Discover Marigne, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire

Our discovery of Juvardeil starts with the river, previously a factor of economic prosperity, today a relaxing environment developed for leisure activities. Our walk takes us through the picturesque wooded countryside of Haut Anjou to the banks of the Sarthe river.

The Thouet Valley is discovered at the rate of cycling thanks to a marked route on small roads and farm tracks or bike paths. Affluent of the Loire, the Thouet is a discreet river which hides many treasures. Along its 150 km, it meanders through varied landscapes and authentic villages. This bike route is accompanied by loops that complete the discovery of Thouarsais, vineyards to the plains. More information on www.valleeduthouet.fr Le Thouet by bike is one of the sections of the Vélo Francette, a route linking Normandy to the Charente coast, via the Thouarsais. www.lavelofrancette.com So do not hesitate to ride your bike for unexpected and preserved discoveries! New: order online your picnic prepared by local restaurateurs with local products !!! All information on www.lebonpicnic.com

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.

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.

Follow the purple arrows and discover the vineyards and villages between the Thouet and Argenton rivers!

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

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).

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 campsite of the Rivières de Daon welcomes you in a privileged setting on the banks of the Mayenne river. 10 comfortable Chalets, heated swimming pool in the complex.

The campsite of the Rivières de Daon welcomes you in a privileged setting on the banks of the Mayenne river. Chalets, pitches and heated swimming pool on-site.

Lieu ouvert sur l’environnement et l’écologie, le muséum développe et expose de précieuses collections, témoins de la diversité.

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.

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.

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!

River-boat/restaurant on the Mayenne, Maine, and Loire Rivers, serving traditional cuisine. Ideal for seminars, family meals, cocktail parties. Dinner cruise set-price menus by reservation.

Convivial and relaxed bar-restaurant in Chenillé-Changé, a "Village de Charme". Traditional cuisine and grilled food in the summer.

Restaurant offering traditional and refined Anjou cuisine in a former oil mill in Chenillé-Changé, a "Village de Charme" between Angers and Laval. An authentic décor with six dining rooms, including a terrace with a panoramic view of the Mayenne River.

Traditional restaurant with a simple décor in a "Village de Charme", between Le Lion d'Angers and Château-Gontier.

Restaurant-caterer located in Champigné's former town hall, between Le Lion d'Angers and Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe, featuring a daily set-price menu during the week.

Bar-restaurant on the banks of the Mayenne River. Choice of meat + side dish.

On board a boat without license, stay in Blue Anjou, on these true floating hotels navigating along the Mayenne and Sarthe rivers, for a weekend or more.

The campsite of the Rivières de Daon welcomes you in a privileged setting on the banks of the Mayenne river. 10 comfortable Chalets, heated swimming pool in the complex.

The campsite of the Rivières de Daon welcomes you in a privileged setting on the banks of the Mayenne river. Chalets, pitches and heated swimming pool on-site.

Daon service area