Six themed gardens, an experience trail and hiking routes of varying lengths give a stay in Chemillé-Melay different focal points. At the Jardin Camifolia, a garden visit combines sensory, playful and experimental experiences. There are also historical sites in Chemillé and Melay, along with options for a walk on foot or a 50-kilometre driving route.

Garden visits and getting there

The Jardin Camifolia offers six themed gardens and a sensory, playful and experimental experience trail. If you are also interested in the culinary uses of wild plants, you can plan to take part in the cooking workshop offered there: recipes are shared, followed by a tasting of the dishes prepared. Check whether the workshop is available before booking.

The Jardin Camifolia is a 500-metre walk from Chemillé railway station. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable and connections before your trip. This lets you combine your arrival at the station with a visit to the garden without assuming a specific train connection.

Traces of history

Work at the former Notre-Dame church in Chemillé uncovered extensive overlapping Romanesque and Gothic wall paintings in 2012. Chemillé’s heritage trail offers a different focus: it passes the old fortification walls of the castle and the ruins of the Collégiale Saint-Léonard.

There is also a short, clearly defined option for a walk: the historical tour through the Notre-Dame and Saint-Léonard districts is about 3 kilometres long and includes 11 stops. Signage and trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Choose hikes by length and starting point

The Circuit touristique de Chemillé is an easy circular route of about 4 kilometres. It starts and ends in Chemillé-en-Anjou; the stated duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. At 11.65 kilometres, Chantoiseau is a longer circular route, rated moderate, that starts and ends in Melay. Trail markings and conditions can change, so it is worth checking the current route information before setting out on either hike.

Other routes in Melay also differ in the places they pass. The panoramic walk passes the Jardin du Curé, the ruins of the Collégiale Saint-Martin and the municipality’s ponds. Chantoiseau passes the Chapelle des Martyrs, the Jardin du Curé, the ruins of the Collégiale Saint-Martin and the Étang de Coulvée. This lets you compare routes not only by length but also by which of the places mentioned interest you.

For a different way to explore, the 50-kilometre driving route on the Vendée Wars starts in Chemillé. It offers its own thematic focus and is distinct from the walking routes; no driving times are provided.

Breaks and finding accommodation

The picnic area by the ponds in Melay offers extensive shaded green spaces, ponds, children’s play equipment and walking paths around the ponds. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Another picnic area is located at the Jardin du Curé in the centre of Melay, between the town hall and the church. There is a quiet, landscaped area maintained by volunteers; several walks can be continued through the gate.

That way, you can make your choice based on your own itinerary rather than on the blanket assumption that all activities share the same starting point.

Discover more destinations: Vivy, Segré, La Fosse-De-Tigné, Les Ulmes, Bouchemaine, Ambillou-Château, Montilliers, Saint-Crespin-Sur-Moine.

For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.