The best walks and hikes around Mordelles

There are over 290 hiking routes around Mordelles, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. This includes more than 160 easy trails, 120 moderate routes, and a few more challenging treks.

Hiking in Mordelles offers diverse landscapes shaped by the Vilaine River and its scenic towpaths, as well as the Meu and Vaunoise rivers, which contribute to the picturesque bocage (wooded farmland). You'll also find tranquil ponds like the Biardais Pond and protected natural sites such as the Canut Valley, providing varied terrain and green spaces.

Yes, Mordelles has several family-friendly options. The protected natural site of the Canut Valley offers a largely shaded walk with educational panels about local fauna and flora. For a peaceful outing, the Biardais Pond loop from Mordelles is an easy 6 km trail in a green setting, perfect for families.

The area boasts several interesting landmarks. The Boël Mill, a 12th-century watermill, is an emblematic site along the Vilaine valley, offering panoramic views. You can also explore the beautiful Château de la Chesnais on the outskirts of Mordelles, or visit the Boël Mill itself. The Étang d'Apigné is another significant natural feature with a water sports center nearby.

Yes, many of the trails around Mordelles are designed as loops. For example, the popular Biardais Pond loop from Mordelles offers a peaceful circuit. Another option is the View of the Moulin du Guern loop from Cintré, which provides views of the mill and the Vilaine valley.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from nearly 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from river towpaths to tranquil ponds and the characteristic bocage. The well-maintained paths and variety of routes suitable for different abilities are also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. The Vilaine River is a central feature, with a towpath providing beautiful views, especially around its meanders. You can also explore circuits between the valleys of the Meu and Vaunoise rivers. The View of the Moulin du Guern loop from Cintré offers scenic perspectives of the Vilaine valley.

Yes, Mordelles is home to several beautiful water features. The Biardais Pond (Étangs de la Biardais) is a magnificent setting for hikes, and the Biardais Pond loop from Mordelles is a popular route around it. The Étang d'Apigné is another significant lake nearby, offering a pleasant hiking experience.

Mordelles offers enjoyable hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Summer is also popular, especially for shaded trails like those in the Canut Valley or around the ponds, which offer opportunities for relaxation by the water.

While many trails are easy to moderate, there are options for longer treks. The Sheep Pasture in Saint-Gilles loop from L'Hermitage-Mordelles is a moderate 16.3 km trail that takes over 4 hours to complete, leading through a varied bocage landscape. There are also a few difficult routes for experienced hikers.

Yes, for a quicker walk, the Hiking loop from La Chapelle-Thouarault is an easy 5.9 km trail that can be completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The Biardais Pond loop from Mordelles is also an excellent choice for a relatively short and peaceful stroll.