Balade "Découverte du site de Courossé"

A walk between rocks and river. At La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, the Courossé site reveals a unique landscape in the heart of the Mauges. Listed as a protected site since 1995, this natural cirque stands out for its steep relief and mica rock faces overlooking the Èvre valley.

The route begins with the allée du château de la Baronnière, a wooded path that leads directly to the top of the site. From here, the rock overlooks the river by more than 60 metres. This vantage point offers an uninterrupted view of the meandering river Èvre and the rolling horizons of the region.

The walk is punctuated by an interpretation trail with seven information panels. These panels cover the history and ecology of the area, guiding visitors through a number of points of interest:
- Built heritage: The old milling village and the causeway over the river bear witness to past hydraulic activity.
- Local history: The trail offers a view of the "Pope's Farm", a property given to Pope Leo XIII at the end of the 19th century.
- Biodiversity: Identified as a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) in Anjou, the site protects a fauna and flora specific to rocky and wet environments.

Practical information
The route is marked out by an avenue of trees at the top of the cliffs, offering shade before descending to the water's edge and its island. To extend the visit, a picnic area has been set up in this unspoilt environment.
This private site, which is open to the public, was classified as a national heritage site by government decree on 11 December 1995.

Whether you're a geology enthusiast or a regular walker, this loop will help you understand how water has shaped the Mauges landscape, while taking advantage of a setting that's perfect for observing nature.