Explore Mayenne’s Escape Trailson foot
©Pascal Beltrami

Explore Mayenne’s Escape Trails on foot

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Mayenne calls you back to nature. Who could resist its 3,000 km of walking trails?

Published on 27 January 2026

Walking in Mayenne:

where nature meets culture

On foot, a different side of the region reveals itself. Slow down, reconnect with nature: step by step, let yourself be carried by a landscape that is both abundant and unspoiled. From the rolling hills of the northeast to the wide-open plains of the south, from Craon Castle to the Abbey of La Coudre, from the Favry manor to the Thévalles mill, hiking in Mayenne is an invitation to travel.

Whether you prefer countryside trails or riverside paths, interpretation routes, trail-running courses, night hikes, guided walks or themed outings, you’ll be surprised by the diversity of experiences—constantly enriched by new initiatives from Mayenne’s hiking clubs.

Take a deep breath of fresh air and discover all the facets of our beautiful region.

Come along, we’ll take you there!

CHOOSE THE PATH THAT SUITS YOU

Hiking enthusiasts—whether on their own, with family, or among friends—will be delighted by the beauty of the landscapes and the wildlife encounters along the way. To enjoy the surrounding nature with complete peace of mind, pick from the hundreds of clearly marked and well‑maintained trails.

Distance, estimated duration, level of difficulty… you can filter your search to find the hike that truly matches what you’re looking for.

A dynamic community of hiking clubs

Throughout the year, Mayenne’s hiking clubs organise guided themed walks. Photo exhibitions along the trails are also offered. Make sure to check the events calendar regularly — you’ll find them listed there.

The Mayenne Hiking Committee is also a great source of expert advice. It publishes detailed hiking guidebooks, which you can find here.

Brevet des Randonneurs: a must‑try experience for all hiking lovers

Each year on May 1st, the Brevet des Randonneurs brings together hundreds of nature lovers for a full day of hiking in Mayenne. Several loop routes are offered, ranging from 5 to 50 km, so everyone can find the one that suits them—whether walking solo, with family, or with friends.

The event, organized by FFRandonnée Mayenne and local partners, focuses on friendliness and respect for the environment. Remember to bring your water bottle and reusable cup! And to make sure you don’t get lost, the routes are available via the MaRando® app.

A wonderful way to discover the landscapes of Mayenne at your own pace!

Ideas

for Family-Friendly Hikes

For a family hike, you can choose fun routes designed for young walkers. Here are a few ideas:

 Set off in the footsteps of Lancelot du Lac in Lassay-les-Châteaux.

This 5.5 km trail immerses you in the legend of one of the most famous Knights of the Round Table, along a route that combines historical heritage with traditional sunken paths.

Do you know about Geocaching?

It’s an outdoor treasure hunt where you use your smartphone to track down hidden boxes in nature. The Mayenne area has several hundred caches: in Laval, Mayenne, Château‑Gontier, and even along the towpath…

 The unmissable Chemin du Halage, which runs along the river

 The Mayenne. An 85 km trail links the towns of Mayenne and Château‑Gontier. A true natural park, it is dotted with many information panels that allow you to discover the area’s treasures, between land and river.

Profiter d’anciennes voies ferrées

Les 128 kms d’anciennes voies ferrées réaménagées sont la promesse d’une balade en toute sérénité. Ces sentiers multi randonnée sont sécurisés et plats. 4 voies s’offrent à vous : MayenneJavron-les-Chapelles, Saint-BerthevinRenazé, Ambrières-les-ValléesLa Chapelle-Anthenaise ou Château-GontierSegré-en-Anjou Bleu.

 Essential tips for a successful hike

Is this your first hike? Here are a few tips for you:

  • 🗺️ Check the route and best practices beforehand.
  • 🥾Gear up properly: it can’t be said enough — having a good pair of hiking shoes is essential.
  • 🧃Bring snacks and make sure your water bottle is full.
  • 🩹Carry a first‑aid kit to deal with any unexpected situations. Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice.
  • ⛅ Check the weather and pack suitable clothing.
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