Grandchamps-des-fontaines, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire

This pleasant path begins “Place de l’église”. This track is quite nice during the summer as it is shaded.

This pleasant path starts “Place de l’église”. Highlight on the gorgeous private windmill of La Favrière.

The beginning of the hike starts at the parking of the train station. This trail has several variants that allows you to go on real steep trails like a maze with parallel roads. It has a distinguished atmosphere, secret and mesmerising. When you come back, go down to the port where you will find our restaurants and for those who love nature, make a stop to the “Ganuchaud” botanic garden which is located at the end of “la rue d’Angleterre”. Also, pass by “La Cour Gaillard” which is in “La Grand-Rue” and was edified by protestants at the Edit of Nantes. This site stays, until 1685, an important protestant place.

This pleasant path of 11 km will guide you along le Cens and le Gesvres through Vigneux-de-Bretagne where these two rivers take source.

The Circuit of Vive-Eve Discover the atmosphere of the Nantes-Brest Canal, its towpath converted for different types of hiking, its lock-houses, water tourism, fishing … On this itinerary, taken by cyclists on the Atlantic Coast Route and pilgrims of Saint Jacques of Compostelle, the towpath will guide you to the lock house of La Tindière and its gourmet terrace. You can park at the Vive-Eve bridge where you will have an information sign on the history of the Canal and picnic tables. From this parking it is also possible to extend your walk the other way to the lock house of Quihex. You will see a remarkable view of the plains of La Poupinière and the Valley of the Erdre

Discover the Plains of Mazerolles, a vast expanse of water of 3 kilometres long and 1 kilometre large. With a little bit of patience, you may see herons on the shores and a lot of other birds during migration season. Labelled refuge of the French League for the Protection of Birds (LPO), the site has also three beehives financed by the collectivity and an orchard. A themed path has also been created by the Municipality. The trail begins on the edges of the river Erdre to go through the undergrowth alleys, steep paths and goes through adorable little villages. It is possible to join the port of Sucé-sur-Erdre if you take the Atlantic Coast Route, or from the city-centre for this hike. The departure point is from the nautical base of Mazerolles.

Prepare yourself for a hike of 2 hours long with 500 metres along the water. You will admire the vast expanse of the Plains of Mazerolles with 3 kilometres long and 1 kilometre large. This site is ideal for kids. It is also possible to go fishing for people with reduced mobility. Or you can have a picnic or some sport. At the end of this loop, you will see the Castle of La Baraudière surrounded by its stone walls from the 19th century and not far from there the Castle of Bois Mellet. A plate has been placed at the entry and it is written “qui a accueilli, cache et protégé les résistants de la région” which means “that has hosted, hided and protected the resistants of the region”.

This trail starts at the Jules Vernes car park in La Paquelais.

This trail starts at the Jules Vernes car park in La Paquelais.

The windmill of “Foucré”, recently renovated, is worth the detour. This windmill is from the end of the 16th century, which makes it the oldest monument of the town. It is called a windmill “à petit pied”, it is characteristic of Brittany’s windmills. The lowest part is narrower than the highest part of the structure, hence the name “à petit pied” (literal translation: little foot).

A first flight experience to discover Nantes metropolis, from the river Loire–also known as “the last wild river of France”–to the river Erdre, described as “the most beautiful river of France” by King Francis I. Discover its splendid castles along the quiet meanders, the charming marina in Sucé-sur-Erdre, and the towns of La Chapelle sur Erdre and Carquefou. Turn your gaze towards the tin mines of Abbaretz, Le Gâvre forest, the river Loire, the estuary in Saint-Nazaire, Grand-Lieu lake, and more...

An aquatic space with a sports pool, an activity pool, a leisure pool, and a splash-pad. Relaxation area with jaccuzi, sauna, hammam, sensory showers, and a 3000 m² outdoor space with vegetal beaches, a splash-pad, and a snack bar.

Brasserie-pizzeria located in the business park of Ragon in Treillières.

Tranquillity and well-being are key words for this gite which is on the first floor of the owners' eco-friendly house (built using organic bricks, untreated wood, hemp, etc.) deep in the countryside, near an organic farm. A 2,000 sq.m. garden (meadow and orchard) is shared with the owners. Private patio, swing and table tennis, and heated swimming pool, 7 bikes, ping-pong, badminton. UPSTAIRS: Lounge/diner. Kitchen. Bedroom 1: king-size bed. Bedroom 2: twin beds. Bedroom 3: twin beds. Bathroom with WC. Price includes geothermal heating, electricity and bed linen. Extra charges for towels. Nort sur Erdre 10km.

A timber-framed gite in a quiet, leafy setting close to the owners' home and the Nantes-Brest Canal, 20km from Nantes. An ideal place to relax and unwind. Lovely, unfenced garden (500m²) and patio with hot-tub. Lounge-diner with open-plan fitted kitchen. Utility room. Bedroom 1: king-size bed. Bedroom 2 : twin beds. Shower room. WC. Additional facilities: baby equipment, WiFi and wired network internet, film network, flat-screen satellite TV, radio/CD player, 3 bikes to borrow. Extra charge for well-being space with yoga, massage and naturopathy. Price includes bed linen, towels and household linen. Extra charges for electricity and electric heating.

Bridge near the small canal

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

Buildings from the former 17th century Presbytery were restored and transformed into the town hall in 2007 and "Les Digitales" Art Centre in 2011. The Art Centre is a place for activities and exhibits. It displays different models of farming machinery from the collection of Mr Sevestre, a passionate farmer from Caden, and holds a museum presenting farming activities from yesterday and today with interviews from local farmers.

