Montreuil-sur-Maine: Trails, Rivers and Cultural Heritage

When looking for a hotel in Montreuil-sur-Maine, you can plan your trip around the interests you want to pursue locally: river scenery and trails, cultural sights, or the history of the town. The bocage landscape defines Montreuil-sur-Maine. The Mayenne crosses the area to the east, while the Oudon forms its western boundary.

Landscape and orientation

The rivers provide different points of reference in the landscape, while the towpath offers a continuous north–south route for walkers and cyclists. In fine weather, it affords panoramic views of the Mayenne.

Montreuil-sur-Maine is easy to reach via the D775 and N162. Within the commune, several footpaths and greenways along roads and through residential areas complement the riverside routes.

Towpath, long-distance route and circular trails

The Vélo-Francette passes through Montreuil-sur-Maine along the towpath. This long-distance route runs from Ouistreham in the Calvados department to La Rochelle in the Charente-Maritime department. The surfaced path also serves as a route for walkers and cyclists travelling between the north and south. This places the local trails within the broader course of the long-distance route, while the path itself connects destinations within the area.

A 9.5-kilometre circular trail follows the river along the towpath towards the Haras du Lion d’Angers and Parc de l’Isle Briand. The return to the village follows a surfaced footpath alongside the departmental road.

The “Circuit de la Grotte à l’Isle Briand” circular route connects Montreuil-sur-Maine with Le Lion-d’Angers and combines natural scenery with cultural heritage. It is described as an easy hike taking about three hours. Check the difficulty rating and approximate duration locally before setting out. Montreuil-sur-Maine also has a rest area for cycle tourists and walkers, with covered picnic tables, a water point and toilets; confirm the facilities locally before your visit.

From April to September, visitors can see the lock in operation as leisure boats pass through it. Check local operating conditions before your visit.

Sights and history

Montreuil-sur-Maine’s tourist attractions include a mill and a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes. The grotto is also known as “Petit Lourdes Angevin”. Those interested in cultural heritage can also discover the Church of Saint-Pierre and the Manoir de la Chouanière.

The facades and roofs of the Manoir de la Chouanière have been listed as French historic monuments since 24 October 1973. The estate includes a chapel built in 1716. Dry-stone walls enclose the garden, which is divided into six regularly arranged beds and planted with fruit trees such as apple, pear and quince trees.

The town’s history can also be traced through time: the first written record of Montreuil-sur-Maine dates from the late 12th century. In the Middle Ages, the lands were under the authority of the Abbaye du Ronceray d’Angers. Together with the named buildings and sights, this gives the area a distinct cultural focus alongside its landscape and trails.

Discover more destinations: Fontaine-Guérin, Les Verchers-Sur-Layon, Savennières, Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné, Trémont, La Séguinière, La Breille-Les-Pins, Saint-Martin-du-Bois.

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