Discover Le theil-de-bretagne, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.  

This track is very pleasant for those who like quiet walks.

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

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).

An entirely natural experience! A perched hut surrounded by majestic oak trees, bathed in sunlight, with dry toilets and a solar shower! A moment out of time with a view over the pond and the countryside. A stopover on the road between Le Mans and Rennes / Angers / Nantes. Very comfortable bedding, all linen and accessories provided. Panoramic views. Covered swimming pool on the property (optional), heated from June to mid-September. Shared with the 2 other accommodations. No kill fishing in the 3,200m² pond, pike, roach and carp (>=10kg). Fontaine Couverte is 6.7km from La Guerche de Bretagne, with all shops and services. La Rincerie leisure centre 15km away: swimming, swim golf, wake-park, hiking, etc. Possibility of renting the entire estate for stays of up to 10 people in 3 accommodation areas (H53G025121) with a 64m² room for 32 people (optional). To complete your stay, book Céline's homemade breakfast and dinner featuring local produce!

Relaxing gîte with hot tub, terrace and private garden in the countryside. Comfortable bedding, services included: beds made, linen and utilities. Warm, discreet welcome from Céline, the owner. Access to the covered swimming pool on the property (extra charge), heated from June to mid-September, and to the 3200m² pond for fishing or nature watching. Shared with the 2 other accommodations (8 people maximum). Located between Le Mans and Rennes / Angers / Nantes. Fontaine Couverte is 6.7km from La Guerche de Bretagne, with all services and shops. La Rincerie leisure centre 15km away: swimming, swim golf, wake-park, hiking, etc. The 3 gîtes can be rented for up to 10 people (H53G025121). You can also rent a 64m² room for 32 people (with supplement). Don't forget to book Céline's homemade breakfast and dinner with local produce!

For an immersion in the countryside, a small, cosy house in a 2-hectare natural area. Comfortable bedding, 2 shower rooms and simple kitchen area, just what you need for a few days. In economy mode for 6 people for a short stay or for 2/4 people for a longer stay. Terrace sheltered by a low wall. Services included: beds made, linen and utilities. Céline will be delighted to welcome you and make your stay as pleasant as possible. Access to the covered swimming pool on the property (extra charge), heated from June to mid-September, and to the 3200m² pond for fishing or nature watching. Shared with the 2 other accommodations (4 people maximum). Located between Le Mans and Rennes / Angers / Nantes. Fontaine Couverte is 6.7km from La Guerche de Bretagne, with all services and shops. La Rincerie leisure centre 15km away: swimming, swim golf, wake-park, hiking, etc. The 3 gîtes can be rented for up to 10 people (H53G025121). You can also rent a 64m² room for 32 people (with supplement).

In the heart of nature, on an organic farm, you'll find our 4-person gîte, housed in an old bread oven. In the large, shady garden, there are swings and a slide, as well as space for sun loungers and a barbecue. Discover life on the farm and watch the cows being milked. Every Tuesday, go to the big market in La Guerche de Bretagne, 7 km from the farm.

Pré du Doué is close to the owners' home in a hamlet in peaceful countryside with footpaths, 15km from Châteaubriant. Unfenced garden of 1000m² with 2 patios (west -facing and east-facing). Stream and wash pool on-site (not fenced). A pretty, detached, single-storey, renovated gite. Lounge-diner with open-plan kitchen. Bedroom 1 : double bed. Bedroom 2 : twin beds. Bedroom 3 : king-size bed. Shower room. WC. Additional facilities : radio/CD, DVD player, satellite TV, high chair. Price includes electricity, all linen (beds made on arrival). Extra charges for electric heating (11€/day). Garage for 1 car.

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!

Bright 125m² country house with beautiful wooden furniture, leather armchairs in the living room, an open fireplace in the dining room and, above all, a long, sheltered terrace for enjoying meals outside in all seasons. Unobstructed views over the countryside and surrounding horses. Ground floor gite in two parts: the living rooms, 2 bedrooms, a shower room and toilet in one part, and a separate bedroom with bathroom and terrace. Facilities for people with reduced mobility (not in wheelchairs): shower seat, raised toilet and shower and toilet grab rails. Shops: mini-market, shops and restaurant in Saint-Aignan-sur-Roë (1.4km). Market and swimming pool in La Guerche-de-Bretagne. Robert Tatin Museum in Cossé-le-Vivien (22 km). Hiking trails nearby, Ballots forest 4 km away. 9km away: "La Rincerie" leisure centre - a 50-hectare lake with water sports, mountain biking, archery, hiking trails, etc., access to the greenway at Renazé (Laval/Renazé). Bike hire available with Escape Cross in La Selle Craonnaise, bikes can be delivered directly to the gîte: escapecross.com/reservation/ or 06 30 77 65 10 Pony or horse riding available at HARAS L-FIEF: Lefebvre Mathilde: +33 6 61 44 45 86 Le Moigne Thomas: +33 6 68 35 91 99 The owners will be happy to advise you on your outings and help you make the most of the area. English-speaking welcome.

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

Bridge near the small canal

Discover the trade secret of the famous French sailor pull SAINT JAMES knitting invite you to discover their traditional know-how of the manufacturing of the famous sailor pull and the nautical striped by opening the doors of workshops just step from Mont Saint-Michel. Since 1889, SAINT JAMES immortalizes the French home-made tradition in the textil production. Certified "Living Heritage Compagny", Saint James propose the discovery of unique history and know-how !

"The U.S.A., proud of the exploits of their sons, humble before their sacrifice, have erected this monument in their memory". The cemetery, the chapel with Memorial Room and the Wall of the Missing, commemorate the 4 410 soldiers resting in this place.

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).

The Touche Finale restaurant offers top-quality cuisine using local and traditional produce (potato pears, parsnips, etc.).

Set-price workday menus

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

Turkish specialities

The restaurant is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Online reservations can be made directly on the restaurant's website. 48 covers in 3 areas on the ground floor + 20 covers on the mezzanine.

Bivouacs must be booked in advance, if possible, by calling 06 63 95 88 14. Possibility of using shower and WC Showers, toilets, sinks, electricity, kitchen area 500m from the swin golf course, bar, small restaurant, bed and breakfast, golfing activities.

4 guest rooms located in the heart of the countryside, near the swin-golf.

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.

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