Thouars walks

Route passing through the Vallée du Pressoir (classified as a Natura 2000 site since March 2025) then the left bank of the Thouet valley from Pommiers to Sainte-Radegonde. Pass through Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars on the left bank of the Thouet, then Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, the Cirque de Missé and return to Thouars on the right bank of the Thouet via the GR®36. The hike also offers views of the town of Thouars, with its historic monuments and rich heritage.

Leaving Sainte-Radegonde, you will discover the Pressoir valley, newly classified as a Natura 2000 nature reserve, then the west and south facades of Thouars, located on the promontory with the Thouet river flowing at its feet. Next, pass through Saint-Jean-de-Thouars, which overlooks the Thouet valley, the fortifications, the castle on its rocky spur, and the three large and remarkable natural meanders: Saint-Jean, Le Châtellier and Missé. Enjoy the superb valley and then enter Thouars at the foot of the castle ramparts.

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.

Starting from a Gallo-Roman bridge, enjoy a pleasant walk along the Canal de la Dive, a beautiful old church, a keep, a vineyard conservatory and a passage through the woods. Most of the route was designed and marked out by the Loudunais Community of Communes and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

A circular route in the heart of the Loudunais vineyards (AOP Saumur) and along the canalised Dive river. You can enjoy a beautiful panorama from the ruins of a windmill, pass through pretty villages with troglodyte cellars and walk past the foot of an ancient fortified castle with moats that are still visible. Route designed and marked by the Loudunais Community of Communes, and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

Le Puy-Notre-Dame stands at 106m on a tuffeau hill. The name ‘puy’ derives from the Celtic word ‘peuch’ (small mountain). Centred around an early church and a Cluniac priory founded by William VIII, Duke of Aquitaine, the village grew, welcoming pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela and those who came to venerate a relic brought back from the Crusades: the Holy Belt of the Virgin.

Farm tracks, much of which runs through woodland and the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation vineyards.

Verchers-sur-Layon has an unusual history, comprising 15 hamlets, some of which are actual villages. It was formed in 1818 by the merger of three parishes: Saint-Just, Saint-Pierre and La Lande. This union was marked by architectural richness, with a rather exceptional heritage (the church of Saint-Just, the châteaux of Échuilly and Bussy-Fontaine, etc.) and renowned wine-growing. A journey through the heart of the vineyards.

A hike dominated by water, mostly along the various branches of the Dive river and in the shade of poplar trees. The route was designed and marked out by the Loudunais Community of Communes and certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

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).

On the border between Poitou and Touraine, this route takes you to several dolmens and a "mound" where large slabs were gathered by our Neolithic ancestors. The hike alternates between fields and woodland and passes through pretty villages with beautiful tuffeau stone houses and troglodyte cellars. Route designed and marked by the Loudunais Community of Communes.

This pleasant walk through farmland and the Brossay forest allows you to discover the region's rich architectural heritage.

The village of Brézé lies in the shadow of a castle steeped in history. It was to a member of the Dreux family, the owners of Brézé, that Mirabeau addressed his famous retort on 23 June 1789: ‘We are here by the will of the people and we shall only leave by the force of bayonets.’ Grassy or stony towpaths along the Thouet and the Canal de la Dive.

Starting from Sainte-Radegonde Church, a short walk through the Loudunais vineyards, taking in the Château de Pas de Loup and the fountain at the far end of its grounds, as well as a charming spring. Route designed and signposted by the Loudunais Community of Communes, certified by the Vienne departmental committee of the FFRP.

A walk that will take you through the vineyards and past the châteaux of Brézé, Grand Fond, Fouquet and La Ripaille.

A shaded route through the forest. Between Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay, this former fortified village is a must-see for heritage enthusiasts. Numerous15th- and16th-century manor houses and18th-century stately homes line the medieval-style narrow streets. Please note: Be sure to follow the direction of traffic; the route is shared with horse riders.

This route will take you through the villages of Le Chillou and Lamairé, as well as their hamlets, linked by numerous paths winding through woods and fields.

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

The name comes from the Latin word ulmus, meaning elm tree, and was given to the village because of the presence of this tree. The surrounding woods and estates were entrusted to the monks of Saint-Maur Abbey, and the village developed around a priory and its church. The priory, which was remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries, is still attached to the Church of Saint Vincent of Spain, which features beautiful remains from the 11th and 12th centuries.

This hike combines nature and heritage and offers a pleasant walk through the forest and countryside. It is best done before or after a visit to the abbey, which is a major Romanesque site.

A hilly route combining the Loire, vineyards, forest and troglodyte dwellings. Please note: part of the route along the Loire is impassable in the event of flooding. Take care during the hunting season.

A superb circular hike allowing you to discover Montsoreau, Fontrevaud and Candes-Saint-Martin in their natural setting and localities located in remarkable sites. The circular hike is done anti-clockwise on the hillside to enjoy a pleasant route through the woods and panoramic views of the right bank of the Loire.

A raised walkway showcasing the various attractions of the Saumur region: the Loire, troglodyte dwellings, vineyards alternating with wooded and marshy areas. Please note that the trail is impassable in the event of flooding of the Loire and/or heavy rainfall.

Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin are two villages that form a single settlement. They transcend regional boundaries, as the Loire and the hillside unite them.This route allows you to discover the terraced white houses along the river and the confluence with the Vienne.A walk best taken at sunrise to fully enjoy the light on the facades. Please note: a recent update (June 2026) indicates a disruption to the route due to a landslide, likely above Candes-St-Martin (to be confirmed).

The walk starts from the peaceful ‘Panorama’ viewpoint in Candes, offering the chance to explore the two very popular tourist villages of Candes-Saint-Martin (Indre-et-Loire) and Montsoreau (Maine-et-Loire), passing through the vineyards on the hillsides before descending to the banks of the Loire, then strolling through the narrow streets lined with tuffeau stone houses. The route takes you past the Château de Montsoreau, dear to A. Dumas, and the Romanesque collegiate church of Saint-Martin in Candes.