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 designated nature reserve since 1995, the Courossé cirque features very steep landscapes along the banks of the Èvre. The rock face, formed by outcrops of mica schist, towers over the winding River Èvre at a height of more than 60 metres.

A magnificent panoramic view of the Mauges region awaits at the end of a pleasant walk. From the car park, the path leading to the Château de la Baronnière takes you quickly to the viewpoint.

Various points of interest feature along this very popular walk: the island with the causeway across the river, the old miller’s village, the tree-lined avenue at the top of the rock, and the view of the ‘Pope’s Farm’, which was gifted to Pope Leo XIII at the end of the 19th century.
The history of this site is also closely linked to the Wars of the Vendée, as the remains of Republican soldiers may still lie there today. Furthermore, the Château de la Baronnière, which is nearby, was the residence of General Bonchamp, where 300 insurgents came to ask him to become their leader in March 1793.

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

Practical information:
- Seven information boards line the path to provide visitors with details on various topics.
- A picnic area is available, inviting you to enjoy a meal in this charming natural setting.

This private site, open to the public, is listed at national level by a government decree of 11 December 1995.