CIRCUIT DE LA VALLÉE DE RIDEAU

This botanical trail runs along the north-west and south-east sides of the Rideau Valley.

This botanical trail runs along the north-west and south-east sides of the Rideau Valley.

As a result of ancient landslides, the entire plateau tilted to the north-west (Marais de Petit Mars), creating the break that forms the present-day valley through which flows the Chalandière (or Rideau) stream, which forms the boundary between the two communes of Carquefou to the west and Mauves sur Loire to the east.
Both slopes are relatively steep, with a difference in height of around 50 metres: la Gouachère: 65 metres, le Drouillet: 68 metres, fond de la Vallée: 18 metres.
This trail is very pleasant:
- Its relief: shady passages in the undergrowth and a beautiful view over the Seilleraye valley;
- for its botanical interest: on the plateau and slopes, the subsoil is essentially made up of mica schist. Ferns, broom, chestnut and birch trees are abundant in this acidic soil. At the bottom of the damp valley, alluvial deposits encourage alders, willows and fritillaries to colonise...

Beware, the path may flood in wet weather.