest trail with footbridges, etc.) whilst discovering the local heritage. An ideal route for families with children.

This unmarked route will allow you to explore the eastern part of the village of Tresbœuf. It also follows paths in the commune of Lalleu. Panoramic views will allow you to enjoy the sight of the village and the surrounding countryside. For your information: 6 km of tarmac-surfaced local or departmental roads; the rest consists of land consolidation tracks and footpaths.

This unmarked route will allow you to explore the eastern part of the village of Tresbœuf.It also follows paths in the commune of Lalleu. Panoramic views will allow you to enjoy the sight of the village and the surrounding countryside. For your information: 6.5 km of tarmac-surfaced local roads or county roads; the rest consists of land consolidation tracks and footpaths.

This unmarked route will take you on a tour of the southern part of the village of Tresbœuf.It also follows paths through the villages of Lalleu and La Bosse-de-Bretagne. A few paths have managed to escape land consolidation, but despite this, half the route is tarmac.Panoramic views will allow you to take in a whole array of wind turbines as well as the hedgerow landscape.

This unmarked route will take you on a tour of the south-eastern part of the village of Tresbœuf. It also follows paths in the commune of Lalleu. There are two localities named ‘Hautais’; one is the site of a mill visible on the 18th-century Cassini map, whilst the other is a farm featuring an unusual porch. Please note: much of the route is on roads (6 km), making it ideal for winter; the rest consists of farm tracks.

The Guerche Forest is ever-present on this route, whether you follow its southern edge or it closes off the horizon to the north. Beautiful architecture typical of the Pays Guerchais in Drouges and its many villages.

This 8.7 km walk allows you to enjoy the idyllic countryside of Nouvoitou. It initially follows the River Yaigne for around 1.5 km as it crosses the village from east to west. Presenting no particular difficulties, this route is also suitable for winter walking, despite four or five short sections that may be muddy. Around 25 per cent of this route follows country lanes that are not used by through traffic, and the yellow and purple signposting is very clear.

This route consists mainly of dirt tracks that were preserved during land consolidation, allowing you to discover the richness of the built heritage, particularly in the hamlets of La Perrière (17th-century manor house) and La Rinjardière. The southern section also follows the Roman road that linked Angers to Rennes. Magnificent stone bridges bear witness to this rich past. This route has been awarded the FFRandonnée label.

A beautiful and very pleasant hike, mostly along a wide, shaded stone path. The trail goes around the pond. Best done in dry weather.

A very pleasant walk between forest and lake with no difficulty except, for some, the distance. After enjoying the tranquillity of the Araize Forest at the start, you will then experience the calm and serenity of the Étang de la Forge lake.

This unmarked route will allow you to explore the hills and valleys to the east of La Bosse-de-Bretagne, and enjoy views over part of the Semnon valley and the motocross track.It follows a number of paths through the villages of La Bosse-de-Bretagne and Tresbœuf.4.8 km of tarmac (local roads), gravel tracks and dirt tracks.

Discover Torcé and its surroundings with this 11.4 km circular, which can be shortened to an 8 km route without the northern circular at Haut Montigné.

The Vassé Pond was created as ecological compensation for the construction of the Paris-Rennes high-speed rail line. There are educational panels on biodiversity and an old manor house. Many animals have found a home here, including sheep, Scottish cows, donkeys and ducks. Picnic tables, dry toilets, a shelter and a barbecue area are available.

A short, easy walk to get some fresh air.

This route, which is partly unmarked, will allow you to explore the hills and the Semnon valley around La Bosse-de-Bretagne, Ercé-en-Lamée and Tresbœuf. It partly follows the Pierres Grises and Asphodèles routes (Bretagne Porte de Loire Community) in Ercé-en-Lamée. 5.5 km of tarmac (local roads), gravel and dirt tracks.

This route largely follows the Circuits des Pierres Grises and the Circuits des Asphodèles (Bretagne Porte de Loire Communauté). Partly signposted, it will allow you to explore the Landes d’Ercé, de la Fleuriais and du Fayel. For your information: 1.25 km of tarmac-surfaced local roads; the rest consists of farm tracks and footpaths.