It was restored in the 18th century by the rector of Caden, Jean-Louis de la Houssaye. The date "1756" is written over the side door. It is one of the six friar chapels of Caden. The inside is decorated with 21th century frescos painted by a local artist representing landscapes of the surrounding countryside.

Slate mining began around 1878 and finished around 1911. The largest quarry called "Guenfol" or "Blue Lake" had an above ground surface area of 3,500m2. 18 to 20 million slates were extracted per year by nearly 300 labourers. The site was then transformed and today known as "Park de Préhistoire" (Prehistoric Park).

Saint Michel de la Grêle Chapel dates back to the 17th century. It replaced the old Saint Michel Priory, which belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of Redon. Today, the chapel (renovated in the 20th century) is used to celebrate religious services on the feast day of Notre Dame de la Tronchaye (the Sunday following 15 August). Take a few steps back and turn left after the tree-lined alley. Take one of the many small streets of Rochefort. Immediately after, turn left towards Place des Halles.

Hills covered in schist used for building houses and making roof slates. Present in the towns of Pluherlin, Malansac and Rochefort-en-Terre, slate quarries were used from the 13th to early 20th century. There is a great deal of slate located in the village of Rochefort-en-Terre. Today, Les Grées is considered a protected area. You will find Saint Michel Chapel at the end of Place Saint Michel.

This 16th century public washhouse got its water from Le Candré River. A private washhouse is also located nearby. Turn around, take Rue de l’Étang and go back up to Place de l’Église.

Restaurant Malatya serves sandwiches and kebabs.

Fast food Mc Donald's

Come enjoy lunch in a simple and relaxed atmosphere in Casson

Restaurant specialized in home-made pizzas to take-away every Thursday night.

Brasserie-pizzeria located in the business park of Ragon in Treillières.

Portuguese restaurant located in Treillières

guest house in Grandchamp des Fontaines

Accommodation in tipis, meet the angora goats, farm shop with mohair products, farm visits

Gite in a renovated old 18th-century building. Ground floor: Living room with beams and fireplace, open-plan kitchen (freezer/fridge, grill/microwave oven), double sofa-bed Upstairs: attic bedroom with wooden floor (1 double bed), bathroom, separate toilet. Electric heating. Patio. Common park (about 2,000 sq.m.) with swing and orchard. TV, board games, Wi-Fi available. Sleeps 2.

Whether you are a family, a couple, or on your own, on vacation or on a business trip, we are looking forward to meeting you in our lovely town. Our gites are built in a cosy 18th-century farmhouse, and you will love the calm and quiet there. Magnificent view on Hocmard valley and its breathtaking sunsets. Photography enthusiasts, this is the perfect place for you! 2,000 sq.m. park with a swing and an orchard. Gite C: Caraïbes Ground floor: living room with open-plan kitchen (freezer/fridge, grill/microwave oven). Double sofa-bed. Upstairs: 1 attic bedroom with wooden floor (one double bed). Bathroom and separate toilet. Electric heating. Private patio. Common park (2,000 sq.m.) with swing and orchard. TV, board games, Wi-Fi available. Sleeps 2.

The Erdre, one of the most beautiful rivers of France (according to King Francis I), flows through the charming town of Sucé-sur-Erdre. There, Gwénola and Philippe are pleased to welcome you to the quiet, peaceful countryside and the beautiful Hocmard valley. Whether you are a family, a couple, or on your own, on vacation or on a business trip, we are looking forward to meeting you in our lovely town. Our gites are built in a cosy 18th-century farmhouse, and you will love the calm and quiet there. Magnificent view on Hocmard valley and its breathtaking sunsets. Photography enthusiasts, this is the perfect place for you! 2,000 sq.m. park with a swing and an orchard. Gite A: L'Aventure: sleeps 3. Living room with beams and fireplace, 2 attic rooms with wooden floor (1 double bed, 2 single beds)

Tranquillity and well-being are key words for this gite which is on the first floor of the owners' eco-friendly house (built using organic bricks, untreated wood, hemp, etc.) deep in the countryside, near an organic farm. A 2,000 sq.m. garden (meadow and orchard) is shared with the owners. Private patio, swing and table tennis, and heated swimming pool, 7 bikes, ping-pong, badminton. UPSTAIRS: Lounge/diner. Kitchen. Bedroom 1: king-size bed. Bedroom 2: twin beds. Bedroom 3: twin beds. Bathroom with WC. Price includes geothermal heating, electricity and bed linen. Extra charges for towels. Nort sur Erdre 10km.

The Domaine du Chalonge is a 300 sq.m. fully restored house for 10 people, in a 20-hectare park with a pond near the Canal from Nantes to Brest and near Nantes. Paved terrace - Park. Ground floor: Kitchen - Living / dining room with fireplace - Pool room in the old stables - separate toilet Upstairs: 1 suite with 2 spacious bedrooms (1 160x200cm canopy bed, 1 twin 180x190cm bed or 2 90x190cm beds) with bathroom and toilet; 2 bedrooms (1 twin 180x190cm bed or 2 single 90x190cm beds each) with separate bathroom/toilet. Facilities: Washing machine, dryer line, dishwasher, microwave, TV, DVD, Tel., Wi-Fi, tennis, boules, badminton. + Service: Bed linen and towels, cleaning service.

Guest room in Héric on the Domaine de Chalonge