Outdoor Activities

If you don't possess a bike, you can always rent one in a Détours de Loire point. This network allows you to discover a multitude of sites without the constraint of having to return the bike. In every network point found along the Loire valley, close to train stations, you will find quality equipment and the same exact prices.

The nearest agency can be found in Saumur, 10 rue de Rouen, 300 meters from the station.

Address & contact:
Détours de Loire Saumur
10 rue de Rouen
49 400 Saumur
☎ + 33 (0)2 41 53 01 01
Website: www.locationdevelos.com/en/index.php

Opening hours:
- From April 1st to October 31st: Monday to Saturday, from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 16h30 to 18h30.
- Sundays and holidays: Reservations only.
- From May to September: Monday to Saturday, from 9h30 to 13h00 and from 15h30 to 19h00.
- Sundays and holidays: from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 18h00 to 19h00.

The Loire by Bike is a huge touristic cycling route totaling 800 kilometers. A one of a kind cycling road for France, it spans both directions and connects Cuffy (around the height of Nevers) to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (opposite Saint-Nazaire). It also crosses the regions of Centre and Pays de la Loire, all the while accompanied by the longest river in France, the Loire. Only one word can describe the Loire by Bike: it is an escape.

Most of the recommended levels do not surpass 40 km, a distance that's suitable for everyone and corresponds to a maximum 4 hours cycling per day, which can be split as desired.

Elevation accessible to all: 190 m for more than 700 km. Route fully equipped with signals.

More information here: www.cycling-loire.com

A hiking tour starting from Fontevraud which allows you to enjoy a unique panorama of the Abbey and the rest of the countryside surrounding the village, most notably the great forest and its downy oaks. 

Departure: 8th May 1945 square, opposite of the monument to the fallen.

Average duration: 2h30
Distance: 8 km
Ascending elevation: 83 m
Descending elevation: 86 m
Normal elevation: - 3 m
Highest point: 111 m
Lowest point: 44 m

Guided excursions

There are many equestrian centers around Fontevraud which invite all horse fans, from amateurs to experienced riders, to participate in excursions arranged in small groups by level and with full security. Rides of discovery, daily excursions along the Loire or evening rides... the professionals, instructors and wardens of the center deploy all of their ingenuity to share with you the Anjou, their love for riding and their heritage.

Address & contact:
Aux Écuries de la Pierre Couverte
La Pierre Couverte
49 400 Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent
☎ + 33 (0)2 41 50 59 00
Website: www.auxecuriesdelapierrecouverte.com

Non-guided rides

An equestrian path is also accessible from Turquant. You will notably pass from Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, or even Turquant, a village recognized for its craftsmanship.
Departure: Turquant (service area at village entrance)
Distance: 24 km

More information:
Office de tourisme du Saumurois
8 Quai Carnot
49 418 Saumur
☎ + 33 (0)2 41 40 20 60

At Fontevraud
Place Saint-Michel
49 590 Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
☎ + 33 (0)2 41 40 20 60
Open from Easter to September.

At Montsoreau
Maison du Parc
15, avenue de la Loire
49 730 Montsoreau
☎ + 33 (0)2 41 51 70 22
Open from the beginning of March to November.

The Loire valley, with its amazing river landscapes and its famous castles, looks even more magnificent from the sky. That's one of the reasons hot air ballooning is so widespread around the Loire. The French hot air ballooning championship will also take place this year at Mirebeau, only 40 kilometers from Fontevraud, from August 10th to August 15th 2016.

If taking to the sky sounds attractive to you as well, contact the company Montgolfière Sensation situated in Montreuil-Bellay, 20 kilometers from Fontevraud. You may choose between a variety of destinations: Vienna, the town of Saumur, the town of Niort, as well as the natural area of the Marais Poitevin.

Address & contact:
Arts Montgolifère
Zone industrielle de Méron
8, route de Champigny
49 260 Montreuil-Bellay
☎ + 33 (0)6 09 93 95 40
Website: www.montgolfiere-sensation.com

Make use of the magnificent Roiffé field to perfect your golf skills. The golf of Loudun-Fontevraud welcomes you to the Roiffé field. Situated only 3 kilometers from Fontevraud, the golf Loudun - Fontevraud offers an 18-hole course that spans more than 60 hectares, alternating forested and hilly areas. Initiation sessions, golf courses, as well as courses of several days are available to you upon request.

Address & contact:
Lieu dit Saint Hilaire
Route de Fontevraud
86 120 Roiffé
☎+ 33 (0)5 49 22 48 17
Website: www.domainederoiffe.fr

Open all year. View details fares on the website.

Discover the paramotor, this device consisting of one parapente sail and a motor, and enjoy a unique view of the Loire valley. Training courses are on offer throughout the year, on weekdays or during the weekends, in the mornings and by the end of the day (last three hours before sunset). You can also experience your first flight over the Anjou, guided by an instructor, choosing among the four flight types that are offered.

Address & contact:
Route de Marson
49 400 Saumur
☎ + 33 (0)6 65 77 96 28
Website: www.loireparamoteur.free.fr

Maximum permissible weight: 120 kg.

Flights available from 7 years, only if the child's height keeps it right in the paramotor.