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.

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.

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.

This circular route, taking you from the north-eastern slopes of Puy-Notre-Dame to the left bank of the Thouet at Montreuil-Bellay, will delight you with its scenery, heritage and history. It passes through vineyards and woodland, follows the Thouet valley and takes in some charming hamlets.

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

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.

A trail around Dénezé-sous-Doué, taking you past several dolmens, including the imposing Saugré Dolmen, as well as a number of heritage sites in Dénezé and the surrounding area. This trail is described on a sign at the entrance to the washhouse. The yellow signposting is very easy to follow.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Hiking route in the forest with slight elevation gain.

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.