Soudan, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire

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.  

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.

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.

Gîte adjoining another 7-person gîte, situated in peaceful countryside, 7 km from Châteaubriant and 59 km from Rennes. Enclosed south-facing terrace of 400 m² shared with the other gîte. Ground floor: fitted kitchen opening onto lounge/living room and shower room/wc. First floor: 3 bedrooms (1: bed 140x190, 2: 2 beds 90x190, 3: bed 90x190). Additional amenities: wifi, satellite dish (foreign channels), radio/CD, tumble dryer, freezer. Not included: electric heating, electricity, bed linen and towels (€25) and compulsory cleaning (€100). Security deposit: €700 Nantes and Angers 75 km.

A medieval fortress and Renaissance edifice, Châteaubriant tells the story of ten centuries of history. In the Middle Ages, Châteaubriant castle was at the heart of the Marches de Bretagne. It was a stronghold that defended the duchy against the kingdom of France. The keep, ramparts, seigniorial chapel and dwellings of the medieval court still bear witness to the power of this fortress. In the 16th century, the lower courtyard became a place of residence opening onto the gardens. The château's gardens are open to visitors free of charge from February to December. Visitor maps are available from the reception and gift shop to help you get a better understanding of the site. There is also a 3D space where visitors can explore the castle's architectural development, from the 11th century to the present day, free of charge. From February to December, heritage mediators will accompany you on an in-depth tour of the château, its keep and its gardens. During the school holidays, there are family workshops to help develop the creativity and curiosity of parents and children!

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

In Pouancé, between Anjou and Brittany, our Agap' et Morphée guest house offers you a stay where comfort, calm and personalised attention combine to create a real sense of well-being. Our two elegant bedrooms, private spa, peaceful garden and gourmet table d'hôte offer the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away, a break in the countryside or a stop-off on your travels. Situated 300 m from the 7 Bell Towers trail, a few kilometres from the "Régalante" (Nantes-Mont-Saint-Michel) and on the route of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, our house is perfect for hikers and cyclists looking for a warm and comfortable stopover. Our home-cooked breakfast, local produce, tasteful decor, sincere welcome and 5/5 reputation guarantee a reliable and memorable experience. Book your stay and enjoy an address where every detail has been thought of to allow you to really switch off, savour the moment and recharge your batteries. Go no further, you've come to the right place, and I'm waiting for you! Véronique

Located in Pouancé, the Auberge de la Chaise Rouge needs no introduction, with its theatre company, restaurant and organic farm. Vegetables, organic eggs and lamb are sold direct from the production site, in other words from the Chaise Rouge! Thirty hectares of a site with character set on an organic farm with an exceptional landscape of hundred-year-old oak trees. A combination of free-range farming (ewes, poultry, horses) and a natural vegetable garden. We are passionate about preserving the environment, the landscape and sustainable development. Direct sales at the farm and online at cagette.net

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

Bridge near the small canal

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.

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.

Traditional cuisine

Full menus at €14.50 with drinks and €16.50 with rib steak. Home-made chips every Friday, home-made burger. Large HGV parking available.

Home-cooked food to eat in or take away.

On-site and takeaway pizzeria and restaurant

Takeaway and home delivery pizzas.

Fast food, kebab and Turkish specialities.

Couscous to order at weekends.

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

Grilled meat and fish, tapas, burgers... Open every day except Wednesday evening. Takeaway available.

Whether it's a lunch break, a quick meal or an evening with friends, you'll be welcomed with a smile. Guitars are also available.

Nearby attractions include - The Châteaubriant-Segré greenway passing through Soudan (Soudan) - The Carrière des fusillés and the Musée de la Résistance (Châteaubriant) - Aquachoisel aquatic centre (Châteaubriant) - The lime kilns (Erbray)

If you love the peace and quiet of the countryside, come and recharge your batteries. If you're passing through, come and take a break. Are you working away from home and looking for unusual accommodation? Our windmill is the ideal place. We also offer a personalised welcome for newlyweds. Accommodation: 1 bedroom for 2 people with 1 double bed and 1 private bathroom. Separate fitted kitchen, breakfast and meal trays available at extra cost. Facilities : Tumble dryer, Heating, Iron, Laptop work space, Washing machine. To cycle from Châteaubriant, copy this link: www.openrunner.com/route-details/21241685

Gîtes with the "Accueil Vélo" label. The Petit Marcel gîtes are located near Châteaubriant, between Nantes, Angers, Rennes and Laval. Thibaud welcomes you all year round to his accommodation for 1 to 4 people, ideally situated in a bucolic, green setting. An ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the calm and friendliness of a complex on a human scale. The gîtes have an indoor swimming pool, heated depending on the season, a petanque area, children's swings, barbecues and outdoor dining areas. > Need temporary, short-term accommodation? Companies sometimes call us when they need to house their employees for an assignment or work site around Châteaubriant. We offer accommodation for 2 to 4 weeks (or even longer). > Monthly rentals are also available. > The plus: The greenway is just a few pedal strokes from our gîtes, and we have a secure bike room to welcome our cycling friends. To cycle from Châteaubriant: www.openrunner.com/route-details/19920179

Gîte adjoining another 7-person gîte, situated in peaceful countryside, 7 km from Châteaubriant and 59 km from Rennes. Enclosed south-facing terrace of 400 m² shared with the other gîte. Ground floor: fitted kitchen opening onto lounge/living room and shower room/wc. First floor: 3 bedrooms (1: bed 140x190, 2: 2 beds 90x190, 3: bed 90x190). Additional amenities: wifi, satellite dish (foreign channels), radio/CD, tumble dryer, freezer. Not included: electric heating, electricity, bed linen and towels (€25) and compulsory cleaning (€100). Security deposit: €700 Nantes and Angers 75 km.

The accommodation also has a secure bicycle garage. 2 nights maximum