Cirque naturel de Courossé

Just 5 kilometres from the Loire between Angers and Nantes, the famous Courossé site offers an exceptional panoramic view over the Evre valley, a tributary of the Loire.

A listed natural site since 1995, the Cirque de Courossé offers steep landscapes on the banks of the River Evre. The rock, made up of micaschist outcrops, towers over the winding river Èvre at a height of more than 60 metres.

A sumptuous panoramic view over the Mauges is the key to a pleasant walk. From the car park, take the allée du château de la Baronnière, which leads quickly to the panoramic view.

There are a number of points of interest on the menu for this very popular walk: the island with the causeway over the river, the old milling village, the tree-lined driveway at the top of the rock and the view of the Pope's farm, which was given to Pope Leo XIII at the end of the 19th century.

The south-facing rock faces are home to Mediterranean-influenced plant species. Try to distinguish between the horticultural varieties, introduced when the site was developed for pilgrims, and the original wild species: orpins, orchids, rock ferns, wild garlic, etc. A large number of insect species have been recorded here, including dragonflies, beetles and butterflies.

Practical info:
- 7 interpretation panels line the trail, providing visitors with information on various themes.
- There's also a picnic area where you can enjoy a bite to eat in this charming natural setting.

This private site, which is open to the public, was classified as a national heritage site by government decree on 11 December 1995.