France, Nutshell

Dampierre’s Au Coeur du Vignoble: Trail in a Nutshell

 

Trail Name: Au Coeur du Vignoble

Trail Type: Short distance hiking circuit; mostly hard-packed gravel or paved in built up areas, well maintained and marked.

Length: Total: 11 km, (approximately 7 miles)

Convenient to: Saumur, Loire Valley, France

Marking: Yellow rectangle

 

Yellow Rectangle Sign
Yellow Rectangle Sign

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trail Description: This circuit in France’s Loire River Valley region (Saumur area), begins and ends in the village of Dampierre-sur-Loire. Its format is easily defined as level-gradient-level-gradient, as the trail transitions between river valley floor to the bluffs above the river valley, then back down. It is mostly through vineyards, with small stretches through habited settlements, woods, and once, at the start, along the river.

Trailhead: Dampierre-sur -Loire, near the campground, right off the parking area.

Parking Possibilities: Dampierre-sur -Loire, near the campground, off D947 (Route de Montsoreau)

Public Transportation Options:

Bus: To and from Saumur, if using public transport

Suggested Stages: Not applicable.

Trail Itinerary-Reference Points: Dampierre sur Loire: Camp ground, river bank, Rue de L’Eglise, Chemin des Vaux, small cross in vineyards on Rue de la Croix Blanche, Chemin des Ruettes, Rue de Beaulieu, Chemin du Fer Aigu, Chemin des Varennes, cross Route de Champigny, outskirts (with bench) of Chaintre, cross Rue de la Croix de Chaintre, woods, cross D145, Les Fours a Chaux, Chemin de la Litaniere, Chemin de la Folie.

Representative Trail Photos:

 

Trail Au Coeur du Vignoble
Trail Au Coeur du Vignoble

 

Au Coeur du Vignoble trail
Au Coeur du Vignoble trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restrooms: Dampierre: next to parking lot

Attractions on or near Trail: None

Tasting along the Trail: Dampierre, Chaintres

Alternative Options:

Walking: Grande Randonee 3, a long distance route covers part of this hike.

Biking: Loire a Velo, a long distance bike trail, covers part of this route

Additional Information:

Regional:

http://www.anjou-tourisme.com/Nature/vignoble-d-anjou-saumur

http://m.loireavelo.fr/

Trail (segment) specific: http://www.ot-saumur.fr/Circuit-de-randonnee-a-DAMPIERRE-SUR-LOIRE-49_a21906.html

Comments:

Signage is rather good, but it can’t hurt to download the GPX tracks for the vineyards segments.

Not many facilities on this hike, so prepare in advance with lots of water and snacks, and a restroom break.