The best walks and hikes around Bouillé-Ménard
4.5
(49)
248
hikers
60
hikes
Hiking around Bouillé-Ménard reveals a landscape shaped by historical mining activities and natural water features. The area features gentle undulations, with routes often passing through former slate and iron mining sites. Trails frequently lead around ponds and through local woodlands, offering varied terrain for outdoor exploration.
Best hiking trails around Bouillé-Ménard
- The most popular hiking route is Between Slate and Iron Trail, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 40 minutes to complete. This easy route…
Last updated: May 24, 2026
4.0
(5)
16
hikers
6.40km
01:41
50m
50m
Explore the easy 4.0 miles (6.4 km) Between Slate and Iron Trail, featuring Saint-Blaise Pond and the historical La Mine Bleue.
4.0
(1)
14
hikers
4.90km
01:16
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
9
hikers
4.30km
01:10
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
5.01km
01:19
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
After a first visit to scout out the shop that made us want to come back, here we are back 2 months later on a little bike trip. We have valuable luggage and bikes. So we go in with our bikes in hand to see if it would be possible to put them away. The time it took us to approach the shop, a guy arrives in a van and without saying hello or any other formalities, tells us that our bikes have no place there. Very well sir, if bikes are not welcome, neither are we, goodbye to Mine Bleue 😤
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Visit the mine with guides explaining how the miners worked at the time and answering questions
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The tour of the body of water is very interesting. There is a wealth of subsoil and an associated history, well presented by explanatory panels.
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The Saint-Blaise pond is a natural site with a lake, a beach, a playground and a mini-golf course. You can enjoy water activities, such as swimming, paddle boarding or pedal boating, or simply stroll around the pond and admire the views. You can also visit the Blue Mine, a former iron mine that offers guided tours and exhibitions. The Saint-Blaise pond in Noyant-La-Gravoyère is open from July 1 to September 1, from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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La Mine Bleue is a former slate mine transformed into a tourist attraction. You can explore underground galleries, witnesses to the industrial history of the region. Guides recount the hard work of miners and the process of extracting slate
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The Saint-Blaise pond is a natural site with a lake, a beach, a playground and a mini-golf course. You can enjoy water activities, such as swimming, paddle boarding or pedal boating, or simply stroll around the pond and admire the views. The hike is easy and suitable for all ages. You can also visit the Blue Mine, a former iron mine that offers guided tours and exhibitions. The Saint-Blaise pond in Noyant-La-Gravoyère is open from July 1 to September 1, from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Parc Saint-Blaise is located near the Mine Bleue, a former slate mine now open to visitors. The park offers a variety of activities for all ages, such as swimming, pedal boats, mini golf and playgrounds. You can also walk around the ponds and admire the natural beauty of the area. The park is open from July 1 to September 1, from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
3
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The Mine Bleue, a unique place in Europe, 126m underground! The Mine Bleue, the “blue mine” is an old slate mine in which several hundred miners worked at the beginning of the 20th century, from 1916 to 1936. A team of experienced and passionate guides will equip you with helmets and the adventure can begin! You take the cable car to go down to a depth of 126m: we save you the stairs and leave it to the miners from back then. When we reach the bottom, our eyes first have to get used to the dim lighting. Then it starts: exploring this strange and unique place that is so full of history. The guides know their craft and share their knowledge in an interesting, engaging and entertaining way. Once you're down in the mine, you almost forget how much time passes... Huge mining chambers open up before your eyes. Down here, so deep underground, no sign of the time that passes outside or the weather that prevails outside reaches us... use this visit to feel far away and enjoy the peace and quiet inside the earth. You feel like a real adventurer with the helmet and the lamp on your head, a warm jacket for the constant temperature of 13°C and the tour for Indiana Jones and the Blue Anjou team begins! It is not difficult to imagine what life was like for the men here who carried out their work every day at the risk of their lives. Because, even though the entire mine is now completely secured, firedamp explosions (explosions caused by mine gas) and tunnel collapses continue to claim their victims down here. The further processing of the slate Now you have seen where the slate comes from. But what will become of him after that? Back in the fresh air, the guides show them how the stone cutting of the slate works. They demonstrate the different stages: dividing, extracting, splitting, rounding... After visiting this mine, you will definitely look at the slate roofs of Anjou with different eyes! The Mine Bleu is also open on Easter and All Saints Day. If it rains, the tour will be adjusted accordingly
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Bouillé-Ménard?
There are over 60 hiking trails in the Bouillé-Ménard area, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and skill levels.
Are there easy hiking routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, the region offers many easy routes. Nearly half of the trails, about 29, are rated as easy. A good option for a gentle walk is the Saint-Blaise Pond – Saint-Blaise Pond loop from Noyant-la-Gravoyère, which is just under 4 km long.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking?
Hiking around Bouillé-Ménard offers a unique blend of historical mining landscapes, tranquil ponds, and local woodlands. You'll encounter gentle undulations and trails often pass through former slate and iron mining sites, providing a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
Are there any circular hiking routes?
Yes, many of the trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the The Blue Mine – Saint-Blaise Pond loop from Nyoiseau is a moderate 14 km loop that combines natural beauty with historical sites.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I see along the trails?
The area is rich in points of interest. You can explore historical sites like La Mine Bleue, or enjoy the natural beauty of Saint-Blaise Pond. Other notable landmarks include The Washhouse of Bourg-d'Iré and the Blue Bridge over the Oudon in Segré.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Most trails in the Bouillé-Ménard area are generally dog-friendly, especially those passing through woodlands and open countryside. It's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially near livestock or in protected natural areas, and to check for any specific local regulations.
What is the typical duration of hikes in this region?
Hikes in Bouillé-Ménard vary in length and duration. Shorter, easy routes like the La Mine Bleue – Saint-Blaise Pond loop from Noyant-la-Gravoyère can be completed in just over an hour, while longer, moderate trails might take 3-4 hours or more.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Bouillé-Ménard?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique combination of historical mining heritage, the peaceful atmosphere around the ponds, and the well-maintained paths through local woodlands.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Parking is generally available near the starting points of many popular trails, especially in and around villages or near key attractions like Saint-Blaise Pond or La Mine Bleue. It's advisable to check specific route details for precise parking information.
Are there any moderate or challenging hikes for more experienced hikers?
Yes, while many routes are easy, there are also 32 moderate trails and one difficult route for those seeking more of a challenge. These routes often feature longer distances and more varied terrain, such as the 14 km The Blue Mine – Saint-Blaise Pond loop from Nyoiseau.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Bouillé-Ménard?
Spring and autumn are generally ideal for hiking in Bouillé-Ménard, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming flora or vibrant fall foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's best to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter hikes are possible, especially on clear, dry days.
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