The adventure begins in the heart of the Loir Valley, a green setting where the river winds lazily at the foot of tufa cliffs. The villages nestle into the rock and the vineyards proudly bask in the summer sun. It is an ideal stopover to stroll around and enjoy the natural coolness of the cellars dug into the hillside.

To discover:

• The Troglodyte Village of Trôo (near Montoire): Explore this curious town suspended from the cliff during an unusual walk. Its tiered terraces, inhabited caves and shaded alleyways offer a superb panorama over the valley.

• The Gastines Forest and Fontaine-les-Coteaux: Treat yourself to a refreshing getaway under the tall trees of this preserved woodland area (1.5-hour walk). The marked trails allow you to walk sheltered from the summer heat in a calm and rejuvenating atmosphere.

• The Gardens of Château de Poncé (Loir en Vallée): Stroll through these magnificent and remarkable Renaissance-style gardens. Between the cool hornbeam hornbeam hedges, the mazes of greenery and the tufa terraces, time seems to have stood still.

The Loir Valley Cellars: Push open the doors of the local troglodyte cellars. The natural thickness of the limestone rock maintains a cool and constant temperature inside, perfect during the hottest part of the day.

The AOC Coteaux du Vendômois Wine: This local wine, particularly renowned for its Gris (a rosé made from the Pineau d'Aunis grape variety), offers peppery and fruity notes with an ideal freshness to accompany your summer aperitifs.

The journey travels up towards the Sarthe lands, crossing bocage landscapes and dense forest massifs. Around Bouloire and Montfort-le-Gesnois, the water becomes a place for recreation along the Huisne river. Enjoy rustic relaxation, waterside leisure activities and walks under the leafy canopy.

To discover:

• The Château de Bouloire: Discover this charming medieval building remodelled during the Renaissance, which stands proudly in the centre of the town. Its shaded park offers a relaxing setting for a short morning walk.

• The Épau Site and the Roman Bridge of Montfort: Stroll along the banks of the Huisne near the famous historic bridge. This beautifully wooded site is perfect for watching canoes paddle past or simply reading a book in the cool on the grass.

The Pont Romain Leisure Park: A beautifully landscaped area, ideal for sitting in the shade of the tall trees, watching the river flow by, or enjoying a peaceful kayak trip on the water.

Sarthe Rillettes: A must-try highlight of the local terroir, these melt-in-the-mouth artisanal rillettes are slow-cooked for hours in their own fat and are best enjoyed simply spread on a slice of fresh bread after a lovely walk.

The circuit now follows the majestic course of the Sarthe. The landscapes open up onto wide river meadows, châteaux hidden behind willows and charming little marinas. La Suze-sur-Sarthe and Avoise perfectly embody this gentle Anjou and Sarthe way of life, where river navigation and relaxation on the banks reign supreme. To discover:

• The Marina of La Suze-sur-Sarthe: Stroll along the lively quays of this lovely river port. You can rent small, licence-free electric boats to discover the valley from the river, staying cool on the water.

• The Character Village of Asnières-sur-Vègre (near Avoise): Take a step back in time in this beautifully preserved medieval village (1.5-hour self-guided tour). Its old houses, its ancient stone bridge reflecting in the water and its wall frescoes make it a must-see stopover.

The La Suze Leisure Park Beach: A landscaped area on the banks of the Sarthe, perfect for taking a safe, refreshing dip or enjoying a shaded picnic break.

Herb-roasted Loué Chicken: Reared free-range in the wide-open spaces of the nearby Sarthe meadows, this certified farmhouse chicken offers a firm and flavourful meat that is the pride of the region.

The journey ends on the borders of Mayenne and Maine-et-Loire, in the mysterious region of Anjou Bleu. The slate rock gives the village roofs and the reflections in the water a unique azure colour. The Oudon and Verzée rivers intersect at Segré, offering superb river walks in the heart of a historic mining land full of stories. To discover:

• The Renazé Slate Museum: Plunge into the history of the "Gueules Bleues" (Blue Faces) in the heart of an authentic former mining site (1.5-hour visit). Visiting the exhibition rooms and the outdoor areas helps visitors understand how this stone shaped the region.

• The Two Rivers Walk in Segré: Follow the wooden footbridges and the landscaped quays where the Oudon and the Verzée meet. This leafy, waterside urban stroll is a wonderful way to admire the lovely houses with slate dormer windows.

The Saint-Blaise Lake: Located nearby, this large, shaded natural area is ideal for enjoying a refreshing break on the sandy beach or taking a nap under the weeping willows by the water's edge.

The Crémet d'Anjou: This historic, light-as-air dessert made of whipped cream and stiffly beaten egg whites is traditionally served chilled over a summer red berry coulis.