Best attractions and places to see around La Grigonnais include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes in the Loire-Atlantique department of France. This commune serves as a base for exploring the surrounding region, which features significant waterways like the Nantes-Brest canal and the Isac river. Visitors can discover local landmarks, cultural sites, and extensive natural areas such as forests and marshlands. The area offers opportunities to engage with both historical heritage and diverse outdoor environments.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Chapel built in 1199. It notably served as a leper colony in the 13th century. Also known as the Chapel of the Priory of La Magdeleine and Magdelaine of Iff.
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One of the most beautiful areas between Blain and Nort.
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Beautiful medieval castle. The main building is more recent. As a side note, the Isac River fed the castle's imposing moats, now dry, before being channeled to the current marina.
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After the Blessed Virgin Mary, "Sainte MARIE MADELEINE" is the woman most frequently mentioned in the writings of the New Testament. Originally called "Mary of Magdala" after her place of origin on the Sea of Galilee, over time the name "Mary Magdalene" has been formed. According to the biblical accounts, she is one of the women and men who followed Jesus of Nazareth. According to the testimony of the evangelists, Mary Magdalene is also one of the three women who, after the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ, wanted to anoint the body on Easter morning after the Sabbath rest, and the very first person who ever met the Risen Christ. In theology, she is therefore also known as the "Apostle of the Apostles". The feast day of Sainte Marie-Madeleine in the calendar of saints is July 22nd.
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12th century chapel, remodeled at the beginning of the 19th century This chapel was built at the same time as the maladreries of Saint-Lazare, of which Mary Magdalene was the patron saint. The leprosarium is entrusted to the abbey of Blanche Couronne, itself founded in 1160. It contains an original credenza and a polychrome statue in soft limestone from the 15th century representing the Virgin of Our Lady of Grace.
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The Chapel of the Holy Places in Guémené-Penfao is also known as the Chapelle Sainte-Anne-de-Lssaisnt. It overlooks the Don Valley and was built on the site of a former leper colony. It has frescoes describing the legends and history of the place. The chapel is open on weekends and public holidays and has a picnic area and toilets. You can also enjoy the view of the valley and the old Roman road that passes nearby. You can also participate in the annual pilgrimage and open-air mass dedicated to Saint Anne, which takes place on the last Sunday in July. This hike is an excellent way to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Pays de Redon.
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La Grigonnais and its surroundings offer several historical sites. Within the commune, you can find the Saint-Victor Church, built in the 19th century with historical statues and stained-glass windows, and several historical crosses. The remains of the 16th-century Manoir de Bedodu and a 17th-century house at Cran are also present. A short drive away, explore the medieval Château de la Groulais in Blain, a significant fortress that now hosts an escape game. You can also visit the ancient Chapel of the Holy Sites in Guémené-Penfao, known for its frescoes and valley views, or the 12th-century La Magdelaine Chapel in Iff, which once served as a leper colony.
Yes, the region is rich in natural landscapes. The L'Isac dam on the Nantes-Brest canal offers beautiful walks along the waterway. You can also enjoy scenic views from View of the Isac dam and the Nantes-Brest canal from Bout du Bois, where the Isac river runs alongside the canal. Further afield, discover the Petite Amazonie de Nantes, the Marais de Vilaine, and the Brière Regional Natural Park, France's second-largest marsh area. The Lac de Vioreau, the largest inland navigable body of water in Loire-Atlantique, is also a notable natural protected area.
The area around La Grigonnais is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking along the Nantes-Brest canal, which offers accessible paths. For more structured activities, there are numerous routes for mountain biking, running, and gravel biking. Explore MTB Trails around La Grigonnais, including routes near the Abbaretz mine spoil tip or Étang du Gâvre. Runners can find suitable paths among the Running Trails around La Grigonnais, such as loops from Blain or Nozay. Gravel biking enthusiasts can also find exciting routes like the Gravel biking around La Grigonnais guide.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Château de la Groulais in Blain, a medieval castle, offers an escape game that can be fun for older children. The View of the Isac dam and the Nantes-Brest canal from Bout du Bois provides a quiet spot for walks with scenic views, suitable for all ages. Additionally, La Grigonnais itself has playgrounds with picnic tables near the town hall, around the pond, and next to the city park, perfect for younger children.
For scenic vistas, head to View of the Isac dam and the Nantes-Brest canal from Bout du Bois. This passage along a dike offers unique views of the Isac river and the Nantes-Brest canal running side by side. The Chapel of the Holy Sites in Guémené-Penfao also provides a breathtaking view overlooking the Don Valley.
Several charming towns are within a short drive. Blain (9 km) is home to the Château de la Groulais and hosts markets. Nort-sur-Erdre (16 km) is known for its market and the 'La Nuit de l'Erdre' festival. Redon (34 km) offers an active port and historic cobbled streets. For a larger city experience, Nantes (35 km) boasts numerous monuments, museums, and attractions like the Jardin Extraordinaire. Other notable towns include La Roche-Bernard (47 km) with its river harbor and historic center, and the vibrant coastal town of Pornic (56 km).
The Loire-Atlantique region generally experiences mild weather, making spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) ideal for outdoor activities. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, and the natural landscapes are vibrant, perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring historical sites without the peak summer crowds or heat.
While La Grigonnais itself has local organic farms selling dairy products and poultry, you can find larger markets in nearby towns. Blain hosts markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Nort-sur-Erdre has a market on Fridays, and Redon offers markets on Saturdays, Mondays, and Fridays. These are great places to discover local produce and regional specialties.
Absolutely. The area is well-suited for cycling and mountain biking. The Nantes-Brest canal path is popular for leisurely rides. For more challenging routes, explore the MTB Trails around La Grigonnais, which include routes like the 'Abbaretz mine spoil tip – Mine Lake loop from Nozay'. Gravel biking options are also available, with routes such as the 'Gravel ride around Blain' found in the Gravel biking around La Grigonnais guide.
Yes, La Grigonnais features the Saint-Victor Church, built in the mid-19th century, which houses historical statues and stained-glass windows. In the surrounding area, you can visit the ancient Chapel of the Holy Sites in Guémené-Penfao, known for its frescoes and history as a former leper colony. Another significant site is the 12th-century La Magdelaine Chapel in Iff, also with a history tied to leprosariums.
Beyond the well-known areas, consider visiting the Forest of Le Gâvre, located not far from La Grigonnais, which offers peaceful woodland walks. The Mines Abbaretz and Terril d'Abbaretz are also points of interest that provide unique landscapes shaped by historical mining activities, offering a different kind of natural exploration.
Yes, the area provides several options for walking and hiking. The path along the Nantes-Brest canal, particularly near the L'Isac dam, is popular for accessible walks. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes within the Running Trails around La Grigonnais guide, which often include scenic paths suitable for walking, such as the 'Étang du Gâvre loop'.


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