Discover Noyal-sur-brutz, Loire-Atlantique: Hidden Gems

To begin this trail, meet up at the parking lot of the slag heap of Abbaretz. This former mining site is worth it. During the time of Julius Caesar, this mining site was one of the most important sources of tin. The climb of the 200 steps will take you to a unique view of the region.  

Be careful, after a collapse, a detour is in place at the start of the trail at the parking lot of “La Belletière”. The Arcades The departure point, in Nort-sur-Erdre, is from the road of Issé at the parking of La Belletière. Go and discover a trail that you have never seen before by taking the edges of the feeding conduct. Also known as the “Little Canal”, the conduct joins the Lake of Vioreau to the Nantes-Brest Canal, from the lock house of “Pas d’Héric”. It allows that the first section of the canal has water to balance the reduction of water due to the lockage and evaporation of water during the summer. Its construction is a technical piece of art. With a slope of only 14 centimetres per kilometre of 21.3 kilometres long, the feeding conduct goes through the high Valley of the Erdre thanks to 4 aqueducts from 8 to 10 arches and goes underground on over 600 metres. It is covered by a lot of little bridges of quaint stones. Depending on the season, you will see the Castle of la Lucinière and its wooded domain on the other side of the Valley of the Erdre.

You can meet at the "Place du Champ de Foire" of Nozay to begin this historical trail. Step by step, you will discover the history of the shale, this characteristic local rock has been a huge part of Nozay’s landscape. It has been sculpted to pave the Roman roads, then to build manors, barns, calvaries, churches or wash houses and ovens…, the blue slate is everywhere. On your way, do not hesitate to open the doors of "L’Enclos", an ancient churchyard of medieval architecture made in shale, ranked as a historic monument. Then, you can walk along the variant of "Les Grées" (no access with horses), that has an interpretive trail in which you will go in an ancient blue slate quarry transformed into a sports natural area (rock-climbing, mountain bike and orienteering).

In the beginning, it is large roads and farmer tracks that invite us to continue in the countryside. Then from little villages to isolated hamlets, the trail alternates between small roads and small underwood trails to prepare us for the adventure to come. Further away, the silhouette of the tin mine of Abbaretz dominates the landscape and there are also small trails that you can discover. On the other side, the lunar atmosphere of the mine invites us for a few moments of amazement before going back on the path of the peaceful shores of the lake of Gruellau.

This nice and quiet track guides you to the fountain Saint-Clair. Its waters were famous for its healing properties.

This track is full of nature and memories.

Beginning at the city center, this trail guides you to the higher ground called the “Mont Juillet”. At the pond of “La Martellière”, you will find tables and a playground.  

Go discover “The Charcoal route”, on the site of The Mines of Languin. The village of Languin keeps yet again traces of ancient charcoal mines that were kept in activity until the beginning of the 20th century. This trail will lead you on the feeding conduct and beside the director of the Mines’ residence that was edified in 1723 where you can find a three-hundred-year-old cedar of Lebanon (1737). From the village of “Bel Air”, you can enjoy a remarkable view of the surrounding bocage, which rises to an altitude of 55 metres.

The marshes of Blanche Noë are in the south of Nort-sur-Erdre in which you can find an ornithological and aquatic site allowing you discover its fauna and its flora. At the beginning of the lake, have a walk along the river Erdre to arrive at Port Mulon’s Castle and its park. Appreciate the charming villages of “Tomblehoux”, “Gâtine” and “La Poupinière” and see the vantage point on the river Erdre and the plains. Then, join the canal and by going through the moat and see the viewpoint from Quihex’s lockhouse and further along eat at the gourmet terrace of La Tindière. To finish go through the village of Le Plessis pas Brunet to go back to the lake.

The trail makes you enter the most beautiful parts of the forest of the Gâvre.

A renovated mill with uninterrupted views of a 4-ha, private fishing lake. Enclosed garden of 1500m² with fenced patio overlooking lake. GR.FL: Hall. Bedroom 1: twin beds, en-suite bathroom. Bedroom 2: twin beds, en-suite shower room. WC. Laundry room. UPSTAIRS: Lounge/diner with single sofa bed and open-plan kitchen. Bedroom 3: double bed, en-suite shower room. WC. Additional facilities: freezer, tumble-drier, baby equipment, washmachine. Price includes gas-fired heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and firewood. Châteaubriant 7km. Le plus : a beautiful, relaxing setting

A semi-detached gite next to the owners' home in quiet countryside, 7km from Châteaubriant and 59km from Rennes. Enclosed, south-facing patio area (400m²). GR.FL: Lounge-diner with open-plan kitchen. Shower room with WC. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 1: double bed. Bedroom 2: twin beds. Bedroom 3: single bed. Additional facilities: WiFi, radio/CD player, flat-screen TV, tumble drier, freezer. Price includes bed linen and towels. Extra charges for electricity and electric heating. Nantes and Angers 75km.

Senonnes is located 1h15 from Nantes, 50 min from Rennes or Angers, 50 min from Laval. A great location for a get-together with family, friends or colleagues. The Gîte de la Grez offers a large 115m² dining room (for up to 80 people), a bar area with counter, a 32m² fully-equipped professional kitchen with a 14m² utility room (crockery for 80 people), plus a toilet and washbasin area. All along the building: a partly sheltered, south-facing terrace, large areas of greenery. 10 bedrooms sleeping 35, including one on the ground floor with 1 single bed (90cm) and 1 double bed (140x190cm) and an accessible shower room (Italian shower, wc, washbasin). The other 9 bedrooms are on the 1st floor, sleeping 2 to 6 people per room, with a washbasin and a total of 4 WCs and 5 showers. You can complete the sleeping arrangements with the gîte du Semnon H53P010955 , a building just opposite, with 14 beds (12 beds) and sanitary facilities. The owners also have a restaurant: a meal and breakfast service is available on reservation (Breakfast: €7.5/adult and €5.5/child - Lunch or dinner: €20/adult and €10/child).

