LE COUGOU: Relaxation and Exploration in Guenrouet, Loire-Atlantique

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.

It is a pleasant trail with a mixture between culture and nature that will allow you to discover the imposing medieval fortress the Castle of la Groulaie, and the Saint Roch chapel that was edified in the 15th century. After wondering around the countryside, you will walk along the Nantes-Brest canal on the towpath to come back to the port.

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.

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

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).

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.

Hello boy !

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 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.

Guest rooms on the banks of the Nantes-Brest Canal

A longhouse which blends tradition and modern-day comfort, in unspoilt countryside 100m from the Nantes-Brest Canal. It has a lovingly-tended, enclosed garden of 2300m², planted with trees and flowers and 2 guest rooms. Downstairs: Bedroom 1 (suitable for disabled guests): 3 extra-long single beds (can be pushed together), en-suite shower room with WC. Upstairs: Bedroom 2: 3 extra-long single beds (can be pushed together), en-suite shower room with WC. Additional facilities: WiFi access, baby equipment, bikes, hair driers. Kitchen facilities. Special prices for long stays. Forêt du Gâvre (forest) 3km. Le plus: the owners are delighted to share their love of gardening and music with their guests.

A large house in a rural holiday resort, just a stone's throw from the Nantes-Brest Canal. Enclosed 2,000 sq.m. garden with fenced fishing lake, barbecue area and veranda (70 sq.m.). Tennis court and many leisure activities. GR.FL: Lounge/diner with open-plan, fitted kitchen. Bedrooms 1-2-3-5: double bed. Bedroom 4: double bed, single sofa bed. Shower room. Bathroom. WC. Bedroom 6 (studio) with twin beds, shower room with WC, kitchen area. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 7-8-9: double bed. Sleeping area with single bed. Bathroom (WC). Reception hall (50 people) with kitchen, WC. Central heating, bed linen, towels, firewood extra.

Buildings from the former 17th century Presbytery were restored and transformed into the town hall in 2007 and "Les Digitales" Art Centre in 2011. The Art Centre is a place for activities and exhibits. It displays different models of farming machinery from the collection of Mr Sevestre, a passionate farmer from Caden, and holds a museum presenting farming activities from yesterday and today with interviews from local farmers.

It was restored in the 18th century by the rector of Caden, Jean-Louis de la Houssaye. The date "1756" is written over the side door. It is one of the six friar chapels of Caden. The inside is decorated with 21th century frescos painted by a local artist representing landscapes of the surrounding countryside.

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.

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.

This opening is one of the Rochefort entrances. This north-south road coincides with the salt route: salt arrives from La Vilaine Maritime (La Roche-Bernard and Guérande) and transported inland (throughout Brittany). Therefore, Rue Candré is the main road and called “Grande Rue” (Main Street). Go though the Porte de l’Étang and admire the washhouse on your left.

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.

Welcome to the "Manoir de la Briandais" The mansion was built over 400 years ago. The restaurant offers French dishes cooked on-site by the chef. Meats, fish, each dish will make you discover the cuisine of Brittany region.

A brand new stopover gite beside the Nantes - Brest Canal. 3 bedrooms, each with balcony, on 2 floors. 2 showers. 2 WCs. Living room with kitchen area. Heating. Garden. Canoes and mountain bikes for hire. Tourist information. Overnight stopping place for river holidays. Price per day 5.10/7.14 euros.