8 outdoor escapes a stone’s throw from Angers

We’ve picked out some outdoor escapes close to Angers ! Are you coming ?

1. The Parc de Pignerolle takes you back in time

The Parc de Pignerolle alone represents the charm and refinement of French-style gardens. It’s also a large wooded park that’s open to visitors: on nearly 80 hectares, you can stroll to your heart’s content!

And why not take advantage of the mild Anjou weather to enjoy a family picnic in the park? Children can have fun on the playground, while parents prepare a picnic on the picnic tables.

The highlight of the visit? Go back in time and search for the bunkers, remnants of the Second World War, which still stand in the wooded part of the park!

If you go early in the morning or at the end of the day, you may be lucky enough to spot a deer! Keep your eyes peeled!

2. Strolling along the banks of the Maine river

Just a few minutes from downtown Angers, the Promenade de la Reculée is a great idea for an outing that offers exceptional views over the Maine River. Departing from the CHU, you can contemplate the wild banks of the Maine and take the time to enjoy this nature walk in the heart of the city.

And why not continue your stroll a little further afield? Head for Montreuil-Juigné, a fifteen-minute drive away, for a stroll along the banks of the Mayenne!

Tip: visit Château de Plessis-Macé, just a few minutes from Montreuil-Juigné, a magnificent château that seems to float on water.

3. Where the Maine and Loire rivers meet

For a ride along the Loire, hop on your bike and head for La Pointe, an old bargemen’s village at the confluence of the Maine and Loire rivers, in Bouchemaine.

Do you like pretty houses? Head to rue des Saulniers to admire the beautiful Loire-side villas that add so much charm to the village.

And don’t forget to pack your cameras: the area is particularly renowned for its wild flora and fauna.

Cyclists on the banks of the Loir in Villevêque

4. Art at Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou

Every summer, the town of Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou transforms itself into an open-air museum for a few weeks. NOV’Art offers art lovers a tour of the town, showcasing artists’ creations.

Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the village, and be surprised by the works of art along the way. A poetic stroll along the banks of the Loir!

And while you’re in Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou, you might as well pay a visit to the must-see Moulin de Villevêque! Here, visitors can step back in time to discover the history and workings of this ^13th-century watermill.

Weekend ideas in Angers

A weekend in Angers means wandering through the historic streets of a city with a unique and surprising heritage, taking a break from nature on the banks of the Maine or on Ile Saint-Aubin, tasting fine wines on a terrace in the setting sun and taking the time to savor every moment!The art of living in Anjou is like an emotion that can only be understood by living it!

Get inspired

5. Learning to recognize plants at the Briollay marshes

At first glance, all marshes look a bit alike, don’t they? But the Briollay educational marsh is really something special!

As well as being part of the Natura 2000 network, this marsh is home to thousands of migratory birds. It’s also a place where the general public can learn more about the environment.

You can stroll along the marsh paths and learn about the uses of the various plants found here.

Tip: just a few kilometers away, the Dolmen de la Pierre Cesée (Soucelles) is a site steeped in mystery! Can you unlock its secrets?

6. Wildlife at Étang Saint-Nicolas

You‘d think you were in the heart of a wild forest, yet theÉtang Saint-Nicolasis just a few minutes from the center of Angers!

On your first visit, you’ll be amazed by the harmony between the various natural areas. The deep green of the vegetation blends brilliantly with the aquatic landscapes, contrasting with the dry moorland and the dark gray of the shale quarries.

A favorite meeting place for families, you can also stroll around and say hello to the animals in the Parc de la Garenne.

Here’sa good idea:games and rides await children at Parc de la Garenne. You can relax, they can have fun!

7. Summer at the Écouflant sandpits

Angers may not have the sea, but there’s something better: the sablières d’Ecouflant!

When summer comes around again, it’s time to grab your towel and swimsuit for a dip in the Parc des Sablières. Whether you’re more of a swimmer or more of a lounger, the golden sands of Ecouflant await you to spend your summer afternoons.

Good idea: feeling a little hungry after your beach session? Head for the Guinguette Mazette for a no-frills lunch overlooking the river.

8. Trip to Parc des Ardoisières

Our beautiful Parc des Ardoisières in Trélazé is a real magnet for nature lovers! With its shimmering waters and dense, lush vegetation, it’s a breath of fresh air.

Stroll along the park’s paths and let yourself be immersed in the different species of vegetation… If you’re discreet enough, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a heron or an egret fishing!

Tip: why not come by bike? A section of the La Loire à vélo cycle route passes through the bucolic landscapes of the Parc des Ardoisières.