The Donneau Trail via the Moulin de la Garenne, starting from Pannecé

Park in the car park at the Gravelle lake, Route de Teillé.

(S/E) Head north-west and walk along the right-hand side of the Étang des Troches. At the far end, take the path on the left; a few metres further on, you’ll come to a farm track – take it to the right. Continue along a small road, then you’ll come out at the junction with the Voie Verte.

(2) Turn right onto the Voie Verte and follow it to the junction with the road leading to the hamlet of Le Vau.

(3) At a place called La Gasnerie, cross the D18 and continue along the Voie Verte. Further on, cross the D21.

(4) Leave the greenway on the right, then turn immediately left onto a farm track. You’ll come out onto a road at the hamlet of Le Vau.

(5) Turn right onto a road and take the^first road on the right, at number 43. When the road bends to the left, go straight on along a track. Ignore a track on the right and then one on the left, and you’ll end up at the foot of a wind turbine.

(6) Continue along the track. Ignore a track coming from the right and you will soon reach a junction of two roads.

(7) Turn left and pass the hamlet of La Roche Aubry, turning left. When the road bends left, veer right and then immediately left through the picnic area by the pond. You’ll come to a road; follow it to the right.

(8) At the crossroads, turn left to reach the Moulin de la Garenne.

(9) Retrace your steps to the crossroads at the hamlet of La Bourdinère.

(8) Turn left and continue south. Cross the D9 at the hamlet of Le Pont Floquart.

(10) At the last house, turn right into the field accessible to walkers (private property accessible to walkers; please respect the site). Then follow the Donneau on your left. Cross the Donneau and follow the river, now on your right, to the village of Pannecé. You’ll come out onto a road; follow it to the right to pass by the foot of the church.

(11) At the T-junction, follow the D9 (Rue de la Poste) to the left. On leaving the village, at the large crossroads, turn left towards Teillé. When you reach the sign marking the end of the built-up area, take the road on the right.
Turn right onto a sandy track and follow the Étang de la Gravelle on your right to reach the car park (S/E).

This is a well-marked yellow trail, which presents no difficulty. It can easily be done with the family. A very shaded route.

(9) At a place called La Bourdinière, be sure to take a short detour of a few hundred metres to admire the magnificent Moulin de la Garenne, which is still in operation.