Discover Drain, Maine-et-Loire: Activities and Local Charm

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.  

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.  

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”.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

In the heart of the Coteaux d'Ancenis vineyards and at the crossroads of Nantes and Anjou wines, this gîte is an ideal stopover for your stay on the Loire Valley wine route. This 70m² single-storey gîte has just been completely renovated and features a bright living room with a sitting area, a dining area and a fully-equipped, open-plan kitchen. A shower room with double washbasin and toilet leads to the 2 bedrooms: one with a double bed (140cm) and the other with 2 single beds (90cm). The owners' swimming pool is 150m away and can be used on request. Possibility of accommodating 2 extra people in the lounge (sofa bed). Outside, a parking space is available as well as a closed area for your bicycles.

Just a stone's throw from the Galloires wine estate, renowned for its varied and original range of wines, this charming gîte for 2 people offers a leafy setting for a stay on the banks of the Loire between Ancenis and Nantes. Set amidst the vineyards, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy hiking, cycling or wine-tasting while staying in this fully-equipped cottage. This bright, single-storey house offers a living room with a sitting area (sofa bed that can be used as an extra bed for 2 people and TV) and dining area opening onto a fully equipped kitchen (2 induction hobs, fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher, microwave, etc.), a large bedroom with a double bed (160x200) and an extra single bed (90cm bed), a shower room with WC and walk-in shower. Outside, in the shade of the wisteria, enjoy the pergola with garden furniture, sun loungers, barbecue and gas hob. The wooded garden invites you to relax and contemplate the magnificent rose bushes. There is a shared laundry room with the neighbouring chambre d'hôte, with washing machine and tumble dryer. Secure bike storage on site. On request, the owner can prepare a delicious and copious breakfast (supplement €7/person): hot drink, yoghurt, fruit juice, homemade cakes and fruit from the garden.

The meat I offer is from Charolais cattle, reared on a responsible farm that respects the environment and the animals. I'm committed to quality, authenticity and simplicity. - Brice

The Ile Mouchet campsite in Ancenis is located between Nantes and Angers on the banks of the Loire, ideal for fishing and walking with family or friends. The campsite welcomes you in a calm and shady setting. It offers a heated swimming pool and waterslides, entertainment and dance evenings in July and August. You'll also find a grocery shop, a bar where you can enjoy a cocktail, ice creams, snacks, takeaway meals, bread on site, and a bike hire service. The campsite has free Wi-Fi in communal areas (bar, snack bar, terrace, reception), with a charge for use of equipped pitches. We offer full breakfasts and packed lunches for your outings... A "Loire à Vélo" area is available with a marquee where you'll find tables, benches, a fridge, a microwave, a clothes line, everything you need for a restful stopover.

Two acrobats discuss their relationship with risk. With somersaults, Chinese masts and aerial manoeuvres, the artists literally perform before our very eyes, involving us in their reflections. As they re-enact their favourite circus acts, they share their thoughts: where does this need to put themselves in danger come from? What chemical process is at work inside them when they emerge victorious from a leap into space? What have they got to gain... or lose? Matthieu Gary and Sidney Pin put us right at the heart of the action, playing with all forms of falling, balancing and, above all, the love of risk. A show that's intelligent, funny, joyful and full of finesse: there's no shortage of good reasons to discover it! Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes. For ages 8 and up.

Edmond Dantès, a 19-year-old sailor, arrives in Marseilles to become engaged to the beautiful Catalan girl Mercédès the very next day. Betrayed by jealous "friends", he is denounced as a Bonapartist conspirator and locked up in a prison in the Château d'If, off the coast of Marseille. After 14 years in prison, he escaped and had only one thing on his mind: revenge. With talent and ingenuity, storyteller Nicolas Bonneau, musician-actor Fanny Chériaux and guitarist Mathias Castagné create a theatrical whodunit with a Tarantino-esque feel, complete with songs, video and animated film. With them, we despair locked up in the Château d'If, escape with panache, hope to find the hidden treasure, resolve to go into exile... Let yourself be swept along with the hero in the twists and turns of limitless vengeance! Bookings: online ticket office or in person at the theatre box office (Tuesday and Friday from 4pm to 6pm and Wednesday from 10am to 12pm and from 4pm to 6pm). Running time: 1H50 min. Ages 10 and up.

