In Saint-Philbert-en-Mauges, two hiking trails offer different distances and landscapes. The “Sentier pédestre du cimetière” runs through a wooded area and alongside a pond; “Autour des chênes” passes between woodland and fields. The Chênes du Monde Arboretum and Église Saint Philbert complement the nature themes with horticultural history and Romanesque architecture.

Choose a hiking trail by distance

The “Sentier pédestre du cimetière” starts and ends at the cemetery car park. This easy hike is 3.7 km long; allow about 50 minutes. The trail passes through a wooded area, follows a pond and returns to the car park. Markings may vary, so check them locally before setting out. This clearly states the route, approximate duration and difficulty level for this loop.

At 9.7 km, “Autour des chênes” is six kilometres longer. The shorter “Sentier pédestre du cimetière” has an approximate time and is rated as an easy hike; for the longer trail, its distance provides a concrete point of comparison. If you are looking for a short loop with a stated duration, you could consider the first route. If you would rather consider a longer distance, “Autour des chênes” offers another option, without inferring a walking time from the kilometre distance.

Woodland, fields and arboretum

The “Autour des chênes” hiking route starts in Saint-Philbert-en-Mauges. The Chênes du Monde Arboretum is listed as the starting point of the 9.7 km trail and is also along the route. The trail passes between woodland and fields through a landscape where nature and heritage can be observed. The arboretum is a specific point of interest along the route, not merely a theme alongside the hike.

The arboretum’s horticultural history includes the Bastard nursery, which assembled an internationally recognised collection of more than 150 oak trees. This origin connects the trail’s nature theme with a history of plant cultivation. The oaks are therefore more than just part of the name Chênes du Monde: the documented collection gives the arboretum its own historical significance, complementing the route’s nature and heritage aspects.

Église Saint Philbert: history and visiting

Église Saint Philbert dates from the 13th century and preserves Romanesque influences from the 12th and 13th centuries. These dates refer to different aspects: the church itself is dated to the 13th century, while the reference to the 12th century concerns its Romanesque influences. Visitors interested in architectural history can consider the dating and architectural character separately, rather than reading them as a single date.

A welcome for groups of 1 to 15 people is listed at the church. Check the arrangements in advance if you are planning a group visit. The stated group size can serve as a practical guide, without assuming that a welcome is always available for visits.

Discover more destinations: Soucelles, Saint-Rémy-La-Varenne, Les Rosiers-Sur-Loire, Louresse-Rochemenier, Souzay-Champigny, Roussay, Coutures, Le Louroux-Béconnais

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