Discover Varades, gem of Loire-Atlantique

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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

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.

From 5 years Unpredictable, intuitive and spontaneous acrobatic dance... It's as simple as that. It's a man and a woman dancing. They love each other, it's very clear, no hesitations, no questions asked. They've already lived happily, unhappily, together. They like being idiots together, they like dancing together, They like to be seen to like to dance, they like to be crazy together, to be carnal, ugly, fragile, together. She likes to laugh at his rotten jokes, He likes to put up with her blackouts and volcanic outbursts. And right now, it's just a moment. A moment of celebration... or a party into the night! A moment where there are two of them, where they dance. They dance and dance and dance until they lose their minds. "We love each other, against all odds, we love each other! You're going to throw me to the ground or take me up to heaven, I'm going to finish you off and resurrect you... and we're going to love each other!" It's a show of crazy intensity and hyper-communicative energy!

In this touching and sincere one-woman show, we follow Cécile as she tries to find answers to her questions. In the current agricultural crisis, in the voices of the women who have worked the land, and in her family heritage: a white tablecloth passed down from woman to woman. This documentary theatre and object show was born out of meetings with retired women farmers. "Héroïnes" takes us on a journey from the 20th century to the present day, through the eyes of these heroines, and raises the question of our shared future. Ages 12 and up

A story of long-distance friendship between two football fans, Erion and Sarah. They are best friends and live in Kosovo. Erion has to leave Kosovo for France: "Because it was my parents' choice". Sarah gives him her telephone number on a small piece of paper on the bus station platform: "Say, Erion, you're not going to forget me, are you? Friendship transcends borders. But the bottle of water leaked into the rucksack and the last digits of Sarah's number were erased.... Arriving in Perrache, Lyon, the cacophony of languages, feeling far from everything. But in the midst of it all, there's one universal language that they can use to forge new friendships: football. But above all, to find Sarah's number! In Trajectoire(s), Pauline Noblecourt-Berjon claims to be a collaborative writer. Writing with, not from, what these children say, and in so doing giving them the tools to tell their stories and reinvent them. The writing process involved the author working with a class of allophone pupils on several occasions. So the schoolchildren are real co-authors, at every stage: inventing and choosing the story, writing the dialogue, proofreading... Their imaginations, their sensibilities and their stories form the matrix of this tale in several voices. It's a story of long-distance friendship between two football fans from France and Kosovo.

Thursday and Saturday in the garden shed at Varades, 272 Rue de la Madeleine, Loireauxence, France To be collected from the garden shed in Varades at 272 rue de la Madeleine. Self-service order collection => self-payment. Payment by cheque, cash or bank transfer (please ask for our bank details). Order prepared in a crate. Friday home or workplace delivery Delivery takes place on Friday afternoons. If you are not present, you can leave the order in a place agreed together. For the first order, please indicate the delivery address in the comments (on the website). Cost of delivery: - 1,50€ (Saint Laurent du Mottay, Saint Florent le Vieil, Varades, La Boutouchère) - 3.00€ for other towns within an approximate 15km radius Free for any order or group of orders over €50. Payment by cheque, cash or bank transfer. Order prepared in a crate. + sale at the farm on Wednesdays (16:30 - 18:45), Thursdays (10:00 - 18:00), Fridays (16:30 - 18:45) and Saturdays (10:00 - 12:00) in Saint Laurent du Mottay.

Takeaway pizzas. Homemade pizza recipes with a great traditional taste

This large, single-storey house will delight families as well as travelling work teams. It can accommodate groups of up to 9 people in its 4 bedrooms. The accommodation has 3 double beds (160x200) and 3 single beds. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and a large vanity unit. Bed linen and towels provided. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, induction hob, oven, microwave and all cooking and washing-up utensils. Coffee pods, tea bags and a coffee machine are also available. A TV and Wi-Fi internet access are available free of charge. Parking is no problem, with several spaces right outside the house. Entrance and departure are independent with a key box system. I am available 24 hours a day if you need more information. A deposit is required at the time of booking (deposit not debited).

The "Maémy" gîte is 5 minutes from the Loire, halfway between Nantes and Angers. It has a large living room with dining area and equipped kitchenette, a lounge, 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Table football is available. Details of beds: bedroom 1: 1 double bed 160x200 bedroom 2: 1 double bed 140x190 bedroom 3 : 2 double beds 160x200 and 1 cot bedroom 4 : 1 double bed 140x190 and 1 pull-out bed 90x190 bedroom 5 : 1 double bed 160x200 and 1 trundle bed 90x200 The gîte has a garden with terrace. A covered, heated swimming pool is available from mid-April to mid-October.

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.

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.

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.

The garden of the Museum of Fine Arts and the St-Eloi Place are accessed via the entrance to the museum on Rue Toussaint.

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.

Built in the 15th century by Olivier Barrault, the king’s secretary and treasurer of Britain, this magnificent site now houses the Museum of Fine Arts with collections displaying the history and heritage of Angers. There is more than 3,000m² of permanent exhibition space with further space put aside for temporary exhibits that alternate between the historical and the contemporary. Among the masterpieces on show are works from Lippi, Jordaens, Champaigne, Fragonard, Chardin, Watteau, Ingres, or Morellet.

Grills, Tacos Hamburgers

For our information: she is a pastoral farmer and may occasionally organise meals at COMPA events, but not on a regular basis.

