SENTIER DE RANDONNEE PESDESTRE "ITINÉRAIRE D'UN BRIQUETIER" - LES RAIRIES

A flat hiking trail alternating between forest paths and tarmac roads. Suitable for occasional walkers. Les Rairies, a terracotta tradition! The commune of Les Rairies was once one of France's major terracotta centers, with over 60 brickworks at its peak! From the 14th century onwards, the town developed an economic activity based on the production of tiles and pottery. Les Rairies stone, used for baking and building, made the village famous from the Middle Ages until the middle of the 20th century. In the 19th century, the village of Les Rairies boasted some fifty kilns in operation and as many drying barns with typical hollow tile roofs. The development of these industries and their concentration on a single site was due to the proximity of the raw material, clay, to the Chambiers forest. Quarries are still in operation today, and traditional terracotta production continues with 2 brickmakers. Toilets at Les Rairies to the right of the church Picnic tables : - Parking forêt de Chambiers, Durtal - Along the Loir at the old port in Les Rairies Food shops in Montigné-les-Rairies and Les Rairies Restaurant in Montigné-les-Rairies Public transport : - Bus: information on Angers bus station (02 41 36 29 46)