La Grande Ourse: Nature Escape in Mesquer, Loire-Atlantique

This long loop passes through large wooded areas of oak and chestnut trees, including the Grand Val at the bottom of which flows Matz Creek. It leads to the Valley of Trévelo Creek, which separates the towns of Caden and Limerzel.

The name "Questembert" comes from the Breton word "Kisten Berh", which means "Land of Chestnuts". Near the centre of town, this trail takes you along the hollow ways towards the creek of Cohignac and then St John's Chapel. In springtime, asphodels bloom on the banks and in the woods, showing off their elongated stems and handsome spikes of white flowers. They are locally known as "popinettes", hence the name of the trail. From this trail, you can reach Berric by following the marked paths (3km). Yellow marks

This town is named after the sweet chestnut tree. In the Breton language, it is called Kisten Berh, which means “land of the chestnuts”. In the 12th century, the name “Questembert” was found in writing; however, over time, the spelling changed.

Awarded 4 flowers by Village Fleuri, the town of La Vraie-Croix is also known for winning the Grand Prix National du Fleurissement (an award given out every year to one or several villages in France with 4 flowers), and the Prix Européen du Fleurissement (for all of Europe). It is also invited to attend the Floralies International, a prestigious floral event held in Nantes in May 2014. La Vraie-Croix was formerly known as Langroez and used as a resting place for the Knights of Malta during the Crusades.

The area of Malansac extends from Rochefort-en-Terre (town listed as a "Petite Cité de Caractère"), to the Grées, a shale and slate-like strip that towers over the Valley of Arz. The Circuit des Ardoisières offers fantastic views but be careful; due to the presence of old open pit mines, it is recommended that you stay on the marked path. VTT marks n°5 blue

Rochefort-en-Terre is very lucky to have a rich architectural heritage. Thanks to the local government’s desire to maintain and protect the site, this village is now classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère (an award honouring the remarkable architectural heritage and landscape of small villages in France). Rochefort-en-Terre is also part of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France) and Villes Fleuris (an award recognising a town’s respect for the environment, protection of a social and community network, and quality of its tourist facilities) with four flowers thanks to the combined efforts by the community and residents. Starting from Place du Puits, take Rue des Scourtets, and then, Chemin des Douves, located to your right. Walk along the strongholds and fortifications built during the 14th and 16th centuries.

To the north of Questembert, the town of Molac is perched on a hill overlooking the Valley of Arz. The town's architectural heritage reflects its history, which is thousands of years old. The trail heads toward the River Arz and takes the Voie Verte (Green Lane), the old railway. It crosses the Grées (shale-like hills) of Lindeul. Finally, it penetrates the vast forest of Lanvaux. Please follow the yellow marks.

This trail is on the old railway track which makes it special.

This trail starts near the RN 171. This trail will take you to the “Calan” stream, it will charm you with its panoramic view.

The first chapel was built by the monastic community of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem during the 12th century and under the control of Carentoir like the chapels of Gorvello, Molac and Guerno. It was restored in the 18th century and decorated with a Classical-style pediment on the main door.

Both the 16th century fountain and washhouse are made of regular granite surrounded by a small stone wall. The fountain looks like a small temple sitting large columns and topped with a domed roof. A small alcove was built for the Saint's statue.

Buildings from the former 17th century Presbytery were restored and transformed into the town hall in 2007 and "Les Digitales" Art Centre in 2011. The Art Centre is a place for activities and exhibits. It displays different models of farming machinery from the collection of Mr Sevestre, a passionate farmer from Caden, and holds a museum presenting farming activities from yesterday and today with interviews from local farmers.

Located on Place Gombaud and built in 1907 by the Union Régionaliste Bretonne (Breton Regionalist Union) for the 1000th anniversary of the death of Alain Le Grand (Alan Meur in Breton), King of Brittany. This 5-metre tall granite headstone commemorates the victory of this Breton leader over the Normans (vikings) in 890. On the western side, you can see the blade of a gladiator’s sword pointing downward, which symbolises the sword of great conqueror. Go back up Rue Lebrun et Malard (between the post office and bakery) and enter the cemetery. Inside, you will find Saint Michel Chapel.

