Avrillé combines a long circular walking trail through urban neighbourhoods and countryside with shorter routes and notable historic buildings. Visitors weighing up outdoor activities against architectural history will find different highlights. A particularly useful comparison is between the 13-kilometre Sentier Aprilis and the approximately 3-kilometre Avrillé loop of the Sentier Le Fléchet. Accessible green spaces and several specific historic sites round out the trip-planning options.
Circular Routes of Different Lengths
The Sentier Aprilis is a 13-kilometre circular route through Avrillé’s neighbourhoods and along paths through the countryside. Alongside short stretches through the neighbourhoods, the route includes sections through parks, woods and the green belt. It therefore combines urban and nature-rich sections within a single circular walk. It is suitable for hikers, active visitors and families. Conditions may vary after wet weather.
The Avrillé loop of the Sentier Le Fléchet is considerably shorter, at around 3 kilometres. The trail is short, follows flat terrain and has no difficult sections. This makes it easy to distinguish its length from that of the Sentier Aprilis without combining the two routes into one outing. Some sections can be muddy depending on the season.
Greenway and Green Spaces
The Voie verte follows a former railway line through Avrillé, between Montreuil-Juigné and Angers. The circular route is 9.2 kilometres long; in the long term, the Voie verte is intended to connect Angers and Montreuil-Juigné. When planning, it is important to distinguish between the stated length of the circular route and the planned long-term connection.
Green spaces are also part of Avrillé’s character: more than 170 hectares are open to everyone. The Parc des Poumons Verts offers another specific highlight, with a pond and large trees. Those particularly interested in green spaces can choose between these extensive accessible areas and the named park.
Architectural History at Château de la Perrière
Château de la Perrière was built in the 17th century in two phases. Three building sections form a U-shaped layout, with a chapel at the southwestern end. Its protected status is also differentiated: the château is partly listed as a Monument historique and partly classified as a Monument historique. The construction period, layout and chapel give the complex a clearly defined architectural character, while the two types of protection are another feature of the building.
Other Historic Sites
A priory founded in the Bois de la Haye in 1180 then belonged to the Order of Grandmont. The 12th-century church survives, with wall and vault paintings dating from the 14th century. The priory can be viewed from the outside.
Another story recalls the French Revolution: a chapel built in 1852 commemorates the Catholics who were shot at this site during the Revolution. Almost 2,000 people rest in twelve large mass graves. Along with the architectural history of the château and priory, this memorial site provides Avrillé with a distinct historical highlight.
Discover more destinations: Charcé-Saint-Ellier-Sur-Aubance, Liré, Le Pin-En-Mauges, Martigné-Briand, Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, Nuaillé, Courléon, Landemont
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
