Pouançay walks

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).

On the border between Poitou and Touraine, this route takes you to several dolmens and a "mound" where large slabs were gathered by our Neolithic ancestors. The hike alternates between fields and woodland and passes through pretty villages with beautiful tuffeau stone houses and troglodyte cellars. Route designed and marked by the Loudunais Community of Communes.

This hike combines nature and heritage and offers a pleasant walk through the forest and countryside. It is best done before or after a visit to the abbey, which is a major Romanesque site.

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.

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 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.

A superb circular hike allowing you to discover Montsoreau, Fontrevaud and Candes-Saint-Martin in their natural setting and localities located in remarkable sites. The circular hike is done anti-clockwise on the hillside to enjoy a pleasant route through the woods and panoramic views of the right bank of the Loire.

A hilly route combining the Loire, vineyards, forest and troglodyte dwellings. Please note: part of the route along the Loire is impassable in the event of flooding. Take care during the hunting season.

A raised walkway showcasing the various attractions of the Saumur region: the Loire, troglodyte dwellings, vineyards alternating with wooded and marshy areas. Please note that the trail is impassable in the event of flooding of the Loire and/or heavy rainfall.

Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin are two villages that form a single urban area. They transcend regional boundaries because the Loire and the hillside unite them. This route allows you to discover the white houses scattered along the river and the confluence with the Vienne. This is a walk to be done at sunrise to fully enjoy the light shining on the façades.

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.

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.

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.