Saint-Crespin-Sur-Moine

Saint-Crespin-Sur-Moine brings together natural heritage, walking routes and local history. The banks of the Moine are part of the area’s natural heritage; two moderately difficult circular trails differ in length and duration. There is also the architectural history of the Chapelle des Écluseaux and the story of a former mine supervisor’s house. These themes give you a concrete basis for deciding whether you would rather combine your stay with a hike, local traditions or historic buildings.

Walking routes by length and duration

Both circular trails start and finish in Saint-Crespin-Sur-Moine. The Serpillette Loop covers 9.5 kilometres and takes 2.5 hours. It is rated as moderately difficult and passes through vineyards, fields and forest paths; along the way, it passes Château de Beauchêne. The route therefore includes a variety of landscapes as well as a historic building.

At 11.5 kilometres and 3.5 hours, La Pierre de l’Écuelle is the longer of the two loops. It is also moderately difficult. Compared with the Serpillette Loop, it is two kilometres longer and takes an hour more, while having the same difficulty rating. If you are weighing up how much time to spend hiking, this difference is a helpful guide: the Serpillette Loop is the shorter option, while La Pierre de l’Écuelle takes more time. Both routes are circular, starting and ending in the village.

Nature and places to take a break along the routes

The banks of the Moine are part of Saint-Crespin-Sur-Moine’s natural heritage. Along the La Pierre de l’Écuelle loop, there are picnic tables and a fishing platform. The Espace botanique de Bikini Bellevue also has a shaded picnic area; seasonal conditions may vary. When planning a break, these details help distinguish between the facilities mentioned: the picnic tables and fishing platform are along the route, while the shaded area is at the Espace botanique.

Legends and architectural history

The rock known as La Pierre de l’Écuelle features in a local legend about the fairy Mélusine. Another kind of historical trace can be found at the Chapelle des Écluseaux: it dates from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Inside the chapel is a polychrome stone Pietà bearing traces of gunshots from the Revolutionary period. Christ’s feet were reconstructed in wood. At this named location, you can therefore explore both the chapel’s construction period and later alterations to the sculpture.

The Maison du Mineur et des Énergies also has a specific architectural connection to local history. It is housed in a former mine supervisor’s house, built in 1954. A visitor app for Saint-Crespin-Sur-Moine offers a village tour with seven audio stops after the Scénovision at the Maison. These stops are available in French only. Check that the app is available before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Le Fuilet, Jallais, Chemiré-sur-Sarthe, La Breille-Les-Pins, Chigné, Saint-Martin-du-Bois, Bouchemaine, Marcé

Return to the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.