Rives Nature at Sixt-sur-Aff: Your Nature Getaway

The area of Malansac extends from Rochefort-en-Terre (town listed as a "Petite Cité de Caractère"), to the Grées, a shale and slate-like strip that towers over the Valley of Arz. The Circuit des Ardoisières offers fantastic views but be careful; due to the presence of old open pit mines, it is recommended that you stay on the marked path. VTT marks n°5 blue

Rochefort-en-Terre is very lucky to have a rich architectural heritage. Thanks to the local government’s desire to maintain and protect the site, this village is now classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère (an award honouring the remarkable architectural heritage and landscape of small villages in France). Rochefort-en-Terre is also part of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France) and Villes Fleuris (an award recognising a town’s respect for the environment, protection of a social and community network, and quality of its tourist facilities) with four flowers thanks to the combined efforts by the community and residents. Starting from Place du Puits, take Rue des Scourtets, and then, Chemin des Douves, located to your right. Walk along the strongholds and fortifications built during the 14th and 16th centuries.

This long loop passes through large wooded areas of oak and chestnut trees, including the Grand Val at the bottom of which flows Matz Creek. It leads to the Valley of Trévelo Creek, which separates the towns of Caden and Limerzel.

To the north of Questembert, the town of Molac is perched on a hill overlooking the Valley of Arz. The town's architectural heritage reflects its history, which is thousands of years old. The trail heads toward the River Arz and takes the Voie Verte (Green Lane), the old railway. It crosses the Grées (shale-like hills) of Lindeul. Finally, it penetrates the vast forest of Lanvaux. Please follow the yellow marks.

The name "Questembert" comes from the Breton word "Kisten Berh", which means "Land of Chestnuts". Near the centre of town, this trail takes you along the hollow ways towards the creek of Cohignac and then St John's Chapel. In springtime, asphodels bloom on the banks and in the woods, showing off their elongated stems and handsome spikes of white flowers. They are locally known as "popinettes", hence the name of the trail. From this trail, you can reach Berric by following the marked paths (3km). Yellow marks

This town is named after the sweet chestnut tree. In the Breton language, it is called Kisten Berh, which means “land of the chestnuts”. In the 12th century, the name “Questembert” was found in writing; however, over time, the spelling changed.

Awarded 4 flowers by Village Fleuri, the town of La Vraie-Croix is also known for winning the Grand Prix National du Fleurissement (an award given out every year to one or several villages in France with 4 flowers), and the Prix Européen du Fleurissement (for all of Europe). It is also invited to attend the Floralies International, a prestigious floral event held in Nantes in May 2014. La Vraie-Croix was formerly known as Langroez and used as a resting place for the Knights of Malta during the Crusades.

Following the towpath along the Nantes-Brest canal for several kilometres, this trail will also take you on a discovery of the bucolic paths of Blain’s countryside.

Guest rooms on the banks of the Nantes-Brest Canal

Spend half a day horse riding and exploring the Brocéliade Forest!  Discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide and enjoy a picnic.  SPEND HALF A DAY HORSE RIDING AND EXPLORING THE BROCÉLIADE FOREST! Enjoy a horse riding excursion and discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide. Your excursion starts at the equestrian centre where you will leave in a small group. After a few hours of exploring the heart of nature, pause for a picnic that you will all share. This horse riding adventure is ideal for revitalising yourself all while discovering the fascinating surroundings of Merlin the Wizard.

Go horse riding in the heart of the mythic Brocéliande Forest! Spend one hour with your guide riding along the paths of the legendary sites. GO HORSE RIDING IN THE HEART OF THE MYTHIC BROCÉLIANDE FOREST! After leaving the equestrian centre, go on a one-hour horse ride and discover the local flora and fauna in the most famous forest in Brittany.  Witness nature flourishing in this magical forest with your small group as you appreciate the scenery of Neolithic standing stones and deer as described in Celtic and medieval stories and legends. Follow the trail of the Knights of the Round Table on this relaxing and original horse ride!

Slate mining began around 1878 and finished around 1911. The largest quarry called "Guenfol" or "Blue Lake" had an above ground surface area of 3,500m2. 18 to 20 million slates were extracted per year by nearly 300 labourers. The site was then transformed and today known as "Park de Préhistoire" (Prehistoric Park).

Saint Michel de la Grêle Chapel dates back to the 17th century. It replaced the old Saint Michel Priory, which belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of Redon. Today, the chapel (renovated in the 20th century) is used to celebrate religious services on the feast day of Notre Dame de la Tronchaye (the Sunday following 15 August). Take a few steps back and turn left after the tree-lined alley. Take one of the many small streets of Rochefort. Immediately after, turn left towards Place des Halles.

Hills covered in schist used for building houses and making roof slates. Present in the towns of Pluherlin, Malansac and Rochefort-en-Terre, slate quarries were used from the 13th to early 20th century. There is a great deal of slate located in the village of Rochefort-en-Terre. Today, Les Grées is considered a protected area. You will find Saint Michel Chapel at the end of Place Saint Michel.

As the town’s main square starting from the 17th century, Place des Halles has long been one of the most important places in the city thanks to its economic role (U-shaped covered market used for fairs and markets). It was also used for celebrations and events. To the right of the market is Hôtel Burban, a former 17th century seigniorial prison; to the left, Hôtel Le Pélican, formerly known as Auberge Lecadre, which hosted many painters including Alfred Klots in the late 19th century. The town hall is located in the front of the hotel and decorated with bicentennial wisteria every summer. Go down Rue Candré, located next to the town hall, to Porte de l’Étang.

Located below the castle and most “noble” houses, this old artisan town symbolically upholds the social hierarchy: the most important people (clergy, public figures and knights) lived on higher ground where as the lowly (tanners, potters, etc.) lived in the lower part of the city. Climb up to your right to Place Saint Michel. Take a look at Les Grées on your left.

Admire this turret with oriel windows on this double house, which remarkably combines Gothic and Breton Renaissance styles. Continue towards Place du Puits.

This 16th century public washhouse got its water from Le Candré River. A private washhouse is also located nearby. Turn around, take Rue de l’Étang and go back up to Place de l’Église.

Different architectural periods are displayed through the slate and granite houses with oriel windows and half-timbered façades located on Place du Puits. Check out the scale carved above the door of the Tourist Office (built in the 17th century): the building held the seigniorial court. The town’s first covered market was located on Place du Puits, where the guillotine, used in 1793, was also set up for the execution of three people convicted for counter-revolutionary crimes.