The Nuaillé forest covers 700 hectares, and the area has 25 kilometres of walking trails in total. There is also the history of a priory, a landscape shaped by clay extraction, and details about local bread and grain production. This gives you different ways to shape your stay: spend time outdoors, learn about local history, or focus on craftsmanship and landscape.

Forest and walking trails in Nuaillé

The 25 kilometres refers to the total length of the walking trails, not a single route. This distinction is useful when planning: the forest area is measured in hectares, while the trails are measured in kilometres. The two figures describe different aspects of Nuaillé’s landscape, without implying a particular route through the forest.

One named route is the Sentier du Renard. It runs between Chemin de Montbault and Rue de la Caille. There is also the “Chemin des Poteries au Chemin de la Gilbertière” circular route. These names provide specific points of reference for planning your walk; check the exact route for the walk you have in mind.

The priory and local history

The origins of Nuaillé’s town centre date back to the founding of a priory. It belonged to the Burgundian Abbey of Tournus in the Saône-et-Loire department and later came under the authority of the Priory of Cunault near Saumur. The town’s history is therefore also connected with two religious institutions whose links extended across different places.

Another historical landmark is the Church of Saint-Étienne, which was rebuilt in 1830. A cenotaph in Nuaillé commemorates Henri de La Rochejaquelein. He died in the territory of Nuaillé during the Vendée Wars. The church and cenotaph point to different chapters of local history: the rebuilding of a local place of worship and the remembrance of a man whose death was connected with the wars in the Vendée.

Clay landscape and natural environment

The Argilières des Poteries are designated an Espace naturel sensible (ENS), or sensitive natural area. The site lies in the municipalities of Vezins and Nuaillé, east of the village of Les Poteries. Its landscape combines clay-rich terrain with bocage hedgerows, ponds and wet meadows. This makes it a different kind of landscape from the Nuaillé forest.

The Argilières also tell a story of past work: clay was extracted in this area and used to make roof tiles and bricks. The natural environment and the history of craftsmanship can therefore be considered together. Today’s landscape preserves traces of an activity linked to the extraction and processing of clay.

Chapel, garden and remembrance

The recently renovated chapel of the presbytery is near the presbytery garden, which is currently being redesigned, and the greenhouse. The garden has four themed areas. Behind the chapel stands a dovecote built of bricks. These details give the ensemble its distinctive character: the chapel, garden and greenhouse form the setting described here, while the dovecote stands out for its building material and location.

The cenotaph commemorates Henri de La Rochejaquelein and his death in the territory of Nuaillé during the Vendée Wars. It adds another perspective on the past to the history of the church building. For visitors interested in local history, both a religious building and a memorial site are worth noting.

Bread and grain from Nuaillé

At Montbault Fournil, the sourdough bread “Mélépeautre” is made and baked on site in a wood-fired oven. A variety of spelt called “blé des Gaulois” is also grown there; it dates back to the 12th century. These details link a specific bread with a named grain variety and its historical background. Local production thus adds a culinary perspective to the themes of nature and history.

Ideas for your stay

The information about the forest, trails and Argilières describes different things: an area, the total length of walking trails, and a designated natural area. When planning your stay, you can consider these separately rather than treating them as a single route. For those interested in culture, the town’s history, the Church of Saint-Étienne, the cenotaph and the presbytery ensemble offer different historical connections. Bread and grain also provide a glimpse into local production.

Discover more destinations: Le Fuilet, Neuillé, Beaufort-En-Vallée, Vaudelnay, Roussay, Saint-Mathurin-Sur-Loire, Vihiers, Montreuil-sur-Maine

Return to the main travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.