This scenic run in central Angers includes a loop of Park Balzac and the adjacent Lac de Maine (lake). Parc Balzac is a lovely European park, with bridges, walking paths, green spaces & canals overlooking the Maine River. One can do 3-4 km within the park. There’s a running track at the western end of the park. Paths then lead to Lac de Maine, which has paths leading around the ~5 km perimeter. The path on the south side is especially scenic, as it runs in between the lake and the river. Combining the two is 8 km, though there are great add-on options.
Parc de Balsac. Creative Commons 4.0: Mbzt
Add-Ons: Paths along the Maine River extend north or south. There’s also a nice run of up to 8 km through the wooded Saint Nicolas park, which has nice jogging trails and occasional glimpses of the narrow Brionneau River.
This scenic run in central Angers includes a loop of Park Balzac and the adjacent Lac de Maine (lake). Parc Balzac is a lovely European park, with bridges, walking paths, green spaces & canals overlooking the Maine River. One can do 3-4 km within the park. There’s a running track at the western end of the park. Paths then lead to Lac de Maine, which has paths leading around the ~5 km perimeter. The path on the south side is especially scenic, as it runs in between the lake and the river. Combining the two is 8 km, though there are great add-on options.
Parc de Balsac. Creative Commons 4.0: Mbzt
Add-Ons: Paths along the Maine River extend north or south. There’s also a nice run of up to 8 km through the wooded Saint Nicolas park, which has nice jogging trails and occasional glimpses of the narrow Brionneau River.
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Essentials
Balsac/Lac de Maine loop is 8 km (5 miles); Parc Saint Nicolas loop is up to 8 km (5 miles)
32m (106 feet)
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.
Up to 11 km of scenic paths along the Maine River from central Angers, with great water views and a pastoral scene. Additional paths on the Mayenne and Sarthe tributaries.
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
Balsac/Lac de Maine loop is 8 km (5 miles); Parc Saint Nicolas loop is up to 8 km (5 miles)
32m (106 feet)
Parc Balzac/central Angers, or other preferred point!
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
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!