This chapel was built in the mid 15th century, during the reign of the Duke of Brittany François I, where Saint Vincent Ferrier was believed to have preached on 3 March 1418 while staying in Questembert. It was founded by the lords of Rochefort, who had great power and influence in Questembert and surrounding areas at the time. To the left of the chapel, you will find a 15th century stone cross and rectangular sculpture, representing a processional banner. This type of Christian monument is called a “croix bannière” in French and typical to the region of Brittany. In front of the entrance, a large several century-old yew tree seems to protect the tombs of the parish rectors, including Father Mulot, co-founder of the Montfort Fathers congregation, who died during a mission in Questembert in 1749. The chapel was classified as a Historical Monument in 1922. Restored between 2006 and 2007, it is regularly open to the public (concerts, themed days, etc.). Things to discover nearby: At the end of Rue du Chanoine Niol, the old rectory, washhouse and fountain. The old 15th century rectory is a typical country-style and aristocratic residence of old France (private property). The rectory washhouse resembles a small version of Les Halles. The fountain, made up of three columns, is very unique. The fountain and Saint Martin washhouse are located at the end of Rue St-Martin and Rue de la Fontaine.

Located on the former town square, this covered market was built in 1552 by Jérôme De Carné, Earl of Cohignac and creator of the fairs held in Questembert. By fate, it was restored in 1675 by a local entrepreneur named Estienne Charpentier (Estienne Carpenter in English). Les Halles were designed to cover, mark off and control trading areas. The marketplace was a great place to mingle and exchange goods. In the past, drapers, rope makers and shoemakers met here to sell their goods. This was the main activity during old country fairs. Traditional handicraft (canvas, wool, fine linens and leather) was very important in Questembert. Craftsmen having the same profession often lived in the same neighbourhood, even on the same street. Therefore, professional relationships were very easy to make. Streets were often named after certain professions, such as rue de la laine (wool street), rue de la tannerie (tannery street), etc.Les Halles, restored in 1997, have never been used as much as today. It holds a large market on Monday mornings and a market selling regional products on Wednesday evenings as well as flea markets, concerts and other cultural events. Les Halles was classified as a Historical Monument in 1922. Only four “historical” covered wooden markets have survived in the region of Brittany: Questembert and Le Faouët in Morbihan, Plouescat in Finistère and Clisson in Loire-Atlantique.Now, head towards Place de la Libération, and then Place Gombaud.On the other side of the roundabout, you will find the headstone of Alain le Grand, King of Brittany.

Located on the former town square, this covered market was built in 1552 by Jérôme De Carné, Earl of Cohignac and creator of the fairs held in Questembert. By fate, it was restored in 1675 by a local entrepreneur named Estienne Charpentier (Estienne Carpenter in English). Les Halles were designed to cover, mark off and control trading areas. The marketplace was a great place to mingle and exchange goods. In the past, drapers, rope makers and shoemakers met here to sell their goods. This was the main activity during old country fairs. Traditional handicraft (canvas, wool, fine linens and leather) was very important in Questembert. Craftsmen having the same profession often lived in the same neighbourhood, even on the same street. Therefore, professional relationships were very easy to make. Streets were often named after certain professions, such as rue de la laine (wool street), rue de la tannerie (tannery street), etc. Les Halles, restored in 1997, have never been used as much as today. It holds a large market on Monday mornings and a market selling regional products on Wednesday evenings as well as flea markets, concerts and other cultural events. Les Halles was classified as a Historical Monument in 1922. Only four “historical” covered wooden markets have survived in the region of Brittany: Questembert and Le Faouët in Morbihan, Plouescat in Finistère and Clisson in Loire-Atlantique. Now, head towards Place de la Libération, and then Place Gombaud. On the other side of the roundabout, you will find the headstone of Alain le Grand, King of Brittany.

This chapel was built in the mid 15th century, during the reign of the Duke of Brittany François I, where Saint Vincent Ferrier was believed to have preached on 3 March 1418 while staying in Questembert. It was founded by the lords of Rochefort, who had great power and influence in Questembert and surrounding areas at the time. To the left of the chapel, you will find a 15th century stone cross and rectangular sculpture, representing a processional banner. This type of Christian monument is called a “croix bannière” in French and typical to the region of Brittany. In front of the entrance, a large several century-old yew tree seems to protect the tombs of the parish rectors, including Father Mulot, co-founder of the Montfort Fathers congregation, who died during a mission in Questembert in 1749. The chapel was classified as a Historical Monument in 1922. Restored between 2006 and 2007, it is regularly open to the public (concerts, themed days, etc.). Things to discover nearby: At the end of Rue du Chanoine Niol, the old rectory, washhouse and fountain. The old 15th century rectory is a typical country-style and aristocratic residence of old France (private property). The rectory washhouse resembles a small version of Les Halles. The fountain, made up of three columns, is very unique. The fountain and Saint Martin washhouse are located at the end of Rue St-Martin and Rue de la Fontaine.