Takeaway pizzas. Homemade pizza recipes with a great traditional taste

Situated in a fishing village on the banks of the Loire, opposite the abbey church with its rose-lined terrace. Specialities from the banks of the Loire. Local products and a special attention to wine selection. Aperitifs and coffee can be served on the terrace. Restructured and air-conditioned establishment. Disabled access. La closerie des roses also offers takeaway meals: for more details, please contact them on 02 40 98 33 30.

"The entire Valentino team welcomes you. Ideally located on the banks of the Loire, Le Valentino welcomes you for a moment of relaxation, Thursday to Monday from 12 noon to 1.45pm and from 7pm to 9pm (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday) (Sunday evenings: Pizzas, Pastas and Salads only). Discover our menus and contact us to make a reservation to discover our traditional cuisine made with quality local produce, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

In the heart of our restaurant on the banks of the Loire, come and discover cuisine straight from Argentina. Each dish is carefully prepared by our chef to give you a Latin taste experience. Our bar-restaurant and terrace offer an exceptional setting along the Loire. Whether you're a family, a couple or a group of friends, our cuisine caters for everyone, with the aim of giving you a convivial, timeless experience!

Ideally located on the Carrière site in Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, on the banks of the Loire, along the Julien Gracq promenade and the Loire by Bike circuit, enjoy a privileged setting for a meal, a drink or simply a break... at the Guinguette Les Batailleuses! You can enjoy fish n' chips, grilled cheese or aperitif platters washed down with natural wine or Kefir, all made with local organic produce. To liven up your meal, there will be concerts, shows and DJ sets throughout the summer. Groups of 20 or more can book outside opening hours. The guinguette may be subject to exceptional closures depending on the weather.

Stone farmhouse located not far from the banks of the Loire. Large garden, patio.

This large, single-storey house will delight families as well as travelling work teams. It can accommodate groups of up to 9 people in its 4 bedrooms. The accommodation has 3 double beds (160x200) and 3 single beds. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and a large vanity unit. Bed linen and towels provided. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, induction hob, oven, microwave and all cooking and washing-up utensils. Coffee pods, tea bags and a coffee machine are also available. A TV and Wi-Fi internet access are available free of charge. Parking is no problem, with several spaces right outside the house. Entrance and departure are independent with a key box system. I am available 24 hours a day if you need more information. A deposit is required at the time of booking (deposit not debited).

This large house is a harmonious blend of traditional stonework and contemporary decoration, a few metres from the centre of Varades, a village on the banks of the Loire. It has an enclosed garden of 800m² with trees and flowers and an outdoor leisure space with hot tub in summer. The 2 guest rooms are upstairs. Bedroom 1: extra-long twin beds (can be pushed together), en-suite shower room with WC and private balcony of 20m². Bedroom 2 (family suite of 2 rooms): 2 king-size beds, twin beds, en-suite bathroom with WC. Additional facilities: WiFi access, TV in each guest room, DVD player, hair drier and baby equipment. Ancenis 12km. Le plus: quality beds and generous breakfasts.

The "Maémy" gîte is 5 minutes from the Loire, halfway between Nantes and Angers. It has a large living room with dining area and equipped kitchenette, a lounge, 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Table football is available. Details of beds: bedroom 1: 1 double bed 160x200 bedroom 2: 1 double bed 140x190 bedroom 3 : 2 double beds 160x200 and 1 cot bedroom 4 : 1 double bed 140x190 and 1 pull-out bed 90x190 bedroom 5 : 1 double bed 160x200 and 1 trundle bed 90x200 The gîte has a garden with terrace. A covered, heated swimming pool is available from mid-April to mid-October.

It has a large 70 m² living area with a lounge, dining room and fully-equipped kitchen. It has 6 bedrooms, a dormitory and a recreation room with table football, which can be used as an extra bedroom. There are two bathrooms and a billiards room. Bed details: *bedroom 1: 1 double bed 160x200 + 1 cot *Bedroom 2: 1 double bed 160x200 + 1 single bed 90x190 *bedroom 3: 1 double bed 140x190 *Bedroom 4: 1 double bed 160x200 + 2 beds 80x200 *Bedroom 5: 1 double bed 160x200 *Bedroom 6: 1 double bed 140x190 *dormitory: 5 beds 90x190 + extra mattresses *1 room on the ground floor with a sofa bed There is an enclosed garden with a large covered area, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool. This gîte is located next to our first gîte, Le Maémy, which sleeps 15. It is possible to rent both gîtes together. Please contact us for more information.

The Eco Loire campsite is located on the "Ile Batailleuse", in a peaceful setting on the banks of the Loire. It is on the Loire à Vélo cycle route, halfway between Angers and Nantes. You'll be just a few minutes' walk from the historic centre and panorama of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, as well as its shops. The campsite offers bare pitches on 3 shaded hectares, fully-equipped Saharan tents for overnight rental (1 tent for 3 people and 2 tents for 5 people) and 4 wooden canvas cabins on stilts for 2 people. An emptying area is available for motorhomes. Sanitary facilities are accessible for people with reduced mobility. The little extras at the Eco Loire campsite: free access to the Saint-Florent-le-Vieil swimming pool for guests, free wifi and breakfast prepared to order. RECEPTION DESK : - April and May: 8am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm - June and September: 8am to 10.30am and 5pm to 7pm - July and August: 7.30am to 11.30am and 3pm to 8pm Unaccompanied campers may set up on an "unreserved" pitch when they arrive at the campsite, even if the reception is closed. Please remember to check in as soon as the reception is open.