Les Verchers-sur-Layon walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

This beautiful Loire city certainly deserves a more in-depth visit, here it is offered a short discovery loop, a good option for a stopover on a journey between Anjou and Touraine regions.

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 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.

A hilly route along the hillside through the vineyards. Home to a magnificent 14th-century Romanesque church and the Manoir de Morains, where Marguerite d'Anjou is said to have died. Dampierre-sur-Loire is also renowned as a commune in the Saumur-Champigny appellation. Please note: section along the Loire River impassable in case of flooding.

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.

In the heart of the Saumur Champigny AOC, between vineyards, wines and troglodyte dwellings. Discover the village of Souzay, its heritage and the diversity of our Loire landscapes.

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.

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

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

A beautiful walk in the Anjou region on the slopes of the Loire. This hike takes you through woods and vineyards and offers superb views of the Loire.

A beautiful walk through the vineyards where you can see two splendid dolmens and numerous troglodyte dwellings.

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

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.

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.