A Gallo-Roman amphitheatre and more dolmens than anywhere else in Maine-et-Loire
Explore Gennes, where the landscapes of the Loire meet a fascinating history stretching from prehistoric megaliths to Roman ruins and medieval churches. Discover the remains of its ancient amphitheatre, wander through traditional riverside villages and enjoy a cycling outing that reveals a different layer of the region’s heritage around every turn.
Gennes: the Loire à Vélo passes through, or stay a while and explore the back lanes
The Mazerolles amphitheatre, built in the first century AD and the largest ancient amphitheatre in western France, sits on the hillside south of the town. Gennes and its surrounding area hold the highest concentration of megaliths in Maine-et-Loire — dolmens at La Madeleine, La Forêt, La Pagerie and more, plus standing stones in the fields between. The Loire à Vélo runs through, with a well-equipped bike station in town offering e-bike charging, water and repair facilities. The lanes inland from the river pass troglodyte dwellings cut into the tuffeau, the Romanesque church at Cunault and the Joreau pond nature reserve.
Things you can do here
Activities nearby
Canoe rentalArtannes-sur-Thouetabout 18 km, to the activity
Cycling to the dolmens and Gallo-Roman sites
The megaliths and amphitheatre are spread across the hillside and along lanes that run back from the river. On foot the distances add up; an e-bike lets you cover several sites in a single loop without the climbs becoming the point of the day. The Loire à Vélo runs directly through Gennes, and the 'Entre Loire et Falun' loop branches off it into exactly this territory.
Riding the Loire à Vélo section through Gennes
This stretch of the route runs along the riverbank through the villages of Saint-Maur and Le Thoureil before reaching Gennes, where the bike station has e-bike charging, a repair stand, water and picnic tables.
Marion
★★★★★
Thanks again for the great service Tim! You made our dream happen!🚲🚲🚲🏰🥖🧀🍷
Visited in September 2026