Angers is a lovely town on the Maine River at the western edge of the Loire Valley. Some of the best running in Angers features an extensive network of paths that run alongside the Maine, several tributaries, and the Loire River, which is just to the south. There are many km of options – here are some recommendations.
Maine River north. Google Street View
Maine & Mayenne River – Northeast. From the center of Angers at Parc Balzac, there are lovely, fairly narrow gravel paths along both sides of the Maine River headed east, with good water views. We prefer the north side. After ~3 km, at a split, you have choices: continue north along the Mayenne River for up to 4.7 km to the D107, or take the Sarthe option (below). Both paths become pleasantly pastoral only a couple of km east of Angers center.
Sarthe River Option. At the split, continue northeast along the Sarthe River for ~4 km to Ecouflant. Note that for the Sarthe option, take the Pont Confluence pedestrian bridge to the southern side of the Maine.
Maine River – South. Another option is to run southwest along the Maine, on similarly lovely paths. From Parc Balzak, the first 3 km are along Lac de Maine (lake), and then the path continues for another 5 km to Bouchemaine. At 3.6 km is the Pont de la Liberation (good crossing to south side path), at 4.6 km is an Observation Deck, and at 6.5 km the D112.
Angers is a lovely town on the Maine River at the western edge of the Loire Valley. Some of the best running in Angers features an extensive network of paths that run alongside the Maine, several tributaries, and the Loire River, which is just to the south. There are many km of options – here are some recommendations.
Maine River north. Google Street View
Maine & Mayenne River – Northeast. From the center of Angers at Parc Balzac, there are lovely, fairly narrow gravel paths along both sides of the Maine River headed east, with good water views. We prefer the north side. After ~3 km, at a split, you have choices: continue north along the Mayenne River for up to 4.7 km to the D107, or take the Sarthe option (below). Both paths become pleasantly pastoral only a couple of km east of Angers center.
Sarthe River Option. At the split, continue northeast along the Sarthe River for ~4 km to Ecouflant. Note that for the Sarthe option, take the Pont Confluence pedestrian bridge to the southern side of the Maine.
Maine River – South. Another option is to run southwest along the Maine, on similarly lovely paths. From Parc Balzak, the first 3 km are along Lac de Maine (lake), and then the path continues for another 5 km to Bouchemaine. At 3.6 km is the Pont de la Liberation (good crossing to south side path), at 4.6 km is an Observation Deck, and at 6.5 km the D112.
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Essentials
Maine River: From Parc Balzac it's 3.3 km east to the split, or 8 km southwest; Mayenne River section is 4.7 km; Sarthe is 4 km.
Flat
Parc Balzac/central Angers, or other preferred point!
Paths along the Loire River extend in both directions from the city's historic center, featuring wonderful water views. Within a few km, the scene becomes increasingly pastoral. The lake loop on Île Charlemagne is also lovely.
A popular landscaped park 8 km south of Orleans. Create your own route combining the park paths, adjacent University of Orléans campus, and running track.
Nice running options in this picturesque hillside town. Our 'runseeing' tour features the Château Royal de Blois, famous Escalier Dens-Papin, & levée paths out to the Parc des Mées. Good options for a longer run on levée paths on both sides of the Loire River.
A run that has it all: paths along the Loire River, the grounds of three castles, historic churches, and great views. Ambroise is a Loire Valley town located 22 km east of Tours.
A good off-road running option just south of Ambroise. Enjoy the Loire Valley views at Chanteloup Pagoda, then run for 3+ km along a wooded path, with an option to continue on pretty vineyard roads to the Domaine des Malidores winery. Flat!
For a pastoral run in Tours with lots of variety, head just south of the city to combine paths along the Cher River, the Parc Honoré de Balzac island park, Parc du Lac, and the fields of Parc de la Gloriette. Water views, park paths, and fun bridges.
Chinon is another popular stop on a Loire Valley tour, known for its Forteresse Royale de Chinon. Our route incorporates a loop on quiet roads past fields & farms on the south side of the river, and then an inspiring approach to the hilltop castle.
River paths, castles, and hillside vineyard roads make for scenic running in these beautiful adjacent villages. We've put together some routes that can be run standalone or combined, including to the confluence of the Loire & Vienne Rivers.
A classic Loire Valley run, with paths along the Loire & Thouet Rivers, and a loop around the hilltop Château de Saumur. Overall it's 13 km, with options for different distances.
A scenic run combining the pleasantly landscaped paths of Parc Balsac with a 5 km loop on scenic paths around Lac de Maine. Nice green spaces & water views. Can add with Maine River paths, & paths through the wooded Parc Saint Nicolas.
Run a loop around the only village to lie on an island in the Loire Valley! Scenic paved walking paths ring the low-trafficked island, forming a flat 9 km loop. The terrain is pastoral, with open fields, farms, and river views. 15 km south of Angers.
A great opportunity to experience some scenic running in hillside vineyards. Savennières is a village just north of Ile Béhuard, 15 km south of Angers. Create your own route on hillside roads, or combine with the Chemin des Perrières pedestrian path.
The Loire à Vélo Cycle Path is a beautiful long-distance cycle route in France, stretching 900 km. Much of it follows the Loire River towns covered in our Loire Valley guide. Use it as a resource to find a run or extend one of our routes. Great website, interactive map.
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Essentials
Maine River: From Parc Balzac it's 3.3 km east to the split, or 8 km southwest; Mayenne River section is 4.7 km; Sarthe is 4 km.
Flat
Parc Balzac/central Angers, or other preferred point!
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!