Nature escape at ESPACE EQUESTRE DE MAZEROLLES

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.

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

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 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).

Au détour de l'île is a luxury-appointed, contemporary gite with a stylish, relaxed atmosphere and a hint of exoticism in an enchanting setting between Nantes and Ancenis, perfect for a complete change of scenery. It has amazing panoramic views of the large lake with sandy beach, heated swimming pool (2.5x4.5m) and private island linked to the gite. Hot tub and sauna 200m from the gite (additional charge payable). Large lounge-diner and open-plan kitchen. Utility room. 2 WCs. Shower room. Bedroom 1: 2x80cm single beds (or king-size bed), en-suite shower room with WC. Bedroom 2: king-size bed, en-suite shower room with WC. Bedroom 3: king-size bed, en-suite bathroom (whirlpool bath) with WC. Bedroom 2: 3 single beds, TV. Additional facilities: wifi, home cinema, stereo with amplifier, sound

Facing the Mazerolles Plain, on the site of the sailing club, a nature campsite of 6 pitches for cyclists and hikers The nature campsite is free of charge in exchange of your registration upon arrival using a QR code

Bridge near the small canal

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

As a place for meeting and mixing, the library must also be a simple place where people are welcomed in a friendly atmosphere and where they can get good advice. The whole team is involved in each place and provides quality entertainment. Come and visit them and share with them a good moment of reading and discovery.

Born from the whims of the relief and the fervour of an Abbot, it makes its appearance at the bend in the path that climbs to the Chapelle Largeau. Like a guide or a lighthouse, soothing by its serene presence, and so eternal: the Chapel of Saint Joseph stands at the top of the Ouin Valley. The traveller may be astonished, moved or meditate in front of this majesty. It proudly dominates this valley, at the bottom of which, the river Ouin, runs alongside, meanders and separates, sometimes the Maine et Loire, the Vendée or the Deux Sèvres. At the height of the trilogy, the parish itself was, over the centuries, under the dependence of three dioceses: Maillezais, La Rochelle and Poitiers! »

As a place for meeting and mixing, the library must also be a simple place where people are welcomed in a friendly atmosphere and where they can get good advice. The whole team is involved in each place and provides quality entertainment. Come and visit them and share with them a good moment of reading and discovery.

This site comprises blocks of white quartz recognised in 1909 as a Monument and Site of Natural Interest. The site of the Pyrôme rocks used to be inhabited by goblins. According to legend, every year at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, one of the huge blocks of rock would rise up and the goblins would appear offering their treasure, hidden there, to anyone who would agree to give up their place in Paradise. Today it offers an interesting panoramic view spreading beyond Moulins and the Ouin valley toward the Cholet area. A path join the Corbelière Site, "Espace naturel sensible").

Organic farming on a 12 ha farm including 5 ha of market gardening and 1500 m² of greenhouses. Products: Various organic vegetables in season Places of sale : At the farm, Thursday from 6 to 7 pm, "Proxi" store in Mauléon, Biocoop Bressuire and Cholet, "Mangeons Bio ensemble" producers' store at Fruits de Clazay.

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.

Take away pizzeria in Petit Mars

Restaurant in Petit Mars, a town located along the Edre River

Restaurant with reception halls in Petit-Mars, between Nantes, Châteaubriant, and Ancenis.

Traditional restaurant-pizzeria in the centre of Ligné.

Discover the marsh of the Plaines de Mazerolles, an exceptional Natura 2000 site close to Nantes. Group accommodation for hikers and riders, for convivial nights in a warm setting. Equestrian and leisure centre of the Plaines de Mazerolles. Take part in the many activities available on the site, from horseback riding to nature tours to discover the fauna, flora and birds of the marsh. Don't hesitate to contact us to organise a personalised programme. Perfect for an unforgettable experience in a friendly atmosphere!

In the heart of the marshlands, the Marais de Mazerolles farm welcomes you and is ready to help. Activities for everyone: Families, school children, recreational centers and all groups looking for serenity and discovery

Exceptional domain for a long stay or a weekend with your family or friends. 

An 18th century character property in quiet countryside on the outskirts of Nantes, a few minutes from La Beaujoire. It stands in enclosed, landscaped grounds with garden furniture for relaxing. "Le Grenier" room accommodates 2 people at the top of its stone stairs. It has a private bathroom and toilet. 140x190cm bed. Wi-Fi access. Kitchen and dining room available. Parking area within the property, in the quietness of the countryside. Two other rooms are available: "L'Âtre" and "La Remise" (3 people each). Nearby activities include water sports on the river Erdre and lots of country walks. The exposed beams reveal the house's history, with its traces of bags and wheat sheaves.

An 18th century character property in quiet countryside on the outskirts of Nantes, a few minutes from La Beaujoire. It stands in enclosed, landscaped grounds with garden furniture for relaxing. Ground floor: Bedroom 1: king-size bed, twin beds, en-suite shower room with WC. Upstairs: Bedroom 2: double bed, en-suite shower room with WC. Additional facilities: WiFi access. Kitchen facilities. Parking area within the property. Nearby activities include water sports on the river Erdre and lots of country walks. Highlight: a beautiful building with exposed beams and stonework.

An 18th century character property in quiet countryside on the outskirts of Nantes, a few minutes from La Beaujoire. It stands in enclosed, landscaped grounds with garden furniture for relaxing. A 3-people bedroom, with a lounge on the ground floor and a bedroom in the mezzanine (1 twin bed and 1 single bed), with private bathroom and toilet. Additional facilities: WiFi access. Kitchen facilities. Parking area within the property. Nearby activities include water sports on the river Erdre and lots of country walks. Highlight: a beautiful building with exposed beams and stonework.

Au détour de l'île is a luxury-appointed, contemporary gite with a stylish, relaxed atmosphere and a hint of exoticism in an enchanting setting between Nantes and Ancenis, perfect for a complete change of scenery. It has amazing panoramic views of the large lake with sandy beach, heated swimming pool (2.5x4.5m) and private island linked to the gite. Hot tub and sauna 200m from the gite (additional charge payable). Large lounge-diner and open-plan kitchen. Utility room. 2 WCs. Shower room. Bedroom 1: 2x80cm single beds (or king-size bed), en-suite shower room with WC. Bedroom 2: king-size bed, en-suite shower room with WC. Bedroom 3: king-size bed, en-suite bathroom (whirlpool bath) with WC. Bedroom 2: 3 single beds, TV. Additional facilities: wifi, home cinema, stereo with amplifier, sound