Discover Bouille-menard, Maine-et-Loire: treasures to explore

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

Beginning at the sports complex, this trail will take you north of the town. You will see the castle du Pont Hus and its famous stud farm but also the “logis du Breuil”, a renovated fort.

A walking trail to discover the paths of the countryside. It begins in the city center, at the parking lot of the sports complex of Fernant Sastre, do not miss the visible heritage such as the church, the old town, the windmill…  It is possible to prolong this walk towards the port La Rivière, where you can see the castle of the Pont Hus then follow the path to get to a point of view on the river L’Erdre.  

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.

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

A unique site in Europe, the Mine Bleue offers an unusual adventure 126 metres underground! A walking tour with around 200 steps where comfortable shoes are highly recommended! Right in the heart of the old mining site, the guided tour of the galleries and extraction chambers takes you on a real journey into the past. Step by step in the heart of a site with a constant temperature of 13°C, you'll discover the origin of slate, its mining techniques and, more generally, the lives of the men who extracted and reassembled the blue stone at the beginning of the 20th century. On the surface, following on from the visit, you will discover the main stages in the production of slate using traditional methods. Cutting, querning, splitting and rounding are just some of the words you'll be able to familiarise yourself with, with the help of a demonstration. For those who can't or don't want to go down, a 20-minute virtual tour is also available, giving you an insight into the world of the mine below.

Camping La Viotterie opens its doors to you on our farm at the entrance to the department of Mayenne. The campsite has four fully-equipped mobile homes that can sleep between 4 and 8 people, and 3 unusual accommodations (the charme tent, the Gisabelle caravan and the Poule bungalow). We also have 6 pitches for tents, camper vans or caravans, although we are not averse to caravans, hammocks or those who prefer to sleep under the stars! For family events or get-togethers with friends, we can arrange for you to use the campsite for your own private use, so you can make the most of the natural surroundings! You can accommodate up to 42 people in our accommodation and add a camper van or tent as you wish! You'll have access to our heated swimming pool in summer, a large playground with table tennis, football pitch, badminton, etc. and a pond where you can fish.... Activities are available during the school holidays.

Campsite on the farm with 5000 m² lake.

Built in the former Bel-Air gendarmerie, this hotel-restaurant in the Logis network offers the warm, harmonious setting expected for any overnight stopover or more, just a five-minute drive from Segré. Housed in an old bourgeois house dating from the turn of the century, the Auberge de l'Ombrée offers seven characterful rooms in a variety of colours, each with en suite bathroom and toilet, TV and Wi-Fi internet access. In summer, you can enjoy meals and breakfasts in the flower-filled garden and on the terrace.

A former fief and seigneury, Château des Forges must have looked more like a fortified house than a castle. Although the exact date of its construction is not known, it could have been a stopover for the Knights Templar on their way down from Laval to Santiago de Compostela. The discovery of shards of partridge-eyed pottery would suggest as much. It is thought to have been destroyed around 1620, but thanks to research carried out since 1993, the ruins are gradually emerging. Today, its final shape is practically defined. Les Amis du Château, the association in charge of maintaining and protecting the site, welcomes you all year round by prior arrangement: guided tour of the site, introduction to archaeology, demonstration of medieval combat, fouée meals, etc. www.chateaudesforges.com

Whether you're a couple, a small family or a couple, come and stay in Christian and Evelyne's gîte, which offers all the comforts you need. The house comprises a lounge-kitchen area (a sofa bed is available) and a bedroom with bathroom. There is a small terrace with a pleasant view of the Anjou countryside. Peace and quiet guaranteed!

