Lac de Maine and around

Setting off from the centre of Angers, this walk offers a perfect balance of city and nature. Savour peaceful surroundings along the way, from the Lac du Maine leisure park to the Étang Saint-Nicolas lake, via Balzac park.

Touristic places
- The Lac de Maine park is structured in different landscape units over more than 220 ha. Its lake permits enjoying many activities: water sports, bathing, fishing, walks, etc. The towpath is commonly used by bicycle tourists for the cycling routes “La Loire à Vélo” and “La Vélo Francette”.
- The Parc de Balzac has 11 different thematic areas and landscapes : swamps, collection of gramineae, allotments, etc. Those water-meadows act as a conservatory for flora and fauna, the French League for the Protection of Birds having listed 66 bird species.
- The Parcs Saint Nicolas, located in the town centre, is a real intermediary between the town and the countryside with more than 112 ha. Foulques Nerra, Earl of Anjou, decided to dig the pond to create quarries and install watermills on the bank. He also ordered the construction of the Saint-Nicolas abbey and gave the surrounding territories to the clergymen.
- La Vilnière, a small stream at the edge of Beaucouzé, used to supply a wire works, whose ruins can be seen near the path.

Equipment at your disposal
- Toilets and picnic tables in the Parc du Lac de Maine

Departure points
- Parking place Maurice Farcy in Angers
- Ethic Etape at Lac de Maine

Practical information
- Trail not passable during floods
- A footbridge is available for walkers to cross the La Vilnière stream before the D106 road. This is not practicable during floods

Circuit marked out in mauve.

Download the map of walks in and around Angers.

Show less