Discover La Viotterie at La Boissière, Mayenne, 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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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.  

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

Campsite on the farm with 5000 m² lake.

Camping La Viotterie opens its doors to you on our farm at the entrance to the department of Mayenne. The campsite has four fully-equipped mobile homes that can sleep between 4 and 8 people, and 3 unusual accommodations (the charme tent, the Gisabelle caravan and the Poule bungalow). We also have 6 pitches for tents, camper vans or caravans, although we are not averse to caravans, hammocks or those who prefer to sleep under the stars! For family events or get-togethers with friends, we can arrange for you to use the campsite for your own private use, so you can make the most of the natural surroundings! You can accommodate up to 42 people in our accommodation and add a camper van or tent as you wish! You'll have access to our heated swimming pool in summer, a large playground with table tennis, football pitch, badminton, etc. and a pond where you can fish.... Activities are available during the school holidays.

In slate country, stay in this delightful miner's cottage, fully restored with large rooms. It has 2 enclosed gardens on either side, with terrace and children's porch. On the ground floor, you will find a fitted kitchen, a lounge and a dining room, as well as a bathroom with shower and a separate toilet. Upstairs, there are 3 bedrooms, 2 with 1 double bed (140x190) and a 3rd bedroom (22m²) with 1 double bed (140x190), 1 single bed (90x190) and a corner bed (120x180). Shower room and separate WC. A children's area. Complete baby equipment in the gîte. Bed linen included. For your outings, the La Rincerie leisure centre, 13km away, offers a beautiful stretch of water with swimming, canoeing, wake-park, swin golf, fishing and hiking. In Renazé, 3.5km from the gîte, you'll find all the shops, a hiking trail and a greenway for cyclists and hikers. Don't miss the slate museum. River fishing on the Chéran and Oudon rivers and pond nearby. At Craon, 12km away, there is a swimming pool complex with outdoor slides, spa and sauna; a racecourse, horse-riding and a 19th-century château with its park. A little further away, 24km, Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, known for its Refuge de l'arche, animal park, marina (boat and bike hire) and gardens, is one of the original towns and villages in bloom in France. Professional stay: 5 people - Cleaning obligatory 1 flat rate 80€ per stay from 1 to 14 nights - Heating on meter reading, deposit of 20€ to be paid at time of booking from 15/10 to 15/04, refund of overpayment according to meter. Weekend stay: from Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm For stays of 3 nights or more: arrival 4pm - departure 10am.

Whether you're a couple, a small family or a couple, come and stay in Christian and Evelyne's gîte, which offers all the comforts you need. The house comprises a lounge-kitchen area (a sofa bed is available) and a bedroom with bathroom. There is a small terrace with a pleasant view of the Anjou countryside. Peace and quiet guaranteed!

Are you looking for an original establishment with a "home from home" welcome? Stay at l'Aubinière! Corinne will be delighted to offer you a warm welcome and spacious, comfortable rooms in an Anjou house dating from 1860, just a stone's throw from the Musée de l'Ardoise. Bicycle-friendly, close to the Renazé / Laval greenway. Enclosed car park and garage available. Bike hire available. Teleworking: desk and armchair in bedrooms. Large library room with TV lounge and dining area with WIFI, coffee maker, fridge, microwave, kettle, connected TV, RJ45 sockets, cordless telephone, FIBRE BBOX internet box. Bouygues 4G coverage. This room can be made available on a daily basis with no obligation to stay overnight. Rates on request.

1.7km from Craon, a dynamic Mayenne town renowned for its horse racing and 19th-century château (for tours and weddings), Le David bed and breakfast offers 3 rooms that can accommodate up to 11 or 13 people, for short or longer stays. You will also appreciate the 2 fishing ponds of 4,300 and 2,400m², and the flower-filled garden with its beautiful palm trees. The property borders the Uzure, a river on which you can also fish. You are on a working farm. Depending on the rooms you choose and the number of people in your party, you will be able to occupy one of the rooms on the 1st floor, the "Green Room" (16m²) with a double bed (140x190) and a single bed (90x190) with private bathroom facilities (shower, washbasin and WC), and a desk, or the "Pink Room" (11.5m²) with a double bed (160x190), with the option of using the folding bed (90x190) and private bathroom facilities. There is a dining area with a pretty kitchenette (crockery, microwave, kettle, sink and fridge). Washing machine available. If you are looking for a longer stay, choose the "Long stay" suite, comprising a ground-floor 15m² bedroom with 1 double bed (140x190) and 1 single bed (90x190), a 6m² shower room with shower and washbasin, and a separate toilet. There is a living room with fireplace and fully equipped kitchen (cooking, refrigeration, crockery). TV in each bedroom and wifi. For fishing enthusiasts, the two private ponds are stocked with carp (approx. 8kg), pike and roach. Fishing room: sink with hot and cold water and fridge. The owners will make your stay as pleasant as possible with their warm welcome, hearty breakfasts and all the advice you need for your outings. At the David, everything is provided for a quiet and comfortable stay. Just 800m away, you can join the "voie verte", a cycle path leading north to Laval, or to La Rincerie, a water sports leisure centre, wake-park, swin golf, etc. There are plenty of hiking trails (~60km) near Craon to discover the rolling, hedged farmland.

