A short walk along the boires, a tour through the village’s history or a visit to a chapel: Drain can be explored from many different angles. When planning, it helps to distinguish between activities by their focus—from a walk with a set duration to self-guided historical tours and art and wine experiences with changing dates or booking conditions.
Walks along the boires and the Loire
The “Circuit découverte des boires de Drain” is an easy, red-marked walking trail measuring 2.8 km, for which one hour is set aside. It starts at the car park of the Beauregrêt municipal campsite. The route is closed when the Loire is in flood. Along the way, it passes the Boires de la Rompure and de la Nigaudière and crosses the expansive natural meadows along the Loire. Typical river birds such as herons, egrets, ducks and waders can be spotted on the sandbanks.
There is also a 2.5 km nature trail at the Boires de la Rompure et de la Nigaudière, designed to raise awareness of biodiversity and its protection. Its length is similar to that of the Circuit, but its focus is different: here, nature education takes centre stage. The boires are former side channels of the Loire. They fill up again during seasonal floods, creating wetlands that serve as spawning grounds for fish and nesting areas for birds.
Village stories and chapels
The “Mémoire de village” historical tour takes visitors through the village centre and tells the stories of the people and places that have shaped Drain. It is free and can be explored independently. The tour focuses on the village’s development, while the route along the boires centres mainly on the river landscape and birdwatching.
A notable cultural landmark is the Chapelle Sainte Apolline. Built in the 19th century by the architect Moriceau, the chapel overlooks the Loire Valley. It stands on the site of the former Notre-Dame church, of which only the choir remains. During restoration work in 2019, the façades, entrance door and bell tower were repaired.
The Chapelle des Galloires is also one of the stops in Drain on the Art et Chapelles trail, which brings contemporary art together with religious heritage. For more than 20 years, Art et Chapelles has organised a trail every summer to showcase contemporary art in chapels across the Maine-et-Loire département. At each participating chapel, a guide accompanies visitors as they explore. Dates and participating artists vary with each edition; the format of the guided visits may also change in future editions. Check the dates for the relevant edition before planning your visit.
The Loire landscape, architecture and wine
The “Entre Loire et Vignoble” route crosses the Loire floodplain and its boires. Along the way, it also passes the historic Pont Romain and hamlets with traditional architecture combining local stone and tuffeau limestone. The route therefore connects a landscape theme with visible traces of the area’s architectural history. The boires also show how seasonal floods shape the landscape: when the former side channels fill up again, they create important wetlands that serve as spawning grounds for fish and nesting areas for birds.
At the Domaine des Galloires, the visitor experience includes explanations of winemaking and vineyard work, a tasting cellar, and views over the Loire Valley and the vineyard slopes. You can also book a self-guided walk through the vineyards there, with an optional gourmet picnic. Booking and seasonal availability may vary. Tasting options may also change, so it is worth checking the conditions for your visit date in advance.
The Toublanc family has cultivated vineyards for seven generations and produces wines under the Muscadet, Coteaux d’Ancenis, Anjou and Crémant de Loire appellations.
Choosing the right route for your stay
For planning your time, the Circuit offers a clear guide: 2.8 km and about one hour; it is closed when the Loire is in flood. The nature trail is a similar length at 2.5 km, but focuses on biodiversity. Those wishing to explore the village’s history independently can choose the free “Mémoire de village” tour. Art and wine experiences depend more on the edition, booking and season. The 22 km “La Loire à Vélo, de Champtoceaux à Liré – Entre boire et histoire” route is another option for cycling in Drain. Check the route details before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Champ-Sur-Layon, Mazé, Chavagnes, Clefs-Val D'anjou, Cholet, Cheffes, Champtocé-Sur-Loire, Chaudefonds-Sur-Layon.
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
