Nuaillé – Forest, Trails and Local History

Nuaillé offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: forest and trails, local history, and a landscape shaped by its past clay-working industry. Which aspects you focus on depends on your interests.

Forest and Walking Trails

The forest of Nuaillé covers 700 hectares; the municipality has a total of 25 kilometres of walking trails. The area figure applies to the forest, while the distance covers the municipality’s entire walking-trail network. One specific route is the Sentier du Renard, which runs between Chemin de Montbault and Rue de la Caille. These two landmarks make it easier to find your way when planning the route.

The Argilières des Poteries

East of the village of Les Poteries lie the Argilières des Poteries, an area classified as an Espace naturel sensible (ENS) in the municipalities of Vezins and Nuaillé. The landscape combines clay-shaped terrain with bocage hedgerows, ponds and wet meadows. Its character also reflects its former use: clay was extracted at the Argilières to make roof tiles and bricks. Natural features and industrial and craft history are therefore closely linked to the same landscape.

Local History and Memorial Sites

The town centre originated with the founding of a priory. It belonged to the Burgundian Abbey of Tournus in Saône-et-Loire and later came under the authority of the Priory of Cunault near Saumur. The Church of Saint-Étienne in Nuaillé was rebuilt in 1830. A cenotaph commemorates Henri de La Rochejaquelein, who died in the territory of Nuaillé during the Wars of the Vendée.

These historical references have different focuses: the priory explains the origins of the town centre, the date 1830 marks the rebuilding of the church, and the cenotaph commemorates a specific person and the Wars of the Vendée. Together, they show how local history can be explored through institutional ties, a building and a memorial site.

Chapel, Garden and Local Produce

The recently renovated chapel of the presbytery is near the presbytery garden, which is currently being redesigned, and the greenhouse. The garden has four themed areas. Behind the chapel stands a dovecote made of brick.

At Montbault Fournil, the sourdough bread “Mélépeautre” is made and baked on site in a wood-fired oven. The spelt variety “blé des Gaulois,” which dates back to the 12th century, is also grown there.

Find a Hotel in Nuaillé

When looking for a hotel in Nuaillé, a simple way to narrow down your options is to consider whether you want to focus your trip mainly on nature and trails, or whether you are more interested in history and local produce. Then compare specific hotel offers based on your travel dates and personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Méon, Chazé-sur-Argos, Grez-Neuville, Beaupréau, Vauchrétien, Chemiré-sur-Sarthe, Parnay, Beaucouzé.

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