Bouchemaine combines cycling and hiking trails with culture and nature. The municipality is part of the classified landscape area “Site formed by the Confluence and the Anjou Hillsides”. At the confluence of the Maine and Loire, beavers and corncrakes find a natural habitat; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed on every visit. This offers different ways to plan your trip: active routes, scenic views, architecture and excursions on the water.

Explore by bike and on foot

The Loire à Vélo cycling route passes through Bouchemaine. Along its full 900-kilometre length, it connects Saint-Brevin-les-Pins with Cuffy near Nevers. In Bouchemaine, the route is signposted in both directions and is considered suitable for families. As route conditions can change, check for current information if you are planning a particular section.

For a hike, the circular route “Les Basses Vallées Angevines at the Confluence of the Loire and the Maine” offers a specific time frame: it is 18.6 kilometres long, and the stated walking time of 4 hours and 40 minutes is a guide. A marked hiking trail also runs through Parc de la Piverdière. This gives you several options: a hike with a stated walking time, a trail through a park and a cycling route covering a much wider area.

Landscape and views

A 7-hectare landscaped park invites you to stroll. From four viewpoints, you can look out over Angers and its buildings, the meadows of La Baumette and the Anjou landscape. The remarkable trees of La Pointe also tell the story of Anjou’s botanical history, its geology, soils and climate, as well as the skills of collectors, nurserymen and gardeners. Together, the wide-ranging views and the history of individual trees offer two different perspectives on the landscape.

Architectural history and art

Saint-Symphorien Church forms the historic centre of Bouchemaine and preserves remains dating from the 11th century. Notre-Dame de Ruzebouc is housed in a former salt warehouse. At Logis de l’Abbaye, a rare central avant-corps with a curved pediment stands out, supported by two caryatids. A central avant-corps projects from the middle of a façade; here, the caryatids also serve as supporting architectural elements. The three buildings offer different ways to explore the town’s history: through early remains, a building’s former use and a distinctive façade detail.

Art and crafts are also part of Bouchemaine: La Pointe is home to numerous artists and craftspeople. Ceramic artist Elodie Meirsman has a permanent exhibition at Galerie Confluence on Place Ruzebouc. As exhibition details can change, check for current information before making firm plans to visit.

Excursions on the water

The river excursion options are described in different ways: Club Nautique de Bouchemaine offers trips on the rivers of Anjou; La Batellerie de la Loire runs trips on the Loire from Bouchemaine in traditional boats. Programmes and arrangements for both can change. Check current dates and availability before planning your trip around them.

Find the right hotel for your stay

If you are looking for a hotel in Bouchemaine, first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: cycling, a hike, landscape and nature, architectural history or a river excursion. The stated time frame for the circular trail and the wide-ranging route of the Loire à Vélo represent different ways to plan a trip. For excursions with programmes that may change, also check the current dates before booking.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Clément-des-Levées, Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné, Chaudefonds-Sur-Layon, Chanzeaux, La Bohalle, Landemont, Yzernay, Trémont.

Go to the main travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.