Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges walks

A beautiful loop, passing by two beautiful bodies of water, around Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges and Saint-André-de-la-Marche, forming the commune of Sèvremoine, alternating between main roads (very few), small roads, dirt tracks for tractors, and a few footpaths.

The "Autour des Chênes" trail lives up to its name because, right from the start, you will see an arboretum of oak trees from around the world. You will have the opportunity to discover very pleasant tree-lined paths with passages through woods where you will find some educational games. The gentle and peaceful atmosphere of the woods, accompanied by birdsong, is sure to charm you.

This hike will allow you to discover the most beautiful aspects of the Mauges landscape while exploring places steeped in history. The first part of the trail takes you on a bucolic walk along the Beuvron River to the Château de la Morinière. Next, you will head to a place that is the stuff of dreams for any lover of Vendée history, a sunken path straight out of the stories of the Vendée wars: the "Chemin des Canons" (Cannon Path) used by the Republicans.

Discover the Moine, a calm river that winds through a green landscape. It is hard to believe today that it was once the most polluted river in France. On the route: a water mill, a windmill, a stream, a tributary of the Moine, and a botanical trail.

On small rural roads and numerous farm tracks, you will discover landscapes alternating between panoramic views and wooded valleys. This two-sided route allows you to start by travelling along small roads offering wide panoramic views of the Maugeoise countryside.The hike then takes you to the Èvre river. You can admire the winding course of the water through the fields and rocky hillsides.

Set off to explore ancient mills and the Grotte à Brunet cave along this wild trail. This 9km walk offers many points of interest along the river.

A family walk along the banks of the Sèvre Stream, one of the most beautiful rivers in this region.

This circular route crosses the Torfou countryside and runs alongside the Sèvre Nantaise stream. It offers diverse landscapes with rivers and ponds, then a path passing by the Pierre Tournisse and offering a view of the Château de Barbe Bleue, so nicknamed because of its most infamous resident, Gilles de Rais.

The paths of La Poitevinière welcome you around its streams.

This is not the Calvary route, but there are many calvaries along this route between the countryside and the riverbank. The route includes as many paths as possible and a few very peaceful minor roads when there is no other choice.

This large circular route can be completed in a long day. It is part of a series of circular routes of varying lengths that allow you to discover the magnificent Sèvre Nantaise valley between Clisson and Mortagne-sur-Sèvre. This section starts at the Moulin de la Roche in the commune of Tiffauges and goes to the foot of Mortagne, returning by different paths but always favouring the banks of the Sèvre.

This route will allow you to discover the natural riches of La Chaussaire, with a short stop on the way back at the Grotto of Lourdes de la Chaussaire, next to the parish church of Saint-Joseph-en-Mauges.

This hike begins with a series of small roads with no traffic and paths to Mortagne-Sur-Sèvre, then returns along the Sèvre river as much as possible, i.e. almost all the time, except at the end to return to the starting point.

Starting from Tiffauges and its feudal castle ruins, we set off along the beautiful Sèvre stream to the south of Le Longeron. The return journey is initially along small roads and then along paths again.

A very beautiful hike that crosses or runs alongside the Èvre river. This meandering river has sculpted the landscape of the Mauges region.It witnessed numerous massacres that took place during the Vendée wars between Cholet and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil.

This hike is not particularly difficult, except for some very wet sections (at the bottom of the fields) in winter. The route is easy to follow, mostly along the edge of the lake.

This route offers magnificent views of Tiffauges Castle, especially at the end, or what remains of it, the famous Bluebeard's Castle. It runs largely along the Sèvre Nantaise stream. Note that this route can be shortened halfway by taking the Pont de la Grossière bridge. This halves the time and distance for little legs. On the other hand, the second part is wilder and more bucolic.

Apart from the start on a small road, this short hike mainly follows both banks of the Sèvre Nantaise in a setting that I never tire of, whatever the season or time of day.

Hike through the Rémygeoise countryside, along magnificent paths, through vineyards and mixed farming land.