The site is set in a quiet, leafy environment on the banks of the River Oudon. Open all year round for motorhomes, vans and self-contained vans, the sanitary facilities are only accessible during the summer months. A leisure area with picnic tables and children's play equipment is located close to the pitches, as well as a petanque area. Reception and bar open from Friday 20 June to Sunday 14 September 2025 inclusive - Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 11.30am and 4.30pm to 8pm - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 09:30 to 11:30 and from 15:30 to 21:00 New in 2025 : - 100% local aperitif boards: come and try our "terroir" and "vegetarian" boards! - Local products on sale at reception - Foodtruck service in July and August every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm + events (Reunionese food truck "Ilet Food" and food truck "Les galettes de Marie") Events 2025: - Petanque competitions: 22 June, 14 and 27 July, 15 and 30 August, 7 and 14 September 2025 at 1.30pm Reservations required at the campsite (camping@segreenanjoubleu.fr / or messenger) - Aperitif evenings (games, quizzes, etc.) every Wednesday from 9 July to 27 August from 6.30pm. - Evening events : - Wednesday 9 July 6.30pm - drinks with Anj'ou Démon - Wednesday 16 July 6.30pm - blind-test with DJ Fred - Saturday 26 July at 8pm: evening concert with The Riddimists (reggae) - Wednesday 30 July at 6.30pm - Aperitif Mix with DJ Spok - Friday 29 August at 7pm - Mis at the campsite with DJ Spok In the market town of Nyoiseau, 1.5 km away, you'll find a bakery, hairdresser and bar.

Stéphanie and Bertrand welcome you to an old shale and tufa farmhouse bordered by a pond and a large shady garden full of flowers, bamboo, hibiscus and hydrangeas. The three ground-floor bedrooms have been converted from the stables. In the evening, you can enjoy cuisine prepared using produce from the kitchen garden and local produce. In season, you can take full advantage of the swimming pool and surrounding terrace.

In slate country, stay in this delightful miner's cottage, fully restored with large rooms. It has 2 enclosed gardens on either side, with terrace and children's porch. On the ground floor, you will find a fitted kitchen, a lounge and a dining room, as well as a bathroom with shower and a separate toilet. Upstairs, there are 3 bedrooms, 2 with 1 double bed (140x190) and a 3rd bedroom (22m²) with 1 double bed (140x190), 1 single bed (90x190) and a corner bed (120x180). Shower room and separate WC. A children's area. Complete baby equipment in the gîte. Bed linen included. For your outings, the La Rincerie leisure centre, 13km away, offers a beautiful stretch of water with swimming, canoeing, wake-park, swin golf, fishing and hiking. In Renazé, 3.5km from the gîte, you'll find all the shops, a hiking trail and a greenway for cyclists and hikers. Don't miss the slate museum. River fishing on the Chéran and Oudon rivers and pond nearby. At Craon, 12km away, there is a swimming pool complex with outdoor slides, spa and sauna; a racecourse, horse-riding and a 19th-century château with its park. A little further away, 24km, Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, known for its Refuge de l'arche, animal park, marina (boat and bike hire) and gardens, is one of the original towns and villages in bloom in France. Professional stay: 5 people - Cleaning obligatory 1 flat rate 80€ per stay from 1 to 14 nights - Heating on meter reading, deposit of 20€ to be paid at time of booking from 15/10 to 15/04, refund of overpayment according to meter. Weekend stay: from Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm For stays of 3 nights or more: arrival 4pm - departure 10am.

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.

You cannot help but smile at the carvings of the young women that adorn the façade of 38 rue St. Laud. Dating back to 1892, when it was a café and concert hall called the 'Alcazar', it is one of the oldest examples of art nouveau in Angers.

A listed building dating from the 16th century. Distinctive wooden carvings decorate its frontage…the best known is ‘Le Tricouillard’, who displays no modesty by revealing himself for all to see!

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 in a green setting, the Relais de Misengrain invites you to sample its traditional cuisine. The restaurant has 3 dining rooms (accessible to people with reduced mobility) and a terrace in fine weather. Menu of the day available every lunchtime from Monday to Saturday, with a choice of two starters, two main courses and two desserts. Meals for groups (family gatherings, associations, coach companies, etc.) are available all year round on reservation for lunch.

A charming hotel-restaurant classified as a Savoureux restaurant by Logis, offering traditional local cuisine in a warm setting. Next to the fireplace in winter or in the shade of the acacia trees in the garden in summer, the Auberge de l'Ombrée is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of culinary delights. Whether it's the weekday lunch menu, the à la carte lunch menu (except Mondays) or the weekend menu, the chef invites you to discover dishes with refined flavours.

Adana Foods" fast food restaurant offering pizza and kebab in Noyant-la-Gravoyère.

Just 5 minutes from the Mine Bleue, this bar-restaurant offers a working-class lunchtime menu. The restaurant innovates by concocting a themed dish of the day each week.

Come and enjoy a meal in a very natural and peaceful setting, in the heart of an old wash-house! You can also enjoy a programme of musical and culinary events throughout the summer. Reopening in spring 2026.

