Soulaines-sur-Aubance walks

Are you familiar with the hillsides of Aubance, less famous than those of Layon? After this hike, you will definitely want to taste the wines from the vineyards you will be passing through. The Aubance is a small river that flows into the Louet, itself a branch of the Loire. You are in a hilly, partly wooded landscape, often with unobstructed views. The Château de Noizé is exceptional in terms of its setting and aesthetics. The hike is a little long but very varied, with no significant elevation gain.

This looped circuit, accessible to all, allows you to discover the landscapes and built heritage of the banks and hillsides of the Aubance in the commune of Mûrs-Érigné. The Aubance is a winding river hidden behind dense vegetation. At a place called "La Chaussée", a statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen before you walk along the wooded foothills of the hillsides near Les Gilardières. Discovering the hamlets of Gaigné, Petit Claye and Grand Claye allows you to appreciate the local heritage (beautiful buildings, chapel). Passing near the village of Mûrs, you can see the sensitive natural area of the Aubance loops, whose biodiversity is protected by the municipality of Mûrs-Érigné and the Layon Aubance Louet Association. This wetland is a reservoir of biodiversity whose various ecological functions are essential to the region.

A beautiful walk through the vineyards around the Château de Brissac, which appears at numerous points along the route.

This bucolic hike allows you to admire the Loire up close. The wide paths are well suited to group hikes.

On the outskirts of Angers, discover the banks of the Loire, the vine-covered hillsides, the remains of the slate quarries and stroll through the hamlet of Martigneau with its traditional schist houses.

Explore the surroundings of Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets, a small town with a population of 1,500. A pleasant little country stroll.

In the heart of the Anjou vineyards, this walk invites you to discover the living landscapes of the Domaine de la Gonorderie.Between vineyards, terroirs and expertise, the trail reveals the soul of a committed, family-run estate.Young and old alike will find something to enjoy, thanks to a fun treasure hunt for children.A moment to share, surrounded by nature, heritage and a passion for wine.

Tour through vineyards and picturesque villages along the Loire River. Between breathtaking panoramas, heritage and the scent of vines, all your senses will be awakened!

A lovely walk around the village of Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire with beautiful views of the river.

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

A pleasant walk, starting from Beaulieu-sur-Layon, heading towards the Beaulieu Forest. Along the way, discover the Château de l’Orée. In the forest, the route follows various types of paths, from a wide avenue to a narrow track. The rest of the route offers breathtaking views of the Layon hillsides as it descends to the village of Rablay-sur-Layon via the steep Sillanderie path. On the way back to Beaulieu-sur-Layon, the route passes the Château de la Mulonnière, then takes the Rue du Moulin des Cinq, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Discover the Layon, the surrounding vineyards and an episode from the Vendée wars.

Discover a magnificent, rugged landscape with exceptional panoramic views and a wealth of flora and fauna all along the Layon. You are in the Coteaux du Pont-Barré Nature Reserve and among the vineyards of the Layon hillsides of Saint-Lambert du Lattay. Discover Pont-Barré, famous for the victory of the Vendéens against the Republicans on 18 and 19 September 1793.

This is the third stage of a cycle tour in southern Anjou. The route first follows the Layon between Beaulieu and Faye d'Anjou, then heads towards Brissac-Quincé through forests and vineyards. Leaving the imposing castle behind, you then join the string of villages that line the Loire, before descending to Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing the river marks the end of the vineyards and the entrance to the Angers conurbation, the end of the three-day journey.

Short hike starting from Épiré, through the countryside and vineyards of Savennières, then back along the Loire. There are a few steep ascents and descents, so make sure you wear good shoes.

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.

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 teeming with 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 of the valley. A route set mainly in natural surroundings, allowing you to discover the flora and fauna typical of this ‘industrial wasteland’.

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.

A lovely walk alternating between streams, vineyards, hillsides and historical discoveries. It's also a great way to learn interesting facts about the vineyard thanks to the information boards dotted along part of the route. The route is marked in yellow by the Communauté de Communes des Coteaux du Layon, which offers this circuit.

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.

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.