Come and take a break in the Anjou countryside, and enjoy the panoramic views and tranquillity. I welcome you all year round to my guest house, decorated in a contemporary and cosy style. You'll be staying in one of the two bedrooms, each with its own private shower room. The guest area has a separate entrance with a key box for late arrivals. You have unlimited access to the outdoors, so you can make the most of the fine weather. You can dine at our table d'hôtes (reservation required). You can take advantage of the SPA to relax and unwind! There's no shortage of activities in the Anjou Bleu, and we'll be happy to help you find what you're looking for. We're just a stone's throw from the hiking trail and the Plantagenets Way is nearby. It's easy to get to us: we're just 1.5km from the Angers-Rennes motorway. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

"Chez Auguste is a peaceful country gîte ideally located for a family break: 1 hour from Rennes, Angers, Vitré or Laval. Nearby towns include Segré en Anjou Bleu (25 mins), Craon (20 mins) and Chateaubriant (20 mins). The gîte is all on one level, with a 43m² living room extending onto a veranda with table football and a small bar. The panoramic windows open onto the fields and meadows. There are 3 bedrooms, 1 with a double bed (160*200) and a desk, and 2 bedrooms each with 2 twin beds (90*200). The decor is a surprising blend of modern and old, with a healthy dose of creativity to create an astonishing result! Perhaps you'll sample some of the farm's milk, or other products depending on the season. The gîte is on a working farm, so you'll sometimes see machinery passing by, or spot cows. If you are interested, the owners can show you around the farm. Don't hesitate to follow us on instagram :augustechez! The nearest shops and services are in Pouancé, 5.4km or Martigné Ferchaud 13 km. The market in Pouancé is ideal for local produce, and you can also visit the renowned market in La Guerche de Bretagne. Leisure centre with supervised beach in summer at the étang de Saint Aubin de Pouancé, 6km, children's play area, kayak and pedalo hire. The Rincerie leisure centre at La Selle Craonnaise, 17km away, offers a beach, wake-park, swin golf, etc. Numerous walks, one of which passes by the gîte and leads to the Etang de Pouancé. An ancient mining area, there are several places where you can retrace its history: walks on sites such as Bois 1 and Bois 2, the Mine Bleue theme park, the slate museum at Renazé... A land of legends, you can discover the Roche aux Fées site and the Enigmaparc theme park. Ask your hosts for advice, and they'll be able to guide you through the region. Professional stays: 3 adults maximum - housekeeping compulsory (1 package per stay from 1 to 14 nights). Weekend stays: arrival 5pm - departure 5pm From 3 nights: arrival 5pm - departure 10am

The coal mines were extremely important from the 17th century.

Bridge near the small canal

Following a visit to the castle, take a walk along the ‘Bout du Monde’ with its impressive views of the river Maine and the château.

The castle with its 17 duo tone towers is one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in France! Inside, you will find the 14th century ‘Apocalypse Tapestry’. Measuring 103 metres in length, it the largest of all medieval woven tapestries.

The first recorded example of Plantagenet gothic architecture. The cathedral is full of stunning features including its elaborate facade and stone carvings (grimacing faces, monsters and acrobats), and the stained glass window - the oldest of which dates back to 1165 AD.

Since 1984, the restored 'L’abbatiale Toussaint' (the abbey-church of All Saints - 13th Century) has housed the works of the sculptor David d’Angers (1788-1856). Included are monuments, commissioned work (such as the façade of the Pantheon), and a gallery of contemporary busts and medallions.

Set-price workday menus

Located in the heart of Châteaubriant, the Layali Liban restaurant is a must for lovers of Lebanese cuisine.

Turkish specialities

Whether it's a lunch break, a quick meal or an evening with friends, you'll be welcomed with a smile. Guitars are also available.

A renovated mill with uninterrupted views of a 4-ha, private fishing lake. Enclosed garden of 1500m² with fenced patio overlooking lake. GR.FL: Hall. Bedroom 1: twin beds, en-suite bathroom. Bedroom 2: twin beds, en-suite shower room. WC. Laundry room. UPSTAIRS: Lounge/diner with single sofa bed and open-plan kitchen. Bedroom 3: double bed, en-suite shower room. WC. Additional facilities: freezer, tumble-drier, baby equipment, washmachine. Price includes gas-fired heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and firewood. Châteaubriant 7km. Le plus : a beautiful, relaxing setting

An old, renovated longhouse on the top of a hill with panoramic rural views. Near a goat farm (farm visits) and has a large, south-facing garden (2000m²) with a courtyard, patios, lawn, play area, heated swimming pool. GR.FL: Reception Hall for 80 people, catering kitchen. WC. 1 bedroom, suitable for disabled guests, with en-suite shower room/ WC. 4 more en-suite bedrooms. UPSTAIRS: Mezzanine overlooking reception hall. 3 bedrooms, 1 with en-suite shower room. Shower room. Additional facilities: cot, sound system with microphone, tumble drier, stereo, DVD player, internet, table tennis, table football. Price includes bed linen, heating.