The Lower Angevin Valleys

The Lower Angevin Valleys extend in particular around the Sarthe, Loir and Saint-Aubin island. This region is made up of wetlands that are flooded part of the year. Once the waters have receded, you can walk or cycle there for a moment’s peace and rejuvenation to the song of birds, the sound of the water and the rays of the sun glistening between the poplar groves.

In this area where protected plants and animals have taken up residence, you’ll discover towns like Briollay, Écouflant and Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou, which are full of tourist sites and wonderful heritage!

The Lower Angevin Valleys also provide the perfect playground: swimming, hiking, horse riding, canoeing, kayaking… Whether you’re with friends or family, you’ll find the activity you need to switch off!

All activities to try

The essentials in the Lower Angevin Valleys

Enjoy watching the sun rising over a field of snake’s head fritillary flowers in April. These upside-down tulips with their fuchsia patterns are stunning!
Pull on the chains of the Roche-Foulques ferry, as a family, to cross from the Villevêque bank to the Soucelles.
Discover the educational huts on the banks of the Sarthe and watch the birds in Briollay.
Try tree climbing with your other half in Écouflant; a walk balancing up in the trees.
Laze in the sun on the beach after a summer swim at the Sablières d’Écouflant or near the Engrenage Mill in Villevêque.
Listen to a jazz concert, a glass of Anjou rosé in hand, at Les Tonnelles restaurant on the banks of the Loir in Villevêque.

reserve your angers city pass!

Book your Angers City Pass 24h, 48h or 72h online to discover several of our destination’s must-see tourist sites. It’s very economical and valid in the Basses vallées angevines and throughout Destination Angers.

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Places to visit in the Basses vallées angevines

Activities in the lower Anjou valleys

Where to eat and drink in the Basses vallées angevines?

The region has no shortage of charming spots to picnic by the water, have lunch with your feet in the water or enjoy a drink.

So, when your belly starts to grow and the smell of fried fish starts to make itself felt, what could be more pleasant than to have lunch a stone’s throw from the river in a guinguette or restaurant? In the evening too, it’s magical to enjoy the sunset… And don’t forget to take a little stroll along the riverbank after your meal!

Restaurant Odorico Hotel Anjou C Alexandre Lamoureux Destination Angers

Where to eat and drink in Angers

Recharge your batteries on foot or by bike

The Sarthe towpath and sandpits

Sarthe towpath and Sablières

on foot

Along your route, you’ll follow the Sarthe towpath, where you can take a break in the shade of the oaks in the Sablières Park and enjoy a quick swim. Also, don’t miss the garden of the presbytery and the five senses for a total change of scenery!

From Plessis-Bourré to the Lower Anjou Valleys

From Plessis-Bourré to the Lower Angevin Valleys

on foot

Start by strolling through the pretty town of Briollay, and don’t forget to see the Palais de Justice which dates from the 12th century! You can walk along the banks of the Sarthe, stop there for a picnic break and continue to enjoy the soothing atmosphere of the Lower Angevin Valleys. You’ll also pass in front of Château du Plessis-Bourré, standing on its moat – simply sublime!

Banks of the Loir circuit

Tour of the banks of the Loir

on foot

A great way to experience this green setting on the banks of the Loir. By following this route, you can take the opportunity to visit Château de Villevêque and the water mill. Cross the river on the Roche-Foulques ferry to visit the town of Soucelles. Our advice: walk a few metres away from the path and climb the hillside to see the charming Saint-Julien chapel (12th century).
Circuit also suitable for bikes.

The Loir Valley

by bike

First stage (or last) of the major Loir Valley cycling route (320 km), this route is signposted to Villevêque (Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou) and crosses part of the Lower Angevin Valleys.

Loir Valley by Bike Cycle Route

Circuit Gravel - Angers, in the heart of the Low Anjou valleys

In the heart of the Lower Angevin Valleys

on gravel paths

You’ll cross a marsh and follow rivers through the magnificent natural landscapes of the Lower Angevin Valleys. An ideal route to try gravel cycling (bikes for all surfaces).

Where will you go next?

The Lower Angevin Valleys aren’t the only treasure in this region… So why not continue your journey to discover the charming towns around La Mayenne, around the Loire and the slate quarries, or maybe the towns and villages in the heart of the confluence and vineyards?