After "Tutu" and "Carmen", here is "A4", Philippe Lafeuille's new choreographic extravaganza. Four dancers, four worlds, for a Power 4 of possibilities for games and gestures... Four dancers enter the stage in white fringed costumes that envelop them completely. Four is the leitmotif of this choreography imagined by Philippe Lafeuille and performed by the Chicos Mambo company. Somewhere between circus, comedy and dance (contemporary and hip-hop), the choreographer has bent over backwards to create a visual universe that's as sharp as a tack. Paced by Vivaldi's Four Seasons, we wonder if the quartet will end up with all fours in the air. Whatever happens, at the bottom of page A4 you'll find the inimitable signature of this most leafy of choreographers: a delightful and inventive proposition in which dance plays with theatre, circus, humour and poetry. A stunning, poetic show that promises to appeal to all generations. Bookings: online ticket office or in person at the theatre box office (Tuesday and Friday from 4pm to 6pm and Wednesday from 10am to 12pm and from 4pm to 6pm). Running time: 1H00 min. For children aged 6 and over.

Bridge near the small canal

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

As a place for meeting and mixing, the library must also be a simple place where people are welcomed in a friendly atmosphere and where they can get good advice. The whole team is involved in each place and provides quality entertainment. Come and visit them and share with them a good moment of reading and discovery.

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.

La Charbo has had a facelift and is reopening its doors with a new concept of local, fresh and homemade brasserie. It's also a cultural café, with weekend concerts, themed evenings, exhibitions and a variety of workshops in season. La Charbo is committed to sustainable practices such as reducing food waste and supporting local artists and producers. Aperitif platters of cold meats and/or cheeses and a range of tapas Brasserie menu from Wednesday lunchtime to Sunday. Sweet snacks and ice creams Situated on the banks of the Loire with a view of the Ancenis bridge, this is the perfect stop-off for cyclists doing the Loire à Vélo. Secure bike racks are available. Hire and loan service: - Cane to play mini-golf free of charge, - Bike pump, - Iphone or Samsung charger.

Breton crêperie with terrace facing the Loire River.

Wine and tapas bar with outside seating with view over the Loire. Open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am-9pm, seven days a week during summer time.

Grill restaurant just next to the Loire. Open from April to September: open middays and evenings from Tuesday to Sunday. From October to March: open middays and closed on Tuesday night, Wednesday night and Sunday night. Closed on Mondays throughout the year, the second week of March, the first two weeks of October and between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

His "Comme à la maison" brand offers a wide variety of takeaway dishes. Depending on the season and the produce available, Mickaël Guillaume cooks local and world cuisine: chorizo, chicken and Roquefort gratin, mushroom risotto, bourguignon, puff pastry, wraps, soups in winter and salads in summer.

Bar and restaurant just in front of the castle. Traditional cuisine. Open middays from Monday to Saturday. Closed the first week of August.

Inspired by their many travels, Emily and Richard share their experiences through authentic Japanese cuisine. While Madame cooks, Monsieur takes care of welcoming you in a warm, modern setting.

"Embrace the warm atmosphere and hospitality of AUTHENTIC KEBAB , located in ANCENIS. A warm welcome awaits you! You will be greeted with authentic hospitality and a splendid range of Turkish cuisine. Discover exceptional fast food and home cooking served by our friendly staff. Bring your friends and family to enjoy our tasty cuisine. Here you can indulge in our delicious ice creams and desserts. We cater for a multitude of dietary preferences, offering a wide range of halal, kosher and vegetarian options. Refreshing beer, wine, coffee and tea are also available to complement your meal. In a calm and relaxing environment, enjoy a tasty lunch and dinner."

Regularly present in the Ancenis area, check out their website. Every week the Chef prepares three dishes, one of which is vegetarian, using vegetables harvested by our favourite market gardener. Revisited and flavoured recipes. All our dishes are homemade. An upcoming event? Have you thought about hiring a food truck to treat your guests with originality? Discover Naa'Nou Riz, the food truck that revisits world dishes with seasonal vegetables! A new range of original home cooking that can be adapted to suit your tastes.

