CIRCUIT DES HAUTS DE MORANNES

A hiking trail with a flat profile, mainly on paths. Suitable for occasional walkers. Departure from Le Moredena campsite, rue du Pont. Between Morannes and Juvardeil, the Sarthe region was home to numerous mills, mainly used to crush wheat. As recently as 150 years ago, 5 mills stood in the middle of the Sarthe, one for flour and four for tan (two common wheels), dating from the 11th century and destroyed during the Wars of Religion. Follow the Rue des Moulins along which you'll see the old mariners' houses. Mariners were the men who delivered wheat to the mills by sailboat, then by gabare. Follow the Sarthe, stroll along the river and admire the beautiful view of the Villechien lock at Le Gravier. The village on the other side of the river is Brissarthe. Along the way, you'll come across a number of beautiful stones that bear witness to a Roman road. We leave the banks of the Sarthe to cross the railroad line, then find ourselves in farmland and a little further on in the heart of orchards surrounded by hedgerows. The founding of the ancient priory of Saint-Serge d'Angers in the 11th century led to the birth of a small village here: Juigné. Today, the Abbey farm remains, with its Romanesque bays bearing witness to its ancient origins. From the "Le Vindrau" farm, you can admire the Sarthe Valley. A long, shady sunken path takes you back to the town of Morannes via Place Saint-Nicolas, near one of the last remaining workshops for the manufacture of boules de fort (9 rue René Morice). Please note: The first 4 km of the circuit may be flooded in winter and/or spring. Before setting off, please contact Morannes town hall (02 41 42 21 08). Toilets in Morannes : - To the left of the town hall, place Charles de Gaulle - In the library parking lot, Grande Rue Picnic tables in Morannes : - Rue des Moulins All food shops in Morannes town center Restaurant Au Fil de l'Eau in Morannes, rue du Pont (closed in January and February) Camping Le Moredena in Morannes Public transport : - Morannes train station - Bus: information on Angers bus station (02 41 36 29 46)