Les Ponts-de-Cé walks

Discover the surroundings of Les Ponts-de-Cé between the Authion and the Loire. Part of the route no longer seems accessible; see the reviews for alternatives

This looped circuit, accessible to all, allows you to discover the landscapes and built heritage of the banks and hillsides of the Aubance in the commune of Mûrs-Érigné. The Aubance is a winding river hidden behind dense vegetation. At a place called "La Chaussée", a statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen before you walk along the wooded foothills of the hillsides near Les Gilardières. Discovering the hamlets of Gaigné, Petit Claye and Grand Claye allows you to appreciate the local heritage (beautiful buildings, chapel). Passing near the village of Mûrs, you can see the sensitive natural area of the Aubance loops, whose biodiversity is protected by the municipality of Mûrs-Érigné and the Layon Aubance Louet Association. This wetland is a reservoir of biodiversity whose various ecological functions are essential to the region.

On the outskirts of Angers, discover the banks of the Loire, the vine-covered hillsides, the remains of the slate quarries and stroll through the hamlet of Martigneau with its traditional schist houses.

This bucolic hike allows you to admire the Loire up close. The wide paths are well suited to group hikes.

As you pass through parks, gardens and former railway lines now converted into shared-use paths, discover former slate quarries and the housing of this former working-class town. Comprising small villages scattered around former slate deposits, the town is taking on a new look by ‘harmoniously’ integrating its industrial heritage with modern urban planning.

Channelled and culverted, the Mongazon flows beneath your feet; you’ll discover it as you walk. You’ll come across other watercourses – the valley is teeming with them. You’ll follow the banks of the Authion upstream towards the village of Trélazé. You’ll return via the Levée Napoléon. You’ll climb the Butte du Buisson, which offers an unforgettable view of the valley. A route set mainly in natural surroundings, allowing you to discover the flora and fauna typical of this ‘industrial wasteland’.

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.

Explore the surroundings of Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets, a small town with a population of 1,500. A pleasant little country stroll.

Hike through the Baumette floodplains, leading to the confluence of the Loire and Maine rivers. N.B. This hike is only possible during low water periods, from May to October-November. In any case, check in advance.

The first stage of the cycle loop in the Anjou vineyards, this route joins the Loire, first following the Maine to its confluence, then running alongside the river, passing under the Savennières vineyards. A short stop in Béhuard is a must to discover this unique place, then return to the north bank to Port Giraud, where you cross one of the branches of the Loire to take the small roads of the Île de Chalonnes and reach Montjean-sur-Loire, the end of this first day.

This loop offers a chance to discover the rivers that flow through the south of Angers, and the vineyards that have colonised the area. In three stages, starting in Angers, you first travel down the Maine as far as Bouchemaine, then follow the north bank of the Loire, with an incursion onto the island of Béhuard. The first stage ends at Montjean-sur-Loire, on the back roads around the island of Chalonnes. The next day, the route heads for Chalonnes-sur-Loire and the Corniche Angevine before descending to the Layon. Stop off at Beaulieu-sur-Layon. Finally, we follow the Layon again as far as Faye d'Anjou. After the Layon hillsides, you enter the Aubence hillsides, whose wines are no less renowned. After Brissac-Quincé and its astonishing château, you return to the Loire, passing through the villages along its banks until you reach Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing over to the north bank, we leave the vineyards for Angers, which we return to after three busy days.

Angers is a city in western France, situated beside the Maine River, on the outskirts of the Loire Valley. The medieval seat of the Plantagenet dynasty, it boasts an old town featuring half-timbered houses, such as the superb Maison d’Adam (built around 1500). Saint-Maurice Cathedral, on the central Place Sainte-Croix, boasts two 75-metre-high towers and magnificent pink stained-glass windows. In the more recent urban areas, a café culture is flourishing.

Two hours to discover the centre of Angers by walking around it!

A lovely walk around the village of Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire with beautiful views of the river.

Hike around Pruniers with a section along the banks of the Maine and a viewpoint over Angers at the promontory. This is followed by a walk through the village to discover the different periods of construction and, at the end of the route, a path through the countryside.

Discover two natural areas in the centre of Angers. The first is a larger lake with a leisure centre, and the second is a wilder pond. Both are beautiful places to encounter the flora and fauna of Angers. This walk is not possible during periods of high water.

Just a stone’s throw from Angers city centre, Lac de Maine is a 200-hectare green lung. In June 2020, a groundbreaking initiative was launched to rethink the site, with the aim of improving clarity between the different areas and prioritising their uses. The project is due to be completed in 2026. This walk allows you to discover both the Maine and Lac de Maine, whilst enjoying their new enhancements.

A pleasant walk in Parc Saint-Nicolas in Angers. Suitable for families. This walk offers the chance to see grey herons, ducks and several species of birds.

Short hike starting from Épiré, through the countryside and vineyards of Savennières, then back along the Loire. There are a few steep ascents and descents, so make sure you wear good shoes.

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

A short walk alternating between urban areas, country roads and footpaths.

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.

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!