The camping Beauregret is quiet and close to the scenic vineyards of Anjou, on the south shore of the Loire, at the height of Ancenis. It is an ideal place for fishermen (fishing trip label). This Campsite is continuously manned from 15 June to 31 August. It has shaded and well delimited. The landscape aspect of the camp is very important. This is a small, quiet and cozy camping .

Who hasn't dreamt of discovering the inside of a mill? This unusual gîte, with its warm, well-kept décor, is sure to provide all the comforts you need for unforgettable moments with family or friends. Just a few minutes from the banks of the Loire, close to Ancenis and the Loire à Vélo cycle route, this accommodation will win you over with its leafy setting, its large, bright living room with dining area, lounge and kitchen, and above all its access to the mill! Ground floor: a suite with PRM access and a 140x190 bed, a shower room with walk-in shower and separate toilet. Upstairs: a bedroom with a 140x190 bed and a second bedroom with 2 80x200 beds, a shared shower room and toilet. On the mezzanine, a pull-out bed can accommodate one or two extra people if required. The mill tower has 5 levels, with a small sitting area, extra bed (180x120) and toilet on the ground floor. Climbing up these different levels is well worth the diversions. On the 4th floor, you have a magnificent panoramic view over the Drain countryside, the Loire valley and the Château de la Turmelière. On the top floor, a glazed opening allows you to contemplate the magnificent renovation of the mill frame and roof. Outside: garden furniture, sun loungers and a gas barbecue are available to make the most of the sunny terrace and garden. There's also a sheltered spa area where you can relax in peace and quiet.

In the heart of the Coteaux d'Ancenis vineyards and at the crossroads of Nantes and Anjou wines, this gîte is an ideal stopover for your stay on the Loire Valley wine route. This 70m² single-storey gîte has just been completely renovated and features a bright living room with a sitting area, a dining area and a fully-equipped, open-plan kitchen. A shower room with double washbasin and toilet leads to the 2 bedrooms: one with a double bed (140cm) and the other with 2 single beds (90cm). The owners' swimming pool is 150m away and can be used on request. Possibility of accommodating 2 extra people in the lounge (sofa bed). Outside, a parking space is available as well as a closed area for your bicycles.

Close to the banks of the Loire, between Nantes and Angers, Gobelyne's garden offers two independent rooms with all mod cons, each with en suite facilities. Set in the peace and quiet of the countryside, these two guest rooms offer an ideal rural setting in which to relax and recharge your batteries. Patrick has a passion for wine, and will be delighted to introduce you to some of the local nuggets at his table d'hôte dinner. The first bedroom, "Epi d'Or", on the first floor of the house, has a 140cm bed and 2 90cm beds, with its own bathroom and toilet. A second bedroom, in an outbuilding in the garden, offers 1 140cm bed on the ground floor, with a kitchenette and a small dining area. A second 140cm bed is located on the mezzanine. Private shower room and toilet. Guests have access to a terrace, balcony and swimming pool. The swimming pool is open from April to October. The terrace has sun loungers and garden furniture for relaxing in the sun. Wifi available and table d'hôtes by prior arrangement. A closed garage is available for cyclists.

Between Nantes and Angers, take advantage of the exceptional charm of the Loire, its footpaths and cycle routes to discover the flora and fauna and the pleasures of local gastronomy and wine, just 2.5km from Ancenis. Bed Loire offers 2 bedrooms, one with a view of the Loire and the other overlooking its peaceful garden, for a maximum capacity of 5 people. From breakfast to bedtime, you can enjoy the lounge with its breathtaking view of the river. Extra beds available on request. For cyclists, a bicycle garage is available. The large garden has a lovely play area for children (enclosed, secure garden). Just 30km from Nantes and 50km from Angers, a whole host of activities and possibilities are on offer, for a holiday or weekend away from your everyday life.