A warm welcome and original, refined cuisine based on local produce. Terrace in summer.

In the heart of the Anjou region, Yannick, Annie and Noëlle welcome you to their farmhouse inn, which has retained all the charm of yesteryear, both inside and out, with its 17th-century buildings. The three rooms with half-timbering, exposed stonework and terracotta floor tiles will immerse you in an authentic setting where your taste buds will be able to wander along the paths of a delicate and tasty traditional cuisine.

Traditional restaurant serving solid, pleasant cuisine prepared by the chef and his team. The menu of the day during the week consists of an all-you-can-eat buffet starter, a choice of two dishes made from fresh produce, cheese and desserts. All year round, lunchtime and evening, by reservation, organisation of group meals and receptions: family reunions, weddings, birthdays, etc. (personalised services on request). (personalised services on request).

The creperie L'Arlequin welcomes you to Renazé.

Amandine and Valère welcome you to their bistro-brasserie, which stands out for its simple, high-quality cuisine, efficient service, relaxed atmosphere and warm setting. Varied, well-balanced cuisine, seasonal dishes, homemade desserts... nearly a hundred meals are served every day at lunchtime to regulars and visitors. Bar-brasserie offering lunchtime specials every weekday.

Le Relais de Misengrain offers you twenty-nine rooms in authentic slate quarry houses (six of which are adapted for people with reduced mobility), all with private bathroom and WC; a communal lounge with television and table football. For individuals or groups, for a single night or for several days, there are various options available: half-board, full-board, overnight stay with breakfast, etc. Le Relais de Misengrain is also ideal for organising company seminars (3 rooms available for companies with wifi access). Six rooms are accessible for people with reduced mobility, all with adapted bathrooms.

Rustic house, semi-detached from the owners, situated in the countryside on a former farm. Ponds to delight fishermen. Very quiet gite set in greenery. A petanque area is available.

Camping La Viotterie opens its doors to you on our farm at the entrance to the department of Mayenne. New for 2025: A break from everyday life. The bubble on the pond island has a comfortable queen-size bed, a table and two small rattan armchairs. Outside, on your private terrace, you'll have a double deckchair for lounging in the shade of the alders and a table for breakfast. Gift card available on request Sanitary facilities are 80 metres away (2 showers and 2 toilets). A covered area with a kitchen (fridge, crockery, cooking utensils, tables and chairs, etc.) is available for meals. A barbecue is also available. Free WIFI Bed linen provided You will have access to our heated swimming pool in summer, a large playground with table tennis, football pitch, badminton,... a pond where you can fish, guided tour of the farm.... Activities are offered during the school holidays.

Camping La Viotterie opens its doors to you on our farm at the entrance to the department of Mayenne. The campsite has four fully-equipped mobile homes that can sleep between 4 and 8 people, and 3 unusual accommodations (the charme tent, the Gisabelle caravan and the Poule bungalow). We also have 6 pitches for tents, camper vans or caravans, although we are not averse to caravans, hammocks or those who prefer to sleep under the stars! For family events or get-togethers with friends, we can arrange for you to use the campsite for your own private use, so you can make the most of the natural surroundings! You can accommodate up to 42 people in our accommodation and add a camper van or tent as you wish! You'll have access to our heated swimming pool in summer, a large playground with table tennis, football pitch, badminton, etc. and a pond where you can fish.... Activities are available during the school holidays.

Campsite on the farm with 5000 m² lake.

Built in the former Bel-Air gendarmerie, this hotel-restaurant in the Logis network offers the warm, harmonious setting expected for any overnight stopover or more, just a five-minute drive from Segré. Housed in an old bourgeois house dating from the turn of the century, the Auberge de l'Ombrée offers seven characterful rooms in a variety of colours, each with en suite bathroom and toilet, TV and Wi-Fi internet access. In summer, you can enjoy meals and breakfasts in the flower-filled garden and on the terrace.

In an exceptional setting, you will be staying in an old water mill; live to the sound of the water and enjoy a large living room on the ground floor with a 180° view of the water, terraces on either side, six bedrooms on the first floor with a bathroom and a shower room (separate WC). Ideal for families or friends. Bonus: heated outdoor swimming pool with stone surround. An ideal spot for fishing breaks.