Around the valley of the small Maulne river : short version

Fauna

Flora

Embed this item to access it offline

Formerly located in the province of Anjou, the villages of Marcilly-sur-Maulne and Braye-sur-Maulne, today in the heart of Gâtine Tourangelle, offer a pleasant environment for a ramble. The villages’ rich ecological heritage, embodied by the Maulne valley and its charming salmon river, favours ecological tourism.

To see, to discover

Val Joyeux Lake in Château-la-Vallière

There are countless outdoor activities available at this 35 hectare leisure area: swimming, pedalos, children’s games, beach volleyball, fi shing and more.

Rillé Lake

The only ornithological reserve in Touraine (200 species of bird spotted). There are countless trips available by bike, horseback... or in an old steam train.

Attachment

Topoguidebraye_marcilly_sur_maulne
Downloadpdf

Description

Marcilly-s/Maulne
It is underneath the porch of the Halle (covered market) on the Place de la Mairie in Marcilly-sur-Maulne that ramblers and families gather before setting out on this nice walk, a little over 11 kilometres in length, signposted with yellow markers. Right at the beginning, you go past the magnifi cent Saint-Saturnin church, built in the 12th century and extended in the 15th century by two south chapels and a larger northern one. The steeple is a tower crowned with a timber spire dating from the 15th century.
Washhouse
Walk down the « rue de l’Ecole », take « la rue des ponts » on your right (D 124) and you will see the old wash house, which has been restored, fed directly by the Maulne river, where the women did their washing in the 19th century. There are covered picnic tables that allow walkers to have something to eat in the shade. Next turn right after the bridge, then immediately left onto the sandy path. Carry on down this path. As you walk, you will have a wonderful view of the village of Braye-sur-Maulne.
Maulne Valley
You should then cross a public road that carries very little traffic. Next take the shady dirt track. At the top of the path, you will reach a tarred road (cul-de-sac) leading to a house. A few metres further on you will have a fi ne panoramic view of the Maulne valley that stretches out before you.
Fields and thickets
Next take the dirt path lined with vines, cornfi elds, wild copses and shrubs. Then, the landscape changes : as you walk down the pleasant dirt track, notice on your right the ÒbocageÓ, farmland criss-crossed. Go as far as the D 124 then continue down this road for about 150 metres.
Braye woods
Turn left after « La Maison Neuve » and follow the path, then the little tarred road, alongside the « Bois du Braye » farm (on your left). The term braye comes from the celtic word meaning damp land. Cross a public road and 200 metres after this, turn left towards « the Epopins ». 400 metres further on, you’ll see the Maulne valley again and a very beautiful tree that stands all alone on the landscape. Finally, turn right and go down the road for 150 metres or so.
Heritage vineyards
Take the left fork towards « La Vallée ». If you would like to shorten your ramble (variation marked with a dotted line on the map) follow the sign marked « PR Braye », otherwise continue straight ahead. Paths through the underwood and well-kept dirt tracks enhance your route.
Boule de fort ball game
At the end of the track, turn left onto the departmental road towards Braye-sur-Maulne. If you wish, go and watch a game of « Boules de Fort », a traditional local bowling game.
Braye-s/Maulne
To end this route with a flourish, walk up to the Saint-Pierre church in Braye-sur-Maulne the nave and belfry date from the 19th century and the southern chapels from the 16th century. Go past the « randonnée » (hiking) signpost (situated in a little square) and take the road to the right for about 250 metres then the path on your right to get back to Marcilly-sur-Maulne, where you started (and end) your walk.

Departure : Marcilly-sur-maulne, next to the city-hall
Arrival : Marcilly-sur-maulne, next to the city-hall