Located on the former town square, this covered market was built in 1552 by Jérôme De Carné, Earl of Cohignac and creator of the fairs held in Questembert. By fate, it was restored in 1675 by a local entrepreneur named Estienne Charpentier (Estienne Carpenter in English). Les Halles were designed to cover, mark off and control trading areas. The marketplace was a great place to mingle and exchange goods. In the past, drapers, rope makers and shoemakers met here to sell their goods. This was the main activity during old country fairs. Traditional handicraft (canvas, wool, fine linens and leather) was very important in Questembert. Craftsmen having the same profession often lived in the same neighbourhood, even on the same street. Therefore, professional relationships were very easy to make. Streets were often named after certain professions, such as rue de la laine (wool street), rue de la tannerie (tannery street), etc. Les Halles, restored in 1997, have never been used as much as today. It holds a large market on Monday mornings and a market selling regional products on Wednesday evenings as well as flea markets, concerts and other cultural events. Les Halles was classified as a Historical Monument in 1922. Only four “historical” covered wooden markets have survived in the region of Brittany: Questembert and Le Faouët in Morbihan, Plouescat in Finistère and Clisson in Loire-Atlantique. Now, head towards Place de la Libération, and then Place Gombaud. On the other side of the roundabout, you will find the headstone of Alain le Grand, King of Brittany.

This building, known as Hôtel Belmont, has held the town’s Tourist Office since 1991. This private home with different beautiful finely crafted skylights dates back to the 15th and 16th century and always belonged to very rich families. It was restored in 2005. Take Rue Saint Michel, turn left, and enter the small garden, where you will find the turret of Hôtel Belmont.

A former forge built in 1711, now transformed into a restaurant, in a stunning setting in Mesquer on the Guérande peninsula. Discover the gentle atmosphere, in a fascinating, exotic and air-conditioned setting: a pleasure for the eyes, the scents and the flavours! M. Pierrès, chef and owner, invites you on a journey of gustatory pleasures through a cuisine as refined as it is inventive, combining Breton produce with flavours from here and elsewhere. This establishment is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, which you can discover in the services and facilities detailed below.

Dishes prepared by a top chef. Les tontons traiteurs specialise in the production and marketing of trays of ready meals in a protective atmosphere (Food-Grade Gas). We distribute our trays via a network of small and medium-sized retailers, traditional shops (bakeries, butchers, grocery stores, etc.), hotels and, in season, campsites. Each year, we will offer you between 200 and 300 different recipes. Of course, the emblematic dishes that your customers prefer will be repeated from week to week, for example: Pot-au-Feu in Autumn, Tartiflette in Winter, Navarrin d'Agneau et petits légumes in Spring, and fish dishes in Summer... These recipes will take into account the seasonal nature of the products, but also your requests, so don't hesitate to let us know. Find out more about our points of sale on our website.

Local tapas bar in the evening, organic and local canteen at lunchtime from September to June and coffee shop in the afternoon, this renovated village bar offers eco-responsible cuisine based on local, farmhouse and often organic produce, all year round. You can have a snack with your children, sip a samphire cocktail, a glass of wine or a local beer while playing shuffleboard in the pretty little hidden courtyard in summer... or dance the night away at the impromptu parties and concerts organised throughout the year. The programme of concerts, themed evenings and exhibitions can be found on the Central café FB page and on Instagram, as well as on the website: www.centralcafe-mesquer.com Central café is open all year round on Thursdays and Fridays for lunch and dinner, and on Saturdays from 4.30pm. During the school holidays, it is open every evening except Sunday. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.

Discover pigeon in all its forms. Catering - Room hire - Seminars - Cookery courses. This establishment is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, which you can discover in the services and facilities detailed below.

Bohème Sarrasine, creperie at home. I cook for you, in your home, crêpes/galettes menus with local and organic products in a friendly atmosphere. I can also help you with your business and special events. Check out our Facebook page for more information on our sales times and locations: Mondays, 5pm-7.30pm, Kerpond'armes garden - Clis (until the Christmas holidays) Thursday, 4.30pm-7pm Le caveau du muscadet - Guérande (until the Christmas holidays) Friday, 4.30pm-7pm in front of Atelier Leny Soleil in Mesquer I will be present at the following Christmas Markets: Kerhinet Christmas Market, 6, 7 and 8 December from 9am to 7pm, in the village of Kerhinet. Mesquer Christmas Market on 14 December from 10am to 6pm, in the village of Mesquer.

Located on the port of Kercabellec, La Yole offers galettes and crêpes, salads, oysters, mussels, seafood sauerkraut, beef cuts, ice creams and other suggestions. We also offer a takeaway service from 6pm. Opening hours

For a relaxing moment with family or friends, come and enjoy a platter of oysters and other seafood accompanied by a glass of Muscadet in an authentic setting.

Rezhin is Quimiac's first wine bar. In a raw, industrial style, come and find superb bottles of natural and organic wines, as well as fine French spirits! Browse our selection of products from Quimiac and all the finest terroirs of France. From this summer onwards, make the most of a warm and lively place to come and have a drink with friends, over good food!

