A one-kilometre walk in the Pays d'Ancenis!

All roads lead to the Pays d'Ancenis! Because here, we promise you, there's plenty to do in terms of walks and hikes! Along the river, in the forest, on country lanes, discovering our rural heritage, you can wear out your shoes for dozens and dozens of kilometres! And the great thing about walking is that you can do it in any season and at any age!

Three hikers in the forest of the Ancenis region

But where to start?

With 31 trailheads listed in the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenades et de Randonnées (PDIPR), there are at least 31 good reasons to put on your trainers and set off on a rejuvenating and inspiring walk!

map of walks in the Pays d'Ancenis

Our favourite itineraries

With so much on offer, it's hard to choose just a few. If you live here, you'll have plenty of time to experience them all without rushing! But if you're just passing through, we'd advise you to set off this way for your first chance to explore the Pays d'Ancenis:

Circuit des Arcades

Joué-sur-Erdre (15 km)

Let's set off for 15 km of nature and heritage! Starting from the Lac de Vioreau, the route follows the feeder channel for the Nantes-Brest canal. You'll pass aqueducts overlooking the river, small bridges and views over rolling countryside.

Start: 408 rue du barrage

2 hikers in the Ancenis region
2 hikers in the Ancenis region - A walk along the banks of the Loire.

And don't forget the Ancenis region...

Tour of the Château de Clermont

Le Cellier (8.4 km)

At Place Saint-Méen, a bouquet of sensations awaits you! The route, as varied as we like it, takes you along the "coulées" (notches carved out by the run-off of rainwater), admiring the Château de Clermont (former home of Louis de Funès!), the vineyards and the Beau-Rivage cove on the banks of the Loire.

Departure point: Place Saint-Méen

Tour of the Moulin de la Challoire

Vair-sur-Loire, Saint-Herblon (7.8 km)

Through the countryside, heritage takes on a whole new dimension. The route takes in an old renovated mill, the remains of the seat of Châteaufromont, one of Brittany's oldest medieval seigneuries, and the château du Fort, known as l'Escale, surrounded by lush green parkland.

Bonus: wooded valley, stream, sunken lane...

Start : La Hardière

On foot along the paths and tracks of the Ancenis region
On foot along the paths and tracks of the Ancenis region - On foot along the paths and tracks of the Ancenis region

But also...

From one pond to another

Teillé (9.4 km)

Between two ponds, this trail, inaugurated in 2023, takes you along the Voie Verte (Green Way), popular for its shady paths and remnants of an old railway line. Further upstream, the route takes you past the Ruisseau du Donneau and the Etang de la Gravelle, where you'll be seduced by the countryside and trees. Bucolic!

Departure point: Teillé lake or La Gravelle lake at Pannecé

Rotte aux Loups trail

Vallons-de-l'Erdre, Saint-Mars-La-Jaille (7 km)

Wolves once roamed the woods of the Pays d'Ancenis. Rest assured, there's no risk of coming face to face with a pack on this walk! In the heart of the forest, you'll come across a forest house and birds, and immediately reconnect with nature! A truly soothing experience.

Departure point: Les Sencives - Rotte aux Loups car park

Family walks on the banks of the Loire
Family walks on the banks of the Loire - Family walks on the banks of the Loire

Walking tours: our top 4 with children!

Getting the kids to walk... can be quite a challenge! And yet we'd be willing to bet that all four of the walks we suggest here will appeal to the whole family!

  • Île Mouchet in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon
  • The Hâvre Valley in Oudon
  • Les Pierres Meslières in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon
  • The Provostière pond in Riaillé