The best walks and hikes around Désertines

The Désertines area, situated in Mayenne, offers a diverse landscape. You'll encounter unique sunken paths (chemins creux) nestled below fields, providing shaded, winding tunnels. The terrain varies from gentle southern valleys to more rugged northern and eastern reliefs, including wooded hills, river valleys, pastures, orchards, and hedgerows. You can also find paths along rivers like the Ernée and Mayenne, and around picturesque lakes.

Yes, Désertines offers several family-friendly hiking options. There are over 45 easy routes, perfect for a leisurely stroll with children. For example, the Sofas voie verte – Point de vue voie verte loop from Stade Dunlop is an easy 7.3 km trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes, leading through greenway sections and offering pleasant viewpoints.

While specific leash rules can vary by trail and protected areas, generally, dogs are welcome on many hiking trails in the Désertines region. It's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock, and to carry waste bags. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.

The region boasts several interesting natural and historical sights. You can explore the dramatic La Fosse Arthour, a fault over 70 meters high, or enjoy walks around picturesque lakes like Cournauron pond and Étang de Sault. The Suspension bridge over the Cher River is another notable feature. For panoramic views, consider visiting Mont des Avaloirs, the highest point of the Armorican massif.

Yes, many of the hiking trails in the Désertines area are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Château des ducs de Bourbon and the heights of Montluçon — loop from Montluçon, a moderate 9.9 km trail offering historical views.

The diverse landscapes of Désertines make it suitable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with spring bringing blooming flora and autumn showcasing rich fall colors. Summer is also popular, with the sunken paths providing welcome shade. Winter hiking is possible, though some trails might be muddy, and views can be starkly beautiful.

The hiking routes around Désertines are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, including the unique sunken paths, the peaceful river valleys, and the well-maintained network of trails that cater to different ability levels.

Beyond natural beauty, Désertines offers historical and cultural points. You can find trails that pass by sites like the Hôpital de la Charité, the Saint Joseph Chapel, or even the Saint-Pierre Church and a Gallic Stele within Désertines itself. The MuPop Music Museum – Château de la Louvière loop from Montluçon combines cultural exploration with a moderate hike.

Sunken paths, or chemins creux, are a distinctive feature of the Mayenne department. These are rural roads or tracks often carved below the level of surrounding fields, bordered by high banks or hedges. Hiking them offers a unique, atmospheric experience, providing natural shade and a sense of discovery as you wind through these green tunnels. They are particularly characteristic of the bocage landscape. You can learn more about them on Coëvrons Tourisme.

There are over 100 hiking routes around Désertines. The network caters to various fitness levels, with approximately 48 easy routes, 65 moderate routes, and 5 more challenging trails. This variety ensures that both casual walkers and experienced hikers can find suitable options.

Yes, for those interested in engineering marvels amidst nature, the Viaduct loop from Montluçon-Rimard is a popular choice. This moderate 11.1 km path takes approximately 2 hours 57 minutes and features a prominent viaduct as it explores the surrounding landscape.

Many trailheads in and around Désertines, especially those for popular routes, typically offer designated parking areas. For routes starting from towns like Montluçon, public parking facilities are usually available. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for information on recommended starting points and parking availability.

Yes, you can incorporate historical châteaux into your hikes. The Château de la Louvière loop from Montluçon is a moderate 9.6 km route that allows you to explore the area while passing by this notable château. Another option is the Château des ducs de Bourbon and the heights of Montluçon — loop from Montluçon, which offers views of historical landmarks.