Attractions and Places To See around Savenay - Top 20

Savenay is rich in natural beauty, notably the Mabille Valley Lake, also known as Lac de Savenay. This artificial lake, created during WWI, is a popular spot for recreation with wooded banks and unique trees. You can also find the Sillon de Bretagne, which offers scenic views overlooking the marshes of the Loire river. The area is also a gateway to the Loire Estuary and the Brière Regional Natural Park.

Yes, Savenay has a rich history. You can visit the mid-19th century Saint-Martin Church with its unique bell tower, or the ancient Le Moulin de la Pâquelais, a feudal mill dating back to 1340. The town also features the Former Cordeliers Convent, founded in 1419, and a cross commemorating the significant Battle of Savenay in 1793.

The area around Savenay is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking around the Mabille Valley Lake, which is part of the GR 3 long-distance hiking trail. For more options, explore various hiking routes around Savenay, MTB trails, or road cycling routes that often pass by local landmarks and natural sites.

Absolutely! The Mabille Valley Lake is a great family spot, offering a leisure park (La Vallée des Korrigans - Tépacap), a swimming pool, and a golf course. Children might also enjoy the unique facade of The house of the artist Dominique Leroy, which changes its decor periodically, or exploring The Starry Garden with its towers made from recycled materials.

For panoramic views, head to the Mabille Valley Lake, where the Nid-Observatoire offers vistas of the Loire estuary, the Cordemais power station, and the Saint-Nazaire bridge. The Starry Garden also provides breathtaking views of the estuary from the top of its towers. Additionally, the Phare de la Chaussée, despite being inland, offers a unique perspective on the Loire river.

While Savenay can be enjoyed year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Temperatures are mild, and the natural landscapes are particularly vibrant. Summer is also popular, especially around Mabille Valley Lake for water-based recreation.

A truly unique spot is The house of the artist Dominique Leroy, where the artist periodically transforms the facade with different materials like electronic components or fabrics. It's a constantly evolving art piece that captures attention. Another interesting place is The Starry Garden, a Japanese-inspired landscape art installation built with recycled materials, offering unique views.

Yes, for a charming stop, consider The Port House. This beautiful historic residence, once a café and hotel, now houses a crêperie and offers a lovely spot to rest by the quiet port. The Mabille Valley Lake area also has a hotel-restaurant and picnic tables available.

The Phare de la Chaussée is notable for being the only lighthouse on the Loire River and one of the most inland lighthouses in France, located 10 km from the ocean. Built in 1854, it played a crucial role in guiding ships up the navigable channel when Paimboeuf served as Nantes' advanced port.

Yes, the 'Balade des Roselières à vélo' is a dedicated bike path that starts from Lac de Savenay. This route leads to the old port of Lavau-sur-Loire, where you can find an observatory by artist Tadashi Kawamata offering 360-degree views of the marsh. You can also find various road cycling routes and MTB trails in the wider Savenay area.

The duration of your visit depends on your interests. You could spend a full day enjoying the activities and natural beauty around Mabille Valley Lake. For historical sites within Savenay town, a few hours would suffice. If you plan to explore multiple highlights and engage in outdoor activities like cycling or hiking, consider dedicating a weekend or several days to the region.