Fishing gîte with two beautifully landscaped lakes (4300m² and 2400m²), on the farm, 1.7km from Craon. Numerous walks within 800m of the gîte: 60km of cycle routes via greenways, towards Laval or the south of Mayenne. Hiking trails also depart from Craon. In addition to the lakes, you can enjoy the river that runs alongside the property. There is a fish cleaning area (a mini slaughterhouse with fridge, sink with hot and cold water, etc.) and a trolley for easy movement around the lakes. Stocked regularly with pike, zander and carp (8-9 kg). The proximity of Craon is an advantage: numerous services, restaurants, a beautiful aquatic centre with sauna and hammam. Craon is also famous for its castle and park (visit) and horse racing. Horse-riding centre with courses available nearby: polequestre-craon.ffe.com/ Don't miss out on a visit to the Robert Tatin museum in Cossé, a 20th-century artist renowned worldwide for his multicultural art, which impresses young and old alike (l'allée des géants...). 9km away, the Base de Loisirs de la Rincerie with its large lake offers a variety of activities: supervised swimming, Wake Park, children's games, hiking, golf (accessible to young and old), water sports and the opportunity to picnic on site. The owners will be delighted to help you discover the riches of the Mayenne region. Professional stay: 3 people maximum, 3 beds - Sheets included - Cleaning €60 compulsory, 1 cleaning per stay from 1 to 14 nights. Weekend stay: arrival 4pm - departure 4pm For stays of 3 nights or more: arrival 4pm - departure 10am.

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.

You cannot help but smile at the carvings of the young women that adorn the façade of 38 rue St. Laud. Dating back to 1892, when it was a café and concert hall called the 'Alcazar', it is one of the oldest examples of art nouveau in Angers.

A listed building dating from the 16th century. Distinctive wooden carvings decorate its frontage…the best known is ‘Le Tricouillard’, who displays no modesty by revealing himself for all to see!

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.

The creperie L'Arlequin welcomes you to Renazé.

Set in a green setting, the Relais de Misengrain invites you to sample its traditional cuisine. The restaurant has 3 dining rooms (accessible to people with reduced mobility) and a terrace in fine weather. Menu of the day available every lunchtime from Monday to Saturday, with a choice of two starters, two main courses and two desserts. Meals for groups (family gatherings, associations, coach companies, etc.) are available all year round on reservation for lunch.

A charming hotel-restaurant classified as a Savoureux restaurant by Logis, offering traditional local cuisine in a warm setting. Next to the fireplace in winter or in the shade of the acacia trees in the garden in summer, the Auberge de l'Ombrée is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of culinary delights. Whether it's the weekday lunch menu, the à la carte lunch menu (except Mondays) or the weekend menu, the chef invites you to discover dishes with refined flavours.

A warm welcome and original, refined cuisine based on local produce. Terrace in summer.

Adana Foods" fast food restaurant offering pizza and kebab in Noyant-la-Gravoyère.

Just 5 minutes from the Mine Bleue, this bar-restaurant offers a working-class lunchtime menu. The restaurant innovates by concocting a themed dish of the day each week.

Come and enjoy a meal in a very natural and peaceful setting, in the heart of an old wash-house! You can also enjoy a programme of musical and culinary events throughout the summer. Reopening in spring 2026.

Come enjoy A l'Ouest restaurant

Camping La Viotterie opens its doors to you on our farm at the entrance to the department of Mayenne. New for 2025: A break from everyday life. The bubble on the pond island has a comfortable queen-size bed, a table and two small rattan armchairs. Outside, on your private terrace, you'll have a double deckchair for lounging in the shade of the alders and a table for breakfast. Gift card available on request Sanitary facilities are 80 metres away (2 showers and 2 toilets). A covered area with a kitchen (fridge, crockery, cooking utensils, tables and chairs, etc.) is available for meals. A barbecue is also available. Free WIFI Bed linen provided You will have access to our heated swimming pool in summer, a large playground with table tennis, football pitch, badminton,... a pond where you can fish, guided tour of the farm.... Activities are offered during the school holidays.

