Écouflant is a town of Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region, northeast of Angers which it borders.
The town takes its name from a geographical peculiarity: it is bordered on the north-west by the confluence of Loir and Sarthe and south of the territory, another confluence gives birth to Maine.
Another specificity characterizes Écouflant. The town is composed of two poles: the historic town to the north, and the district of Evventard to the south, several kilometers away, which developed from the 1970s.
A fishing village since the Middle Ages, Écouflant has also developed over the centuries the cultivation of hemp and the extraction of serious in the rivers that surround it.
If notable Angevin established there in the seventeenth century by erecting bourgeois houses, it is therefore in the last quarter of the twentieth century that the town is transformed with the development of the area of activity of Provins, housing suburban and leisure facilities benefiting the whole of the Angevin agglomeration on the grounds of an old castle.
These two urban centers are still separated by farmland, including orchards. Its historical and natural heritage and the many outdoor and leisure activities that can be practiced make the city of nearly 4,000 inhabitants a popular stopover during a stay in the region.
In terms of historical heritage, a walk in the village and in the modern district of Evvent can discover several buildings or monuments of interest.
If there are only some remains of Fontenay-aux-Roses Abbey, founded in the twelfth century, first under the order of the Benedictines and then passed under the authority of the Cistercian in the thirteenth, abandoned after the Revolution, we can take a break at the church of St. John the Baptist (nineteenth) and the home of Bellebranche, a noble house of the fifteenth whose facade and roof are classified.
To see also, the castle of Beuzon and especially its chapel of XVIe century.
On Eventard, on the other hand, of the eponymous castle of the 13th century, whose domain allowed the development of the district, it remains only an old barn which has been renovated and now hosts local associations.
An interpretive trail has been designed to discover the most notable sites and the history of the village, lined with 15 explanatory panels. Two particularly green steps: the presbytery garden and the sensory garden. Information on +33 2 41 41 10 00.
For lovers of hiking or mountain biking, many other routes take the town, including historic sites, towpaths, floodplains to the north or the park Sablières and areas of ecological interest. Documentation and information at +33 2 41 05 50 00.
In terms of recreation, the park and swimming Sablières allow relaxation and sports activities on more than 50 hectares. Supervised swimming from mid-June to the end of August. In the park: wooded areas and trails, playgrounds and fitness, circuit for mountain bikes.
You can also go fishing from the banks of the Sarthe: contact +33 2 41 87 57 09 to comply with the regulations.
Always from the banks of the Sarthe, a river shuttle proposes to join Angers in an original way, since the popular nautical stopping place in the beautiful season. The sensitive areas of the Angevin valleys can also give rise to river walks. Inquire at +33 2 41 05 50 00.
We can prefer canoeing or paddle to enjoy this rich river heritage and visit the region differently by combining sport and tourism! Join the yacht club that offers boat rentals and sometimes organize group outings at +33 2 41 34 56 38.
The forest environment of the Parc des Sablières has been further enriched with the development of an adventure park including a rope course for young and old and orientation races. Open every day in July and August and on weekends from April to June and in September and October. Information on +33 2 41 96 89 68.
We can also prefer to discover Écouflant and its green environment during a horse ride. Contact the equestrian center offering courses and guided walks at +33 6 10 31 89 12.
Horse, it is still discussed at the racetrack of Angers-Écouflant, founded in the nineteenth century and modernized several times, became national pole for trotting, flat and obstacle races. 20 races, most of which have a national reputation (pari-mutuel) are organized during the year, and family activities are offered on Sundays. Information on +33 2 41 37 07 57.
Note that a trail known as the racecourse that can be traveled on foot or by bike can discover the racecourse, the business area of Provins and the new district of Evvent. Inquire at +33 2 41 41 10 00.
For athletes, again, Venture has a city-stage free access. There is also one in the village, which also has a track reserved for rollerblades. As for tennis fans, they can join the local club to reserve a court on +33 2 41 43 36 44.
Finally, on the cultural level, the library offers activities around reading (stories, meetings with authors, exhibitions). Information on +33 2 41 43 68 26.
As for the space of Vallon des Arts, recently inaugurated, it program shows and exhibitions throughout the year. Contact the +33 2 41 41 10 00.
On the last weekend of June, the festival Au Gré des Arts program on the banks of Sarthe and in the streets of the town street theater shows, fanfares and a festive concert on Saturday evening.
On November 11th, a big party of the racecourse with races, entertaining and convivial animations for all public.
On the last weekend of November, Le Temps d'une Chanson organizes concerts reserved for young talents under the sponsorship of a nationally recognized artist who will perform a final concert.
Finally, every Tuesday morning in the district of Evvent, a market allows to discover the riches of the soil of Anjou.
