La Pommeraye: Trails, Mills and the Hill Climb

When choosing a hotel in La Pommeraye, hiking, architectural history or the hill climb may be the deciding factor. Trail themes include vineyards, natural surroundings, connections across the landscape and former mill sites; the windmill and church add specific examples of architectural history. The hill climb focuses on competition, the course and spectator areas. This makes it possible to consider La Pommeraye according to the priorities you have for your stay.

Routes between the plateau, the Loire and the vineyards

The GR3 runs from La Pommeraye to Champtoceaux. The “Des Fours aux Moulins” circular route offers a different focus: it links the agricultural plateau of the Mauges with the banks of the Loire. On the “Des Fours aux Moulins” hiking trail between La Pommeraye and Montjean-sur-Loire, hikers discover the sites of former windmills, reminders of the area’s former grain farming in this bocage landscape. The Sentier du ruisseau des Moulins passes through vineyards and along small paths in natural surroundings, and offers the chance to discover some of the mills that once operated in the region. A clear distinction emerges when comparing the routes by interest: the GR3 is described as connecting two places; “Des Fours aux Moulins” links landscapes and mill history, while the Sentier du ruisseau des Moulins brings vineyards, small paths and former mills into focus.

Windmill and neo-Gothic church

The windmill in La Pommeraye, known as the “moulin à vent dit moulin de la Renardière,” dates from the 18th century. As a dated building, it is distinct from the former mill sites and the mills that appear along the trails as traces of past use. The church of Saint-Martin-de-Vertou in La Pommeraye is neo-Gothic and was built in 1868. It can be seen along the local route through La Pommeraye. If you are particularly interested in architectural history, the 18th-century windmill and the 1868 building offer two different points of reference; the church’s visibility along the route also links the building to the local trail.

The hill climb: course and spectator areas

The La Pommeraye hill climb was first held in 1964. Its 2,450-metre course runs through vineyards; course details may change between editions. The public is permitted only in designated spectator areas, and this arrangement may also change between editions. Check the information and dates for the relevant edition before visiting. The hill climb therefore centres on a motorsport competition, unlike the trails and buildings, whose themes are landscape and history.

Landscape and accommodation

The slopes of La Pommeraye, which overlook the Loire Valley, provide a suitable terroir for AOC Coteaux de la Loire wine production. Fruit growing also shapes the area’s agriculture. Winegrowing on the Loire slopes and fruit growing thus represent two specific aspects of the agricultural landscape.

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 these details if the complex is an option for your plans.

Discover more destinations: Blou, Cheviré-Le-Rouge, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies, Fontevrault-L'abbaye, Montreuil-sur-Maine, Saint-Lambert-Du-Lattay, Beaucouzé, Bécon-Les-Granits.

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