Just a stone's throw from the Galloires wine estate, renowned for its varied and original range of wines, this charming gîte for 2 people offers a leafy setting for a stay on the banks of the Loire between Ancenis and Nantes. Set amidst the vineyards, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy hiking, cycling or wine-tasting while staying in this fully-equipped cottage. This bright, single-storey house offers a living room with a sitting area (sofa bed that can be used as an extra bed for 2 people and TV) and dining area opening onto a fully equipped kitchen (2 induction hobs, fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher, microwave, etc.), a large bedroom with a double bed (160x200) and an extra single bed (90cm bed), a shower room with WC and walk-in shower. Outside, in the shade of the wisteria, enjoy the pergola with garden furniture, sun loungers, barbecue and gas hob. The wooded garden invites you to relax and contemplate the magnificent rose bushes. There is a shared laundry room with the neighbouring chambre d'hôte, with washing machine and tumble dryer. Secure bike storage on site. On request, the owner can prepare a delicious and copious breakfast (supplement €7/person): hot drink, yoghurt, fruit juice, homemade cakes and fruit from the garden.

Guest house on a wine estate overlooking the Loire Valley. The 35 m² "Loire" room overlooks the Loire Valley and is equipped with 2 double beds, en-suite bathroom and toilet, kitchenette, pool table and television. The 18 m² "Vigne" room is a peaceful family suite overlooking the garden and vineyards. It comprises 2 small bedrooms, 1 shower, 2 washbasins and wc. The 2 rooms have Wi-Fi connection. You can relax in the flower-filled garden.

In the heart of 45 hectares of wooded parkland, the Tilleuls gîte offers a peaceful, friendly setting for up to 40 people in its function room and 19 people in its accommodation. It has a beautiful 63 m² continuous living space, including a reception room and a fully equipped kitchen (semi-professional oven, shared fridge, 40pers crockery, dishwasher...). There is also a 22 m² activity room and 8 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and toilets: - 5 rooms with 2 single beds that can be brought together - 1 room with 2 beds (including 1 double bed and 1 single bunk bed) - 2 rooms with 3 single beds (including 1 bunk bed and 2 convertible beds) The Tilleuls gîte is located right next to the Frênes gîte, also designed to accommodate 19 people. Together, these twin gîtes offer a total capacity of 38 beds and 170 m² of communal living space, ideal for large groups. Little extras: - Meals can be delivered to the gîte. - Sports, cultural and environmental activities available on site - Departure point for numerous walks on site

Set in 45 hectares of wooded parkland, the Frênes gîte offers a peaceful, friendly setting for up to 40 people in its function room and 19 people in its accommodation. It has a beautiful 63 m² continuous living space, comprising a reception room and a fully equipped kitchen (semi-professional oven, shared fridge, 40pers crockery, minute dishwasher...). There is also a 22 m² activity room and 8 bedrooms with private bathrooms and toilets: - 5 rooms with 2 single beds that can be brought together - 1 room with 2 beds (including 1 double bed and 1 single bunk bed) - 2 rooms with 3 single beds (including 1 bunk bed and 2 convertible beds) The Frênes gîte is located right next to the Tilleuls gîte, which is also designed to sleep 19 people. Together, these twin gîtes offer a total capacity of 38 beds and 170 m² of communal living space, ideal for large groups. Little extras: - Meals can be delivered to the gîte. - Sports, cultural and environmental activities available on site - Departure point for numerous walks on site

Château de la Turmelière is set on the slopes of the Loire in 45 hectares of wooded parkland, close to the ruins of the manor house where the poet Joachim Du Bellay was born and to a number of hiking trails. It welcomes family celebrations, weddings, school and sports groups and seminars all year round. The château has 3 function rooms for 120 guests and 20 en-suite bedrooms (2 to 5 beds) for 74 people. Additional accommodation on the estate completes the range: 6 rooms in the Les Charmilles gîte, 1 room in the Le Logis à mots gîte and 16 rooms in the Tilleuls and Frêne gîtes. The site also boasts a sports complex for activities with family and friends, and a bicycle storage area for those who prefer to roam. The establishment has been awarded the GRAINE Pays de la Loire quality standard and European ecolabel certification since 2022 (renewal in 2024).