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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The village of Brézé lies in the shadow of a castle steeped in history. It was to a member of the Dreux family, the owners of Brézé, that Mirabeau addressed his famous retort on 23 June 1789: ‘We are here by the will of the people and we shall only leave by the force of bayonets.’ Grassy or stony towpaths along the Thouet and the Canal de la Dive.

An easy walk along paths through meadows and woods

A walk that will take you through the vineyards and past the châteaux of Brézé, Grand Fond, Fouquet and La Ripaille.

A circular route in the heart of the Loudunais vineyards (AOP Saumur) and along the canalised Dive river. You can enjoy a beautiful panorama from the ruins of a windmill, pass through pretty villages with troglodyte cellars and walk past the foot of an ancient fortified castle with moats that are still visible. Route designed and marked by the Loudunais Community of Communes, and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

A short walk around the Thouet, ideal for families.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Starting from a Gallo-Roman bridge, enjoy a pleasant walk along the Canal de la Dive, a beautiful old church, a keep, a vineyard conservatory and a passage through the woods. Most of the route was designed and marked out by the Loudunais Community of Communes and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

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