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Treat yourself to a getaway in the heart of Anjou. Enter your arrival and departure dates below, then book your stay at Château des Forges.
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Treat yourself to a getaway in the heart of Anjou. Enter your arrival and departure dates below, then book your stay at Château des Forges.
Angers offers 100 m² of green space per inhabitant, which is double the national average. With its parks, riverbanks and Natura 2000-designated trails, the capital of the Anjou region is ideal for a variety of accessible walks in Angers.
Whether you fancy a family stroll, a brisk hike or a historical walk, here are the routes to remember!
Lac de Maine is undoubtedly the most popular walk in Angers. This 220-hectare site, 110 hectares of which is taken up by the lake, is situated just a few minutes from the city centre. The path that circles the lake is flat, shaded in places and accessible to all.
Families enjoy the variety of activities on offer: supervised swimming, water sports, fishing and play areas. Runners and walkers can make the most of the signposted route around the lake, punctuated by views of the water. It’s also a good starting point for walking to Balzac Park.
The Château des Forges team’s top tip: arrive early in the morning to enjoy the lake in peace and quiet. The low-angle light on the water creates a spectacle that few visitors get to see.
Île Saint-Aubin is a 600-hectare nature reserve situated at the confluence of the Mayenne and Sarthe rivers. Designated a Natura 2000 site and a RAMSAR site since 1995, it is home to a wealth of biodiversity. To reach it, you must take a ferry from the banks of the Mayenne, which adds a special charm to this walk in Angers.
Three signposted trails allow you to explore the area:
Guided botanical tours are also available to explore the wild flora and landscapes of the lower Angers valleys. The island is situated right next to our hotel in Angers, which overlooks these very valleys.
The Balzac Park covers 50 hectares on the banks of the Maine, right in the heart of Angers. Designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, it forms a link between Lake Maine and the Saint-Nicolas Parks. It is an ideal walk in Angers for those who want to stay close to the city centre whilst enjoying nature.
The park comprises 11 themed areas: grass corridors, an oak woodland, flower-filled fields, allotments and wet meadows. According to the League for the Protection of Birds, 66 species of bird have been recorded there. Birdwatchers will therefore find it an excellent spot for observation, without even having to leave the city!
The Saint-Nicolas Parks cover 112 hectares to the south-west of Angers. The atmosphere here is more woodland-like than in the city’s other green spaces. The undulating paths wind their way around the edges of Saint-Nicolas Pond, through woodland and clearings.
These walks in Angers are suitable for both novice walkers and families with children. The terrain is varied, with a few gentle inclines that make the walk more dynamic. By linking the Saint-Nicolas Parks to Balzac Park and then on to Lac de Maine, you can create a 20 km nature trail without leaving the city.
Green spaceAreaAtmosphereDifficultyLac de Maine220 haWater-based, family-friendlyEasyParc Balzac50 haMeadows, Maine riverbankEasySaint-Nicolas Parks112 haForest, hillyEasy to moderateÎle Saint-Aubin600 haWetlands, wildernessEasy
The Bout du Monde promenade overlooks the River Maine, next to the Château d’Angers. This viewpoint, first recorded in 1669, offers a panoramic view of the river, the Doutre district and the city’s rooftops. It is one of the most popular viewpoints amongst the people of Angers.
The walking route stretches from Rue Donadieu-de-Puycharic to Place du Président-Kennedy. An orientation board, translated into English and Braille, helps visitors identify the monuments on view.
Angers boasts a rich medieval heritage that is best explored on foot. The route through the Cité connects the main monuments of the historic centre in a single walk. You’ll pass by the château, with its 17 towers and the Apocalypse tapestry, then head up towards the Cathedral of Saint Maurice in Angers and its Plantagenet vaults.
The cobbled streets of the Cité then lead to the Maison d’Adam, one of the oldest half-timbered houses in France. To extend your exploration, the Doutre district, on the other side of the Maine, is well worth a detour. It’s a lovely way to combine a stroll around Angers with a cultural visit.
The Sarthe towpath offers an 8 km walk in Angers along the river, opposite Île Saint-Aubin. This flat, accessible route allows you to observe the flora and fauna typical of the lower valleys of the Angers region without setting foot on the island.
Along the way, you’ll spot grey herons, kingfishers and unspoilt wetland vegetation. The path is also suitable for cycling, making it an interesting option for a change of pace. At the end of the walk, a gourmet break in a restaurant in Angers is a must to recharge your batteries.
The GR3 is the first officially signposted ‘Grande Randonnée’ trail in France. It follows the course of the Loire from Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc to the estuary. In Anjou, it covers nearly 183 km along the river’s left bank.
Near Angers, the GR3 crosses Balzac Park, runs along the banks of the Maine and then reaches the hillsides of Savennières and its AOC-classified vineyards. This section forms part of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
The team at Château des Forges recommends: “The section between Angers and Savennières is our favourite. The views of the Loire and the vineyards make the effort well worth it. Allow half a day to enjoy it to the full.”.
Fancy settling down after a day of exploring Angers? Château des Forges welcomes you to its 6-hectare estate, overlooking the Saint-Aubin valleys. Book your stay and set off to discover the most beautiful trails in the Angers region! Still wondering what to do in Angers during your stay? Check out our guide now!
The best walk in Angers depends on what you fancy. For nature lovers, Île Saint-Aubin and its 600 hectares of Natura 2000-designated land offer a complete change of scenery. For urban views, the Bout du Monde promenade remains a must-see. The walk around Lac de Maine is suitable for everyone.
Yes, many walks in Angers are suitable for families. The walk around Lac de Maine is flat and safe, with playgrounds nearby. Balzac Park also has paths that are accessible to pushchairs for much of the route.
You can reach Île Saint-Aubin by ferry from the banks of the Mayenne. There is a free car park where you can leave your car before the crossing. The island offers three signposted trails ranging from 1 to 3 km, all on flat ground.
The full walk around Lake Maine is approximately 7 km. Allow between 1½ and 2 hours’ walking at a leisurely pace. The route is signposted and presents no particular difficulties.
Absolutely. Several routes in Angers are suitable for cycling, notably the Sarthe towpath and the area around Lake Maine. The ‘Loire à Vélo’ cycle route also passes through Angers for those who enjoy longer rides.
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