Old postcards along the streets, an expansive park and routes through the countryside along the Èvre give Beaupréau many different faces. The “Balade en images” is an established local route along the main streets. Across 18 panels, old postcards are paired with texts on local history—a way of exploring that puts the town itself in the spotlight.
Local history in the lanes and the château’s story
The Château de Beaupréau has origins dating back to the 11th century. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt on medieval foundations. These two dates tell different chapters of its history: its early origins and its later reconstruction. The historic quarter can be explored via old lanes and historic buildings near the château. Those interested in architectural history can thus connect the château’s story with a look at the surrounding historic townscape.
The “Balade en images” offers a different kind of experience. Its panels explore local history through old postcards and explanatory texts, sharing these insights along the main streets. In Beaupréau, different ways of discovering the town sit side by side: the château’s history, old lanes and buildings, and a walking tour with images and text about local history.
The park and the countryside along the Èvre
The Parc du Château de Beaupréau covers 32 hectares and is part of the “Vallée de l’Èvre et ses affluents” Sensitive Natural Area. The park is open to the public free of charge every day throughout the year; seasonal opening hours may vary. Its size and its place within the protected natural area add a landscape perspective to the town’s historical attractions.
Several routes also reveal different sides of the landscape. “Les coteaux de la Roche” passes through hedgerow countryside and old sunken lanes, and takes in former watermills along the Èvre. The “Le Moulin Neuf” walk follows the river through fields and over rocky slopes. The contrast here lies in the landscapes they feature: one route highlights hedgerows, sunken lanes and former mills, while the other takes in fields and rocky slopes.
Walking, river trips and a treasure hunt
“Sur les traces du Petit Anjou” is a 12-kilometre circular walk starting in Beaupréau. It follows the route of the former “Le Petit Anjou” railway line, combining a clearly defined route with a connection to the former railway. Those looking for a walk with this historical theme will find a different focus here from routes whose descriptions mainly highlight hedgerows, sunken lanes, fields or slopes.
The Èvre can also be experienced on trips with the Les Onglées canoe and kayak centre. The focus is on the flora and fauna along the riverbanks, as well as the heritage of the riverbanks. This adds a perspective from the water to the views of the river on foot. As opening hours may vary seasonally, check whether trips are offered during your preferred dates before making plans.
“Les Arts en chemin” also offers a family-friendly treasure hunt through the Baludik app. It has a different focus from the “Balade en images” panels: here, the treasure hunt is the main activity, while the panels focus on old postcards and local history along the streets.
Cultural events
The Salle François Perier at the Centre culturel de La Loge is an event venue with seating for 700 or standing room for 1,000. The two capacity figures relate to different types of events and give an impression of the venue’s size. Together with the château’s history, historic lanes and activities along the Èvre, the venue adds another facet to Beaupréau’s cultural scene.
Discover more destinations: Noëllet, Tigné, Montreuil-Bellay, Jallais, Saint-Paul-Du-Bois, Chigné, Montfaucon-Montigné, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
For the main travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
