We've picked out some outdoor escapes close to Angers ! Are you coming ?
1. Pignerolle park for a trip back in time
Pignerolle Park is the epitome of magical and elegant French gardens. Visitors are treated to a leafy park with almost 80 hectares to explore ! Why not indulge in the warm Anjou weather and enjoy a family picnic in the park ? Children can run wild in the play area whilst their parents unpack the picnic on the tables. The highlight of the trip ? Travel back in time and hunt down bunkers from World War II in the park's woodland ! You may bump into a squirrel if you visit early in the morning or late in the day ! Keep your eyes peeled !
2. Strolls on the maine riverbanks
Promenade de la Reculée is just minutes from Angers city centre and a great place for a trip with fabulous views of the Maine. Set off from the university hospital and enjoy an outing gazing at the Maine's wild riverbanks and soaking up a nature walk in the heart of the city. Not ready for your walk to end? Drive a quarter of an hour towards Montreuil-Juigné for a stroll on the Mayenne riverbanks! Bright idea: visit Château de Plessis-Macé, a wonderful castle that seems to float on the water just minutes from Montreuil-Juigné.
3. Introducing the maine and loire
Hop on your bike along the Loire to La Pointe, a former sailors' village where the Maine and Loire meet in Bouchemaine. Do you like pretty houses? Head to Rue des Saulniers to gaze at the village's iconic beautiful villas on the banks of the Loire. Don't forget to pack your camera: the area is famous for its wild flora and fauna.
4. Art in Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou
Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou turns into an open-air museum for a few weeks every summer. NOV’Art brings art lovers a trail through town showcasing artworks. Wander through the streets and feast your eyes on the creations along the way. What a magical walk on the banks of the Loir! Whilst you're in Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou, you should really visit the iconic Moulin de Villevêque! Travel back in time to dive into the 13th century water mill's history and how it works.
5. Learn to recognise plants at briollay wetlands
Wetlands all seem to look alike don't you think ? The educational Briollay wetlands stand out from the crowd ! The wetland is listed on the Natura 2000 network and home to thousands of migratory birds. It's an educational site for the general public too. You can stroll along the wetland paths and learn how the different plants here are used. Bright idea: a couple of miles away is the mysterious Dolmen de la Pierre Cesée (Soucelles) ! Can you unlock its secrets ?
6. Life in the wild at Saint-Nicolas pond
It's like being in the heart of a wild forest and yet the pond of Saint-Nicolas is located just a few minutes from the city centre ! The different natural spaces of this place are amazing. The deep green of plants blends brilliantly with the aquatic landscapes and contrasts with the dry moor and gray shale quarries.
It's a great family spot. Here, you can stroll along the pond and see animals of Parc de la Garenne. Bright idea : There are games and rides for the children at the Parc de la Garenne. You will rest and your children will have fun !
7. Sablières summer in écouflant
Angers has everything except the sea but it makes up for it with the Sablières in Ecouflant! When summer comes around, everyone grabs their towels and swimsuits for a dip at Sablières Park. Whether you want to swim or lounge around, the Écouflant white sand is where we'll find you on summer afternoons. Bright idea: feeling peckish after your beach session? Head to La Guinguette Mazette for a fuss-free lunch with fabulous views of the river.
8. Ardoisières park adventure
Our lovely Ardoisières Park in Trélazé has everything nature lovers could wish for! Its glistening ponds and lush dense plantlife make it a real breath of fresh air. Wander along the park's footpaths and soak up the plant species that call it home... If you're lucky, you may even spot a heron or egret doing a spot of fishing! Bright idea: how about cycling here? Part of the Loire à Vélo bike path runs through the idyllic Ardoisières Park.
