The best walks and hikes around Saint-Martin-Des-Noyers

There are over 90 hiking routes in the Saint-Martin-Des-Noyers area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy strolls to more challenging, longer excursions.

Yes, Saint-Martin-Des-Noyers offers many easy trails. For example, the Château des Essarts loop from Essarts-en-Bocage is an easy 6.3 km route that takes about 1 hour 39 minutes, leading through varied terrain near the historic Château des Essarts. Another option is the Lac de la Vouraie loop from L'Angle Luçon, a shorter 2.8 km easy trail.

The region is characterized by its traditional bocage (hedged farmland), woodlands, and open fields. You'll find trails winding through green valleys, alongside streams like the Ruisseau des Coux, and around natural areas such as the Bois des Girondins and Lac de Moulin Papon. The northern part of Lac de Moulin Papon is particularly noted for being wilder and steeper.

Yes, many of the trails in Saint-Martin-Des-Noyers are circular. Examples include the challenging Lake Moulin Papon – Moulin Papon Lake loop from La Ferrière, the moderate Étang du Plessis loop from La Ferrière, and the easy Château des Essarts loop from Essarts-en-Bocage.

Hikers can discover several historical and natural points of interest. You might encounter the 12th-century Château de la Grève, also known as the Château de Saint-Martin-des-Noyers. Other notable sites include Essarts Castle and the charming Baron Mill. The Vallée Verte du Marillet also offers a medieval atmosphere with old ramparts and the fortified Saint-Nicolas church.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 160 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil bocage to the wilder sections around Lac de Moulin Papon, and the opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Yes, the areas around Lac de Moulin Papon, especially its wilder northern part, are excellent for birdwatching. Hikers often spot kingfishers, mallards, and coots, with rarer sightings of geese also possible. The Vallée Verte du Marillet is also known for its abundance of dragonflies.

One of the longer routes is the Lake Moulin Papon – Moulin Papon Lake loop from La Ferrière, which spans 26.9 km and typically takes about 7 hours to complete. This is considered a difficult route due to significant elevation gain.

Certainly. The Hunt on November 24 loop from Fougeré is a moderate 19.2 km path that offers a longer excursion through the local countryside, typically completed in about 4 hours 55 minutes.

Absolutely. Many routes incorporate water features. The Lake Moulin Papon – Moulin Papon Lake loop from La Ferrière circles the scenic Lac de Moulin Papon. The Ruisseau des Coux also features as part of several hiking routes, providing picturesque spots.

The Bocage Vendéen refers to the traditional hedged farmland characteristic of the region. It creates a mosaic of fields, woodlands, and small country roads, offering a unique 'green landscape' experience for hikers, often providing shade and a sense of tranquility.