La Breille-les-Pins is a commune of Maine-et-Loire, in the region of Pays de la Loire, 18 km north-east of Saumur, on the edge of the department of Indre-et-Loire.
As its name suggests, the auxiliary "les Pins" dating back to 1958, the territory of the vast locality of 27.5 km² belongs to the natural region of the Beaufort, known for its wooded landscapes: gold, more than two thirds of the commune are covered with forests. Maritime pines have been planted since the 19th century.
The village developed around two priories installed in the twelfth century at a place called "La Tremblaye" then, while the two conventual institutions were abandoned by the religious, the center of the village moved to the Vau de Chevré, near the communication axes.
Now with about 600 inhabitants, La Breille-les-Pins is a paradise for lovers of green tourism, especially hiking enthusiasts who can include in their strolls gourmet breaks (blueberry culture, beekeeping) and cultural (the town has the most recent French factory) lead soldiers!).
In terms of heritage, if there are only a few remains (convent buildings) of the priory which housed nuns at a place called the Lodges and that which was occupied by Benedictines, near the first church of the village (XV) at La Tremblaye, the Saint-Etienne church (19th century), in the heart of the current village, the town hall (1845) and some menhirs deserve a glance.
However, in a very forest environment, the habitat of the locality is scattered and the wealth of the town is elsewhere.
For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, wildlife (including birds such as black storks and of course wild boars, roe deer or deer) and forest flora (pines, heaths, mushrooms) invariably mark the routes drawn in the common.
In addition to specific trails, one of which, with a length of 20 km, is dedicated to mountain bikers and horse walkers (equestrian centers are located in neighboring municipalities), note that the GR 36 which connects the Channel to the Mediterranean crosses La Breille-les-Pins.
Another circuit passes through the Bouillante Fountain, at a place called Hautes Belles, long used by washerwomen, and so named because condensation vapors due to the difference in temperature between water and air emerge above some water. Note also that the bowl of the fountain is paved with tufa typical of the region.
To learn about available courses (maps, distance, level of difficulty), contact +33 2 41 40 20 60.
Before or after a hike, a step is required to the unit of the company CBG Mignot, founded in 1825 in Paris and installed in the town since 1994: this small factory perpetuates the tradition of the soldiers of lead who are drawn, cast, mounted and painted with rare meticulousness. Visit of the workshops and the exhibition hall, film screening, shop. Open Monday through Friday. Information on +33 2 41 38 79 77.
Other know-how to observe: the town is famous for its blueberry crops, forestry units, but also the House of Bees located at a place called La Blottière. Guided tours provide insight into the life cycles of bees, the history and techniques of honey production. Information on +33 2 41 52 02 85.
Pleasures sports and nature still at a place called Lodges which has a lake coiled in the heart of the forest. We bathe in the summer near the campsite and we fish there for a good part of the year (contact +33 2 41 52 02 82 to ensure that the beach is monitored and to know the regulations to respect the fishing).
Finally, do not hesitate to contact the House of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park of which the town is a member, and which program hikes, animations, exhibitions and workshops on the theme of the environment and heritage (information +33 2 41 38 38-88).
In May, the Lodges' green hike is open to walkers, mountain bikers and cyclists.
The third weekend of July, ball trap.
1st Sunday of August, garage sale
The 3rd Sunday of August, feast of the lake of the Lodges with amphibious car race.
