The best walks and hikes around Angers

Angers offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with nearly 800 routes available on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more challenging paths, ensuring there's something for every hiker.

Yes, Angers has over 330 easy hiking trails perfect for beginners and families. A great option is the Lac de Maine Loop, an easy 5.9 km path offering green spaces and lake views within the city. Another accessible choice is the Circuit des châteaux — depuis Feneu, an easy 7.1 km route that allows you to explore the region's historical architecture.

The Angers region is incredibly diverse. You'll find trails winding through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Maine and Loire river confluence, the extensive wet meadows of the Basses Vallées Angevines, and picturesque vineyards like those in Savennières. Riverbanks along the Mayenne and Sarthe, and areas like the Chambiers Forest, also provide varied terrain for exploration.

Many of the trails around Angers are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. Popular options include the Étang Saint-Nicolas and parc St Nicolas — loop from Angers, a moderate 7.8 km route through parkland, or the Béhuard Island Loop, a moderate 8.9 km trail exploring a unique Loire River island.

Absolutely! The region is famous for its vineyards, especially those of Savennières. The On the Slopes of Savennières Trail is a recommended 9.1 km hike that takes you directly through these renowned vineyards, offering picturesque views and the chance to stop at local wineries.

Hiking around Angers offers opportunities to discover various attractions. You might encounter historic mills and castles along riverbanks, or explore unique sites like the old slate quarries near Trélazé on the Parc des Ardoisières — loop from Trélazé. The region also features several castles, such as Angers Castle and Brissac Castle, which can be points of interest near your routes.

While Angers is known for its accessible trails, there are options for longer excursions. The Basses Vallées Angevines, for instance, can be explored via a 90 km loop circuit over several days. For a substantial day hike, consider the La Maine d'Angers until the confluence with the Loire — loop from Angers, a moderate 18.9 km route.

The hiking routes in Angers are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene river paths to scenic vineyard trails, and the well-maintained nature of the paths.

Yes, particularly in the Basses Vallées Angevines, which are among Europe's most remarkable wet meadows. This area is a rich environment for nature observation and birdwatching, with grey herons and other birds often spotted in places like Parc Saint-Nicolas. The Chambiers Forest also offers a diverse ecosystem for those seeking a more immersive forest experience.

Absolutely. The confluence of the Maine and Loire rivers is a central feature of the region, and many trails follow their banks. You can also find pleasant routes along the Mayenne and Sarthe rivers, such as The towpath of the Sarthe and Sablières — loop from Écouflant, which offers superb countryside views.

Within Angers itself, you'll find several beautiful parks and gardens perfect for leisurely strolls. The Jardin des Plantes offers a calm atmosphere with century-old trees, while the Arboretum Gaston Allard spans 7 hectares with a vast collection of trees and shrubs. For families, Parc de la Garenne is an excellent choice.