Relax in La selle-guerchaise, Ille-et-Vilaine

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.

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

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 full of nature and memories.

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.

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

Hike on the trails of the Nantes-Brest Canal and its feeding conduct and discover the surrounding bocage. You will see the junction of the “Little Canal” with the Nantes-Brest Canal to maintain a consistency in the level of water to navigate throughout the seasons. The portion of the Canal from “Pas d’Héric” and “Bout de Bois” corresponds to the highest forebay of the Canal. The feeding conduct flows and allows to answer the needs in water of other forebays that goes down to the Valley of the Erdre on one side and to the Valley of the Villaine on the other.

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).

Renate and Nicolas will be happy to welcome you to La Barderie, a rural gîte (4/5 people) located near their organic farm.

The gîte des 2 puits is a beautiful family home! In the heart of the village of St Poix, near the church, you'll love the large, warmly decorated living rooms. The 4 bedrooms have twin and double beds, and two have en-suite shower rooms and WCs. All the rooms on the ground floor open onto an enclosed garden. On hot summer days, you can enjoy the shade of the magnolia tree. The garden is equipped with a children's swing, a trampoline, furniture for meals and deckchairs, a barbecue, a table tennis table and games (pétanque, rackets, molky, children's table football)... Bicycles available on request. Local shops and services on site. You can also visit the market in La Guerche de Bretagne (16km). For your outings, Saint Poix is very well situated: between the Robert Tatin Museum (12kms) with its monumental statues, the Refuge de l'Arche which is home to thousands of animals (35 min). The Rincerie leisure centre, 12 minutes away, offers swimming, swing golf, wake park, etc. There are many hiking trails in the area, as well as the Laval-Renazé greenway passing through Cossé le Vivien. Professional stay: 6 people maximum - Cleaning required. Stay of 1 to 2 nights: arrival 6pm - departure 6pm Stay of 3 nights or more: arrival 6pm - departure 10am

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 gîte Le Portail can welcome 4 people in 3 bedrooms.

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

Bridge near the small canal

"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.

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 !

Le Pégasien in Saint-Aignan sur Roe: restaurant, catering, weddings and seminars.

Bar, restaurant. Working person's meals and reservation on weekends.

The creperie L'Arlequin welcomes you to Renazé.

Come enjoy A l'Ouest restaurant

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).

Renate and Nicolas will be happy to welcome you to La Barderie, a rural gîte (4/5 people) located near their organic farm.

The gîte des 2 puits is a beautiful family home! In the heart of the village of St Poix, near the church, you'll love the large, warmly decorated living rooms. The 4 bedrooms have twin and double beds, and two have en-suite shower rooms and WCs. All the rooms on the ground floor open onto an enclosed garden. On hot summer days, you can enjoy the shade of the magnolia tree. The garden is equipped with a children's swing, a trampoline, furniture for meals and deckchairs, a barbecue, a table tennis table and games (pétanque, rackets, molky, children's table football)... Bicycles available on request. Local shops and services on site. You can also visit the market in La Guerche de Bretagne (16km). For your outings, Saint Poix is very well situated: between the Robert Tatin Museum (12kms) with its monumental statues, the Refuge de l'Arche which is home to thousands of animals (35 min). The Rincerie leisure centre, 12 minutes away, offers swimming, swing golf, wake park, etc. There are many hiking trails in the area, as well as the Laval-Renazé greenway passing through Cossé le Vivien. Professional stay: 6 people maximum - Cleaning required. Stay of 1 to 2 nights: arrival 6pm - departure 6pm Stay of 3 nights or more: arrival 6pm - departure 10am

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 gîte Le Portail can welcome 4 people in 3 bedrooms.

La Herrière is the ideal site for fishing around the 3,000m² private pond, or simply relaxing in a natural setting, listening to the birds and the farmyard. La Herrière is all this and much more. The ground floor is spacious -61m²- and welcoming, offering a sitting room with fireplace, kitchen and dining room. From the windows, you can look out over the countryside and the fishing pond. Upstairs, the large 17m² bedroom has 2 single beds (90x190) and 1 double bed (140x190), separated by a curtain. There are terraces around the gîte with garden furniture. In summer, you can enjoy the shade of the oak and birch trees. There are 2 fishing ponds, a small one for children (frogs and small fish) and a well-maintained 3000m² pond with large open spaces for casting. Fish: carp, tench, pike, perch and even eels! Fishing room with sink and fridge. On site, a varied farmyard with Edouard, the turkey, geese, ducks, hens... a real live show! Shops are in Méral or Cossé-le-Vivien (Wednesday market). Numerous local producers all around: honey, vegetables, meat, organic wood-fired bread, organic brewery (excellent beer!)... Craon has a great aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor pools, swimming lessons, slide, sauna and hammam. Don't miss the Robert Tatin open-air museum, with its giant statues, La Flèche zoo, the town of Château-Gontier with its port (bike and boat hire), shops and gardens, and the Refuge de l'Arche. Try your hand at wakeboarding at the Rincerie leisure centre. Méral borders Ille et Vilaine, so you can take time out to visit Vitré and Rennes. On the Anjou side, the town of Angers, with its castle, old town and restaurants, is also not to be missed.