Soucelles walks

Welcome to Soucelles, where you can discover the rich heritage of this part of Anjou on foot: the banks of the Loir with La Roche Foulques and its chapel, the Soucelles Forest and its 300-year-old chestnut tree, and the lower valleys of Anjou via the Grande Prairie, the first clandestine airport during the Second World War.Please note: during periods of high water, the banks of the Loir and the Grande Prairie are impassable or even flooded. It is possible to follow a departmental road, but the route loses much of its interest.

Set off on a circular walk between the banks of the Loir, the forest and the countryside to discover the lower valleys of Anjou. Accessible to all, this route takes you through lush green countryside and discreet heritage sites, following the tracks of an old railway line.

This hike in the heart of the Basses Vallées Angevines offers an immersion in the unspoilt landscapes of the Basses Vallées Angevines. The route, approximately 12 km long, invites you to discover the natural and heritage riches of the banks of the Loir (Engrenage-Moulin, Museum-castle, Fontaine de Craon, etc.). Between shady forest paths, poplar groves and trails along the river, the gently sloping walk is almost entirely on footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways.

Le Circuit des Évêques vous invite à découvrir le charme du bourg de Villevêque, ancienne résidence d'été des évêques d'Angers, nichée au cœur des Basses Vallées Angevines. Cette boucle facile et accessible à tous alterne entre patrimoine bâti, sentiers urbains et chemins de campagne.Au fil de la promenade, vous passerez devant l’église, le musée-château de Villevêque, la bibliothèque, mais aussi à travers des parcs, chemins piétons arborés et quartiers résidentiels calmes. Idéal pour une balade en famille, ce circuit offre un bel aperçu du cadre de vie naturel et historique de la commune. Tout au long du Circuit des Évêques, vous trouverez une signalétique historique permettant d'en apprendre plus sur l'histoire de la commune.

A journey into a lush green setting, on the banks of the Loir, awaits you. Starting from the Moulin de Villevêque, head into the heart of the Basses Vallées Angevines and follow the River Loir. Depending on the season, you may spot our famous goganes or hear the call of the corncrake. This walk offers the chance to discover a variety of heritage sites: a mill, a castle, chapels, a wash house, and more. 

Don’t miss the chance to explore this part of the Maine-et-Loire department – it’s full of charm!

This route alternates between meadows and sections along the water’s edge. The wide towpaths are now just waiting for you. You can even stop off at the beach in the Parc des Sablières during your walk. Take care during periods of high water on the Sarthe; the route may be impassable in some sections

Numerous undergrowth areas and farm tracks make this a pleasant and peaceful walk. Follow the blue signs throughout the route.

The exploration of Juvardeil begins with the river, once a source of economic prosperity, now a landscaped setting for relaxation and leisure. The walk continues through the picturesque bocage of Haut Anjou and ends on the banks of the Sarthe. The Sentier des Gabarots allows you to discover (or catch a glimpse of) the Gentilhommière de la Cadière (16th century), the village of Cellières, the Manoir de la Poitevinière, the Fellière (18th century) and the Grande Maison.

Two hours to discover the centre of Angers by walking around it!

Discovery trail: this route is dedicated to the slate industry, of which Trélazé remains the capital. It would be wrong to think that a walk through the heart of an industrial site is a melancholic experience, as beauty is evident throughout the route. All this adds up to a magical experience, which can easily be rounded off with a visit to the beautiful Slate Museum – a fitting tribute to the nobility of a material and a craft, tracing the history of slate mining.

Channelled and culverted, the Mongazon flows beneath your feet; you’ll discover it as you walk. You’ll come across other watercourses – the valley is full of them. You’ll follow the banks of the Authion upstream towards the village of Trélazé. You’ll return via the Levée Napoléon. You’ll climb the Butte du Buisson, which offers an unforgettable view over the valley.A route set mainly in natural surroundings, offering the chance to discover the flora and fauna typical of this ‘industrial wasteland’.

As you pass through parks, gardens and former railway lines now converted into shared-use paths, discover former slate quarries and the housing of this former working-class town. Comprising small villages scattered around former slate deposits, the town is taking on a new look by ‘harmoniously’ integrating its industrial heritage with modern urban planning.

Angers is a city in western France, situated beside the Maine River, on the outskirts of the Loire Valley. The medieval seat of the Plantagenet dynasty, it boasts an old town featuring half-timbered houses, such as the superb Maison d’Adam (built around 1500). Saint-Maurice Cathedral, on the central Place Sainte-Croix, boasts two 75-metre-high towers and magnificent pink stained-glass windows. In the more recent urban areas, a café culture is flourishing.

A bit of history: the story of Rouget the Poacher began in 1854. A poacher who defied the imperial gendarmes, he one day wounded one of them by shooting him. Rouget was then hunted down by the imperial forces. Hidden in the village and the surrounding woods by locals devoted to his cause, he was betrayed by his own cousin before being brought to trial. Sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour in French Guiana, he died there in 1858.

The first stage of the cycle loop in the Anjou vineyards, this route joins the Loire, first following the Maine to its confluence, then running alongside the river, passing under the Savennières vineyards. A short stop in Béhuard is a must to discover this unique place, then return to the north bank to Port Giraud, where you cross one of the branches of the Loire to take the small roads of the Île de Chalonnes and reach Montjean-sur-Loire, the end of this first day.

This loop offers a chance to discover the rivers that flow through the south of Angers, and the vineyards that have colonised the area. In three stages, starting in Angers, you first travel down the Maine as far as Bouchemaine, then follow the north bank of the Loire, with an incursion onto the island of Béhuard. The first stage ends at Montjean-sur-Loire, on the back roads around the island of Chalonnes. The next day, the route heads for Chalonnes-sur-Loire and the Corniche Angevine before descending to the Layon. Stop off at Beaulieu-sur-Layon. Finally, we follow the Layon again as far as Faye d'Anjou. After the Layon hillsides, you enter the Aubence hillsides, whose wines are no less renowned. After Brissac-Quincé and its astonishing château, you return to the Loire, passing through the villages along its banks until you reach Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing over to the north bank, we leave the vineyards for Angers, which we return to after three busy days.

A pleasant walk in Parc Saint-Nicolas in Angers. Suitable for families. This walk offers the chance to see grey herons, ducks and several species of birds.

Discover the surroundings of Les Ponts-de-Cé between the Authion and the Loire. Part of the route no longer seems accessible; see the reviews for alternatives

Just a stone’s throw from Angers city centre, Lac de Maine is a 200-hectare green lung. In June 2020, a groundbreaking initiative was launched to rethink the site, with the aim of improving clarity between the different areas and prioritising their uses. The project is due to be completed in 2026. This walk allows you to discover both the Maine and Lac de Maine, whilst enjoying their new enhancements.

Discover two natural areas in the centre of Angers. The first is a larger lake with a leisure centre, and the second is a wilder pond. Both are beautiful places to encounter the flora and fauna of Angers. This walk is not possible during periods of high water.

Hike through the Baumette floodplains, leading to the confluence of the Loire and Maine rivers. N.B. This hike is only possible during low water periods, from May to October-November. In any case, check in advance.

Hike around Pruniers with a section along the banks of the Maine and a viewpoint over Angers at the promontory. This is followed by a walk through the village to discover the different periods of construction and, at the end of the route, a path through the countryside.