A beautiful walk lulled by the freshness of the river and following paths all around the commune to discover the vast cultivated expanses of the Morvan countryside.
A flat walking route mainly on paths. Suitable for occasional walkers.
Starts from Le Moredena campsite, rue du Pont.
The Sarthe had many mills between Morannes and Juvardeil, mainly used to crush wheat.
As recently as 150 years ago, 5 mills stood in the middle of the Sarthe, one for flour and four for tan (two common wheels), dating from the 11th century and destroyed during the Wars of Religion.
Take the Rue des Moulins, along which you will see the old bargemen's houses. Sailors were the men who delivered the wheat to the mills in sailing boats and later gabares.
Follow the Sarthe, stroll along the river and admire the beautiful view of the Villechien lock at Le Gravier.
The village on the other side of the river is Brissarthe. You can see some beautiful stones along the way, which are traces of a Roman road.
We leave the banks of the Sarthe to cross the railway line and then find ourselves in farmland and a little further on in the heart of orchards surrounded by hedgerows.
The founding of the former priory of Saint-Serge d'Angers in the 11th century gave rise to the small town of Juigné. Today, the Abbey farm remains, with its Romanesque bays bearing witness to its ancient origins.
From the farm, "Le Vindrau", you can admire the Sarthe Valley. A long, shady sunken path will take you back to the town of Morannes via Place Saint-Nicolas, close to one of the last remaining workshops for the manufacture of "boules de fort" (9 rue René Morice).
Please note: The first 4 kilometres of the route may be flooded in winter and/or spring. Before setting off, check with Morannes Town Hall (02 41 42 21 08).
Toilets in Morannes :
- To the left of the town hall,
place Charles de Gaulle
- In the library car park, Grande Rue
Picnic tables in Morannes :
- Rue des Moulins
All food shops in the centre of Morannes
Restaurant Au Fil de l'Eau in Morannes, rue du Pont (closed in January and February)
Le Moredena campsite in Morannes
Public transport :
- Morannes train station
- Coaches: information at Angers bus station
(02 41 36 29 46)
