The GR3 runs from La Pommeraye to Champtoceaux. The “Des Fours aux Moulins” circular trail links the agricultural plateau of the Mauges with the banks of the Loire. Other routes pass through vineyards and by historic buildings, and there is also the Course de Côte. This offers a choice of different ways to plan your stay: hiking and landscapes, architectural history or motorsport.
Hiking Trails and Landscapes
On the “Des Fours aux Moulins” hiking trail between La Pommeraye and Montjean-sur-Loire, hikers can discover the sites of former windmills. They are a reminder of the region’s former grain farming in this bocage landscape. The trail thus brings together two themes: the transition from the Mauges plateau to the banks of the Loire and the region’s agricultural history.
The Sentier du ruisseau des Moulins offers a different focus. It passes through vineyards and along small paths in a natural setting; along the way, hikers can also discover some of the mills once operated in the region. This gives you a practical distinction when choosing a route: “Des Fours aux Moulins” combines a change in landscape with the region’s former grain farming, while the Sentier du ruisseau des Moulins takes in vineyards, small paths and mills that were once in operation.
The agricultural character of the area can also be viewed from different perspectives. The trail passes through vineyards; the slopes of La Pommeraye, overlooking the Loire Valley, also provide suitable terroir for AOC Coteaux de la Loire wine production. Fruit growing is another defining part of agriculture in La Pommeraye.
Church, Windmill and Local History
The Church of Saint-Martin-de-Vertou is a neo-Gothic building constructed in 1868. It can be seen along the route through La Pommeraye and can be incorporated into a walk around the town. Another architectural landmark is the “moulin à vent dit moulin de la Renardière” windmill, which dates from the 18th century.
The church and windmill offer different historical points of reference: the church’s construction date is given as 1868, while the windmill dates from the 18th century. The theme of mills also appears on the hiking trails, as a reminder of former mills and the region’s grain farming. Those interested in architectural and local history can connect these individual points of reference while exploring La Pommeraye.
Course de CĂ´te: Route and Spectator Areas
The Course de CĂ´te de La Pommeraye was first held in 1964. Its route is 2,450 metres long and passes through vineyards; route specifications may change. The motorsport event therefore has its own historical significance as well as a route through the landscape. The route information also offers a different perspective on the vineyards than the hiking trails do.
At the Course de CĂ´te, spectators are allowed only in designated spectator areas. The spectator layout may change from one edition to another. If you are planning to attend, check the information about the areas for that edition in advance.
Accommodation in La Pommeraye
The “Jardins de l’Anjou” tourist complex in La Pommeraye offers accommodation to visitors and has more than 350 beds. Facilities and capacity may change; check the current information before booking. This makes it possible to match your stay to your different interests in trails, landscapes, architectural history or the Course de Côte.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies, Les Rosiers-Sur-Loire, Louresse-Rochemenier, Les Verchers-Sur-Layon, Faveraye-Mâchelles, Saint-Mathurin-Sur-Loire, Brissarthe, Vernantes.
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