Campsite on the farm with 5000 m² lake.

Camping La Viotterie opens its doors to you on our farm at the entrance to the department of Mayenne. The campsite has four fully-equipped mobile homes that can sleep between 4 and 8 people, and 3 unusual accommodations (the charme tent, the Gisabelle caravan and the Poule bungalow). We also have 6 pitches for tents, camper vans or caravans, although we are not averse to caravans, hammocks or those who prefer to sleep under the stars! For family events or get-togethers with friends, we can arrange for you to use the campsite for your own private use, so you can make the most of the natural surroundings! You can accommodate up to 42 people in our accommodation and add a camper van or tent as you wish! You'll have access to our heated swimming pool in summer, a large playground with table tennis, football pitch, badminton, etc. and a pond where you can fish.... Activities are available during the school holidays.

In slate country, stay in this delightful miner's cottage, fully restored with large rooms. It has 2 enclosed gardens on either side, with terrace and children's porch. On the ground floor, you will find a fitted kitchen, a lounge and a dining room, as well as a bathroom with shower and a separate toilet. Upstairs, there are 3 bedrooms, 2 with 1 double bed (140x190) and a 3rd bedroom (22m²) with 1 double bed (140x190), 1 single bed (90x190) and a corner bed (120x180). Shower room and separate WC. A children's area. Complete baby equipment in the gîte. Bed linen included. For your outings, the La Rincerie leisure centre, 13km away, offers a beautiful stretch of water with swimming, canoeing, wake-park, swin golf, fishing and hiking. In Renazé, 3.5km from the gîte, you'll find all the shops, a hiking trail and a greenway for cyclists and hikers. Don't miss the slate museum. River fishing on the Chéran and Oudon rivers and pond nearby. At Craon, 12km away, there is a swimming pool complex with outdoor slides, spa and sauna; a racecourse, horse-riding and a 19th-century château with its park. A little further away, 24km, Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, known for its Refuge de l'arche, animal park, marina (boat and bike hire) and gardens, is one of the original towns and villages in bloom in France. Professional stay: 5 people - Cleaning obligatory 1 flat rate 80€ per stay from 1 to 14 nights - Heating on meter reading, deposit of 20€ to be paid at time of booking from 15/10 to 15/04, refund of overpayment according to meter. Weekend stay: from Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm For stays of 3 nights or more: arrival 4pm - departure 10am.

Rustic house, semi-detached from the owners, situated in the countryside on a former farm. Ponds to delight fishermen. Very quiet gite set in greenery. A petanque area is available.

Whether you're a couple, a small family or a couple, come and stay in Christian and Evelyne's gîte, which offers all the comforts you need. The house comprises a lounge-kitchen area (a sofa bed is available) and a bedroom with bathroom. There is a small terrace with a pleasant view of the Anjou countryside. Peace and quiet guaranteed!

La Renazaie is above all a family affair! This stone farmhouse has been in the family since the 1970s. It has been home to 8 brothers and sisters, 22 grandchildren and the family continues to grow! Situated in the heart of our beautiful countryside, surrounded by fields, meadows, footpaths and clearings, the Renazaie gîte is the ideal place to enjoy moments of relaxation and conviviality with family and friends. The bedrooms Our gîte sleeps 15 people in six warm and comfortable rooms: 4 double rooms, 1 dormitory room with 2 bunk beds, 1 dormitory room with 1 bunk bed and 1 single bed. Beds will be made up on arrival. Living room This beautiful, light-filled 45m² long space has a sitting area with comfortable sofas, ideal for relaxing. A large dining table awaits you! A place designed to make you feel at home! Wi-Fi connection. Cuisine & Meals For those who love a good meal, a fully equipped kitchen is at your disposal: hob, oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker and kettle, plenty of crockery and cutlery. Shower & bath To provide you with maximum comfort, 2 shower rooms and a bathroom are at your disposal. A flexible gîte for all occasions La Renazaie adapts to your needs. For special occasions, we can offer you an outdoor reception area. We will do our utmost to meet your expectations and requests. Don't hesitate to ask us about all the possibilities when you make your reservation. Prices : The Gîte sleeps 15 Weekend packages : 1 night 525€ ttc 2 nights 750€ ttc 3 nights 900€ ttc For a one-week stay : please contact us Stay per night /person : Week : 30€ ttc Week-end : 60€ ttc Rates include bed linen and end-of-stay cleaning. For specific additional services (marquee hire, extra equipment, etc), please contact us.