Congratulations to Colin Browning for his first-placed photo « Red Sky in the morning », Janet Browning for the second place « Last Stroll Before Bedtime » and the third place for Colin Morison with his View on the Loire River during the February 2026 photo competition. 

 

Full details will be circulated when they are available, but below are some provisional dates for your diary. 

ESU Loire Valley

(Other information available on « Our Partners » page)

May Day Walk

Friday 1st May 2026, promptly at 10.00am

Cunault

 

Following a long-established tradition, once again Tony Oakley has kindly organised the traditional May Day Walk for us this year.  The walk of about 8km will lead us to the woods close to Gennes and back to Cunault, passing the Etang de Joreau.

All members, friends and their dogs are welcome.  Dog owners are urged to respect local farmers and wildlife and to use their leads whenever necessary.  The walk will cover approximately 8 km and should take 2 hours to complete.  Departure will be promptly at 10.00am.

On arrival at the woods, it will be important that the group stays together as there are many trails leading off from the route Tony has chosen.  If, for any reason, a pause is required: to re-tie shoelaces, a toilet stop, etc., please let someone know.

Walkers should wear strong footwear to avoid blisters and carry waterproof clothing in case of rain. 

From 12 noon, those not wishing to walk are welcome to join the walkers to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch together.  There is a small grassy area with 2 bench style tables near the parking area, but Tony suggests we bring our own in case other visitors arrive before we do. 

                          DIRECTIONS

Meet in the car park in front of the church in Cunault.  We shall depart at 10.00 am so please do not be late. 

Cunault is on the south side of the river Loire about halfway between Gennes and Saumur on the D751.

From north of Saumur, taking the D347, cross the bridge and at the next junction take the route towards St. Hilaire-St.-Florent and follow the road past Bouvay Ladubay, Ackerman, etc., the D751, to Cunault.

From south of the Loire, take the D69 from Doué La Fontaine to Gennes.  Drop down into Gennes and at the roundabout near the bar de la Paix turn right onto the D751 and continue to Cunault.

From Angers take the route along the levée to Les Rosiers-sur-Loire, turn right over the bridge, carry on to the roundabout, at the bar de la Paix go round to your left and follow the D751 as above.

Please let him know if you plan to attend and give names, and numbers of those attending the walk, the walk and picnic or just the picnic, together with a mobile phone number in case of last-minute changes.

 

Tony asks that all walkers please bring a smile and good humour.

Tony Oakley, 20 rue des Malpiques,

49350 Gennes, Val de Loire

Telephone: 07 83 96 57 25

Email : brian.antony.oakley@free.fr

Attending other ESU events

A reminder to all that once you have subscribed to the ESU you can pay members’ rates to attend events organised by any branch in France or elsewhere in the world. 

A full list of member countries can be found on the main website: simply click the continent you are looking for under ‘Show Me’ at the top of the page:

https://www.esu.org/international-network/

Don’t forget to check out the other sites on our Links page.

 Between 13 to 18 July 2026 :

National Public Speaking Competition in rooms at the Assemblée Nationale when students representing different regions of France will compete to represent their country in London at the International Competition in July.