Family-run creperie. Organic "Tradition Bretagne" buckwheat pancakes, organic wheat flour pancakes. Bouchot mussels from the Bay of Kercabellec (from June to September), artisanal ciders from Morbihan - Regional wines. Selection of teas and coffees roasted in Guérande.

Le Belem is a traditional restaurant serving fish, seafood and meat. Takeaway at lunchtime. Don't hesitate to visit our website to discover our gourmet menu and book your table.

The car park is 1.2 km from the market town of Mesquer and 2.5 km from Lanséria beach. Service point 500 m away. Grassed area closed in winter: reopening in spring depending on the weather (the area may be temporarily closed depending on the weather). Other information: parking is limited to 72 hours or 3 nights maximum.

Services: water supply and drainage. Payment only by contactless credit card. No parking Parking: Bôle de Merquel car park and Parc de la Lande car park. The service area is located 1 km from the town of Mesquer and 2.2 km from Lanséria beach.

Situated in South Brittany, near La Baule-Guérande, we welcome you to our campsite in our little wood just a stone's throw from the sea. Looking to get away from it all? Come and explore our little corner of paradise: take advantage of our water park with its slides and whirlpool area. Unique in the Loire-Atlantique region, our lagoon with its white sandy beach offers a Caribbean flavour... a change of scenery guaranteed: swimming, lazing around, sand castles, there's something for everyone. We offer you a family environment where joie de vivre and good humour reign! During the summer, discover the many activities on offer 6 days a week: mini-clubs, pétanque, concerts, aperitif games and much more! Don't hesitate to contact us for information on camping pitches with individual sanitary facilities or rental accommodation for weekends or weeks.

The Château de Tréambert holiday village will win you over with its 17 hectares of undulating, shady grounds, in the heart of the Mès salt marshes, in the small seaside resort of Mesquer. Whether you're an individual or a group, our friendly team will be happy to help. Not sure what to do? Let us convince you a little more... After a dip in the pool and a siesta under the trees in the park, set off on an adventure! Choose a walk to the Pointe de Kercabellec, whose name alone is synonymous with a change of scenery, a visit to the salt works in the Guérande salt marshes, a barge trip through the heart of the Brière Regional Nature Park, or a stroll along the embankment of the chic resort of La Baule... A wide choice for a successful stay on the peninsula! Spread over a 17-hectare site, the Village Vacances de Mesquer offers a range of accommodation suited to holidays with family or friends: - Fully-equipped, semi-detached chalets (25 and 45 m²) for 4 or 6 people, arranged in hamlets. Some chalets are accessible to people with reduced mobility. - There are also Pagan Lodges Maasaï, family accommodation for 4 people in wood and canvas, fully equipped and sanitised. The rooms are soberly and elegantly decorated. Electric sockets are also available in every room, allowing modern campers to stay connected in the middle of nature. Let yourself be charmed by our new project to be as close to nature as possible... For sports and leisure activities for children and adults alike, there's a heated pool area**, tennis courts, petanque courts, a multi-sports and volleyball pitch, mini-golf, a library area, a TV room, an entertainment room and board games on loan. Your Holiday Village offers a friendly welcome for all your events: weddings, birthdays, family reunions, etc... Additional information : Arrivals from 5pm and departures before 10am. No need to pack EVERYTHING! To keep your holiday light, take advantage of the all-inclusive services and facilities that the Village Vacances de Mesquer has to offer... Unguarded closed car park. Outside, the holiday village is pedestrianised. Fans of cycle tourism? Take advantage of all the facilities and advice for cyclists. Your Holiday Village has been awarded the "Bonnes Adresses FFCyclotourisme" label! Fancy a massage? All season long, you can make an appointment with our practitioner, who will welcome you over a cup of tea to show you a range of massages.

Take advantage of our camping area with 29 free camping pitches and 15 motorhome pitches. The ideal way to enjoy your stay and the magnificent view over the Mès salt marshes, part of the Guérande peninsula salt marshes. Spread over a 17-hectare site, the Village Vacances de Mesquer also offers fully-equipped chalets for rent, as well as comfortable Pagan Lodges Maasaï, ideal for holidays with family or friends. The Chateau de Tréambert offers rooms for hire for receptions, seminars, weddings or family celebrations. Two rooms are available, the first with a capacity of 70 people is available at €280/day and the second with a capacity of 220 people is available from €600/day. If you book one of the two halls, you must also book an accommodation unit.

House for 4 people. Independant kitchen. TV, Coffee maker, Microwave, Combined-freezing, Private laundry, Dishwasher. Independant bedroom : 1 bed of 140cm, Independant bedroom : 2 beds of 90cm. Terrace, Garden, Barbecue. Parking is private.