Saint-Maurice-la-Fougereuse walks

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).

This loop will take you past countless (private) ponds, mostly through woodland. As its name suggests, the path can be muddy, especially in wet weather.This hike is best done in summer, when the paths are shaded and less muddy.There are many variations that allow you to shorten the loop.

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 route will allow you to discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of La Tourlandry.

Explore the outskirts of the village of Cossé d’Anjou.

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.

Go for a walk around Valanjou, where you’ll discover the Moulin de Gué Robert and the Bois de Lala.

A pleasant walk suitable for children around Bressuire Castle (11th–19th centuries)

Decipher the Chemillois landscape from the Toit de l'Anjou, before letting yourself be enchanted by the mystical atmosphere of the Sanctuaire des Gardes. Discover the unmissable Planche Grelet and the Jardin des Chirons along the route.

Discover the Church of Saint-Pierre de Melay, then pause for a moment at the Chapel of the Martyrs, built in memory of the men, women and children massacred during the Wars of the Vendée. You’ll pass by the Jardin du Curé and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, of which only ruins remain but which is also steeped in history, and halfway along the route, take a moment to relax by the Étang de Coulvée.

Set off to explore the small town of Melay. You’ll pass by the Jardin du Curé and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, of which only ruins remain but which is also steeped in history. At the end of this walk, enjoy a relaxing moment by the town’s ponds.

Take a stroll to explore the small town of Melay; you’ll pass through the Jardin du Curé and the ruins of the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, which is steeped in history, and halfway along the route, enjoy a relaxing break at the Étang de Coulvée in Chemillé.

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 little paradise for biodiversity in the heart of Chemillé, the Coulée Verte also immerses walkers in the history of the town: the 16th-century Greneau Bridge, the Tour du Pendu, a remnant of the old castle, and the Quatre Moulins, a former seigneurial mill now a disused factory.

Stroll along the meandering Hyrôme river in a picturesque, steep-sided valley and discover the remains of the many mills that line this trail. An ideal hike for combining heritage and nature!