Leisure Activities
WALKING
This region has numerous way-marked walks.
Many long distance walks can be recommended including
The Loir Valley - path of poets (200km), from Lavardin to Durtal
From the Perche to the Loir (150km), via the Saonis & Perche regions to the Braye valleys.
The Basses Vallees Angevines (90km)
To name but a few.
There are many way-marked paths of shorter distances around the area.
CYCLING
Over 55km of cycle paths cross the region. Also a large number of green paths: surfaced routes with safety protection on old railway tracks. These are accessible to bicycles, roller blades, pushchairs and pedestrians.
For those who like to go mountain biking, there are 315km of signposted trails in the Forest of Berce, from 8-41km suitable for occasional cyclists as well as the more enthusiastic.
We keep a selection of bikes for you to use while staying at Les Aulnaies.
FISHING
The Loir is classed as a second category fishing water upstream, public domain downstream of "La Pointe" (between La Chartre sur le Loir and Chahaignes). The tributaries of the Loir are classed as first category fishing water, as are several of the lakes. They contain roach, bream, pike, perch, tench, catfish, etc. You must have a fishing card to fish which are available daily or longer, these are valid on lakes and certain waterways. There is also opportunity for night fishing for carp.
SWIMMING
We have a plunge pool at Les Aulnaies but if you want a bigger pool or more serious swimming, there are two swimming pools at Chateau du Loir. Plouf has an indoor as well as an outdoor pool with exercise bikes in the water, bubbles and seating as well as lanes. There are indoor pools at Grand Luca and Besse sur Bray and an outdoor pool at La Chartre sur le Loir which is open during the summer months. At all official pools men must wear swimming trunks, no shorts allowed!
GOLF
There are four golf courses within an hour from Les Aulnaies, including the twenty four hour golf course at Le Mans.