Erbray, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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”.

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.

A detached, single-storey house in quiet, restful countryside. Enclosed garden (900m²) with trees, a patio and children's play equipment (boules, badminton net and rackets, football and basketball). 2 adult bikes to borrow. Lounge-diner with open-plan kitchen. Bedroom 1: double bed. Bedroom 2 (small): twin beds. Shower room. WC. Additional facilities: radio/CD player, freezer. Price includes bed linen (beds made on arrival) and towels. Electricity and electric heating extra.

An old detached house, restored in 2016 using quality materials (lime, brick, stone...) in keeping with tradition, beside a river and a fishing lake at the heart of the La Forge area, well-known for its wildlife. East-facing patio (accessible from upstairs) and private, enclosed wooded garden (300m²) beside the river (5m from gite). Fishing store (fridge and tank with ventilator). GR.FL: Lounge-diner with wood-burning stove. Kitchen. Bedroom 1: double bed. Bedroom 2 (small with glass wall and curtain): single bed. Shower room. WC. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 3: king-size bed, single bed. Shower room with WC. Additional facilities: WiFi, flat-screen TV, radio/CD, tumble drier, baby equipment. Price includes bed linen (beds made on arrival). Extra charges for heating (wood and electric), electricity a

A semi-detached gite next to the owners' home in quiet countryside, 7km from Châteaubriant and 59km from Rennes. Enclosed, south-facing patio area (400m²). GR.FL: Lounge-diner with open-plan kitchen. Shower room with WC. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 1: double bed. Bedroom 2: twin beds. Bedroom 3: single bed. Additional facilities: WiFi, radio/CD player, flat-screen TV, tumble drier, freezer. Price includes bed linen and towels. Extra charges for electricity and electric heating. Nantes and Angers 75km.

Semi-detached gite, next to the owners' home in the Don Valley. Shared, enclosed garden of 380m². 3 bikes (2ad./1 child) to borrow. Lounge/diner with single sofa bed. Galley kitchen. Dining area. Bedroom 1: double bed. Bedroom 2: double bed. Shower room. WC. Electric heating, bed linen, towels and household linen extra. Châteaubriant 18km. Additional facilities: flat screen TV, freezer, internet acces.

A semi-detached gite, next to the owners' home in a longhouse deep in the country. Enclosed garden of 250m² with patio. Swings, slide and sandpit. GR.FL: Large lounge/diner with open-plan, fitted kitchen. Shower room. WC. Boiler room. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 1: king-size bed, 2: twin beds and 3: extra-long twin beds (can be pushed together). Shower room. WC. Additional facilities: freezer, CD player, baby equipment. Extra charges for oil-fired heating (11€ per day), bed linen and towels. Lac de Vioreau (swimming) 7km. Châteaubriant 16km. Le plus : a harmonious blend of traditional and modern styles.

A lovely, stone-built house in a quiet, natural setting, great for relaxing and enjoying countryside activities. Unfenced garden of 800m² with swings, slide and sandpit. GR.FL: Large lounge. Living room with open-plan kitchen. Bedroom 1: twin beds. Bathroom. WC. Storeroom. UPSTAIRS : Bedroom 2: twin beds. Bedroom 3: twin beds (80cm). Bedroom 4: trundle bed. Shower room. WC. Additional facilities: WiFi, baby equipment, stereo, flat-screen TV, DVD player, video player + cassettes, freezer. Price includes heating (wood pellets) and electricity. Additional charges for bed linen, towels, household linen and firewood. Nantes 50km.

A partially shaded site with 6 pitches separated by hedges. 2 WC. 3 wash basins. 2 shower. 2 sink. Fridges. Washing machine. 6 electrical hook-ups. Play area with swing, slide, sandpit etc. Boules. Caravan to let. Motor home 3 euros.

Guest rooms located in a renovated former house in the heart of a small village of Blue Anjou, near the medieval Château of Pouancé at the gates of Brittany.

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.

A detached, single-storey house in quiet, restful countryside. Enclosed garden (900m²) with trees, a patio and children's play equipment (boules, badminton net and rackets, football and basketball). 2 adult bikes to borrow. Lounge-diner with open-plan kitchen. Bedroom 1: double bed. Bedroom 2 (small): twin beds. Shower room. WC. Additional facilities: radio/CD player, freezer. Price includes bed linen (beds made on arrival) and towels. Electricity and electric heating extra.

An old detached house, restored in 2016 using quality materials (lime, brick, stone...) in keeping with tradition, beside a river and a fishing lake at the heart of the La Forge area, well-known for its wildlife. East-facing patio (accessible from upstairs) and private, enclosed wooded garden (300m²) beside the river (5m from gite). Fishing store (fridge and tank with ventilator). GR.FL: Lounge-diner with wood-burning stove. Kitchen. Bedroom 1: double bed. Bedroom 2 (small with glass wall and curtain): single bed. Shower room. WC. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 3: king-size bed, single bed. Shower room with WC. Additional facilities: WiFi, flat-screen TV, radio/CD, tumble drier, baby equipment. Price includes bed linen (beds made on arrival). Extra charges for heating (wood and electric), electricity a