The itinerary begins on the borders of Mayenne and Maine-et-Loire, in lands shaped by the extraction of fine slate. Wooded hillocks stand alongside former pithead sites with blue schist facades. The trail then joins the Oudon river towards Segré-en-Anjou Bleu, where architecture blends tuffeau stone and slate roofs.

To discover:

• Slate Museum and mine shaft in Renazé: Follow a guided tour of the old workshops to understand the work of slate splitters. The outdoor area allows you to get up close to authentic period metal headframes.

• Segré-en-Anjou Bleu inland port: Stroll along the refurbished quays at the confluence of the Oudon and Verzée rivers during a walk leading to the foot of the old railway viaduct.

• Anjou Bleu greenway (2h00): Explore this safe former railway line on an electric bike ride linking Renazé to Segré-en-Anjou Bleu in the heart of the bocage.

The headframes and slate mounds trail Signposted 9 km loop (2h30, easy level) winding around Renazé between former mining sites, schist mounds recolonised by birch trees and open viewpoints over the countryside.

The journey heads down towards the alluvial plains where the Sarthe stretches out peacefully. Around Cheffes and Les Hauts-d'Anjou, the verdant banks are home to traditional locks, needle dams and villages built from tuffeau stone. This unspoilt area offers a gentle and peaceful setting ideal for observing aquatic wildlife.

To discover:

• Lock and twisted spire of Cheffes: Admire the Notre-Dame church crowned with an astonishing twisted slate spire before embarking on a walk alongside the needle dam and the towpath.

• Maison de la Rivière in Les Hauts-d’Anjou: Discover the history of Sarthe bargemen before setting off on a canoeing and kayaking trip along the water between islands and reedbeds.

• Rural heritage trails (2h00): Connect watermills and manors through orchards and hedgerows during a bike ride in the heart of Les Hauts-d'Anjou.

The Lower Anjou Valleys Trail 11 km walking circuit (3h00, easy level) along the Sarthe starting from Cheffes through Natura 2000 wet meadows renowned for hosting the corncrake and migratory birds.

Going up the river valley, medieval buildings dot the limestone slopes. From the hilltop village of Avoise to the woods of Précigné and the historic bridge of La Suze-sur-Sarthe, the river sets the rhythm of the stages. Landscapes alternate between shaded woodlands and open viewpoints overlooking the meanders.

To discover:

• Characterful village of Avoise and Dobert estate: Climb the steep narrow streets of the village for a walking tour leading to Dobert Castle and its rare aqueduct-bridge.

• Perray-Neuf Abbey in Précigné: Head into the undergrowth for a shaded walk around the remains of this 12th-century Cistercian abbey.

• Marina of La Suze-sur-Sarthe: Stroll near the ruins of the old medieval fortress before opting to hire a licence-free electric boat on the river.

The two riverbanks and aqueduct-bridge trail 8.5 km loop (2h15, medium level) starting in Avoise, climbing up the limestone slopes to admire the Sarthe valley before heading down towards the Dobert forests.

Head towards eastern Sarthe, in the heart of a rolling landscape dotted with historic market towns. From the imposing feudal keep of Bouloire to the canals of Montfort-le-Gesnois, the seigneurial mark remains intact. The stage reaches Bonnétable, renowned for its red-brick Renaissance castle and its royal avenues.

To discover:

• Landscaped park and kitchen garden of Bonnétable: Admire the castle before taking a walk beneath the century-old oaks of a 40-hectare English-style park dotted with ponds.

• Medieval city of Montfort-le-Gesnois: Cross the Huisne via flowered footbridges and discover the Roman bridges during a guided tour of local heritage.

• Bouloire keep and forest: Admire the remains of the 12th-century master tower before hitting the trails for a mountain-biking ride.

The Bonnétable marsh and forest loop Signposted 10 km route (2h45, easy to medium level) departing from the market town of Bonnétable, winding through the former seigneurial hunting estate and its protected wetlands.

The terrain rises steeply upon entering the Alpes Mancelles. Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier and Averton open the way to a rugged country dominated by Armorican sandstone screes and heather moorlands. Tumultuous rivers carve out deep gorges with the distinct feel of mid-altitude mountains.

To discover:

• Saut du Serf rocks in Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier (2h00): Climb towards the sheer cliffs bordering the Vaudelle valley on an invigorating hike overlooking the forests.

• Plan d'eau des Perles in Averton (1h30): Walk around the landscaped natural lake on a Nordic walk, ideal for birdwatching waterbirds.

• Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier Viaduct: Reach this former dressed-stone railway viaduct overlooking the Vaudelle valley. The site offers an open panorama over the surrounding wooded ridges.

The Vaudelle Valley and Saut du Serf Trail Technical route of 7.5 km (2h30, demanding level) linking Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier along balcony paths, crossing wooden footbridges and remarkable Armorican screes.

The final stage reaches northern Mayenne at the crossroads of the Mayenne, Varenne and Colmont rivers. Built from robust grey granite, the market town of Ambrières-les-Vallées fits naturally into a setting of bocage and forests. It is the ideal arrival point to conclude this journey between peaceful banks and shaded valleys.

To discover:

• Parc de Vaux and river peninsula (1h30): Reach the confluence point of the three rivers on a walking tour along the landscaped riverbanks.

• Ambrières-les-Vallées Weavers Museum: Immerse yourself in hemp craft during a guided tour of the workshop-museum, followed by a stroll among the granite buildings.

• La Vélo Francette along the water (2h00): Follow the safe greenway for a flat, shaded cycle ride along the towpath and former mills.

The Three Valleys and Daubert Mill Circuit Undulating 12 km loop (3h15, medium level) departing from Ambrières-les-Vallées, alternating between sunken lanes bordered by embankments and towpaths with fine panoramas over meanders and granite cliffs.