Relax in La selle-guerchaise, Ille-et-Vilaine

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 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.

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).

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

This track is full of nature and memories.

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 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.

This track is very pleasant for those who like quiet walks.

Renate and Nicolas will be happy to welcome you to La Barderie, a rural gîte (4/5 people) located near their organic farm.

The gîte Le Portail can welcome 4 people in 3 bedrooms.

La Herrière fishing gîte for 4 people located in Méral.

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

Bridge near the small canal

"The U.S.A., proud of the exploits of their sons, humble before their sacrifice, have erected this monument in their memory". The cemetery, the chapel with Memorial Room and the Wall of the Missing, commemorate the 4 410 soldiers resting in this place.

Discover the trade secret of the famous French sailor pull SAINT JAMES knitting invite you to discover their traditional know-how of the manufacturing of the famous sailor pull and the nautical striped by opening the doors of workshops just step from Mont Saint-Michel. Since 1889, SAINT JAMES immortalizes the French home-made tradition in the textil production. Certified "Living Heritage Compagny", Saint James propose the discovery of unique history and know-how !

Le Pégasien in Saint-Aignan sur Roe: restaurant, catering, weddings and seminars.

Bar, restaurant. Working person's meals and reservation on weekends.

The creperie L'Arlequin welcomes you to Renazé.

Come enjoy A l'Ouest restaurant

Whether in the shop (tobacco, newspapers, Loto, PMU) or restaurant, the Carré d'As staff always welcomes you with a smile.

Renate and Nicolas will be happy to welcome you to La Barderie, a rural gîte (4/5 people) located near their organic farm.

The Croix des Pallouis, 3-bedroom gîte for 7 to 9 people.

The gîte Le Portail can welcome 4 people in 3 bedrooms.