The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Touches

Calvary with a beautiful view

The west bridge of Lake Voireau offers a beautiful, unobstructed view of the reservoir. The largest body of water in Loire-Atlantique, this lake stretches through the heart of the forest. Its wooded banks and landscaped beaches make it a pleasant stopover for a nature break or a swim.

Also known as the "basin," the port of Nort-sur-Erdre is a lively, historic neighborhood that's a great place to stop off. At the foot of the Saint-Georges Bridge, which separates the wild Erdre from the navigable Erdre, the marina is now a popular place for walking and fishing. Free Wi-Fi access near the Tourist Office Contact the harbor master's office for an extended stay; the first two nights are free. Open year-round Type of facility: Slipway - River stopover - Pontoon - Marina Payment methods: Bank and postal checks Access location: Nort-sur-Erdre train station: 1 km Languages spoken: French Facilities: Picnic area - Restrooms - Services - Playground

The current château is the work of Jean-Baptiste Ceineray, a renowned Nantes architect, who built it for Martin Boux de Casson, a councilor in the Parliament of Brittany. Construction began in 1753 with the central section and the left pavilion. The château was completed after the Revolution with the construction of the right pavilion in 1805. The park is home to a charming monument erected in the 19th century. It features a pond, overlooked by a grotto and a pink sandstone obelisk (a tribute from Jacques-Olivier Urvoy de Saint-Bedan to his wife, Marie-Pélagie). The building was listed as a historic monument in 1989. Its protected elements include the château's facades and roofs; the stairwell with its wrought iron railing; the Empire salon with its ornate decorations; the steps with its grand staircase; and the ornate garden with two stone lions at the entrance to the verdant hemicycle. In July 2021, a 250m² outbuilding caught fire and was completely destroyed. (The property is private and closed to the public; unauthorized access is prohibited.)

The Plessis estate is mentioned as a seigneury as early as 1260. In 1753, the medieval castle, having become too uncomfortable, was rebuilt and replaced with the one we see today, in the classical style. In 1760, the blessing of the castle chapel took place; it was destroyed during the Revolution. Among the most illustrious occupants of the estate, we can mention: François Dollier de Casson (1636-1701), a cavalry captain and later a priest, who was sent on a mission to Quebec. He drew up part of the plans for the city of Montreal (the city owes its characteristic checkerboard structure to him, long before Philadelphia). In Montreal, a street, several buildings, and a retirement home now bear the name Casson. Jacques-Olivier Urvoy de Saint-Bedan (1780-1858) was mayor of Casson, general councilor, member of parliament for Loire-Inférieure, and city councilor of Nantes. He was an important patron of the arts, notably responsible for the construction of the Sainte-Anne asylum (Hospices of the Little Sisters of the Poor), the church of Casson, the bell tower of the church of Sucé, the Sainte-Anne de Casson chapel, and more. His art collection is now largely on display at the Nantes Art Museum thanks to his generous donation. The estate became the property of the Boux de Casson family. It then passed by inheritance to the Urvoy de Saint-Bedan family and then, through marriage, to the de Bouillé family, who still reside there.

Not much to add to Fred's comment. Except that behind the church and just to the left of the cemetery entrance, there is a tiny chapel (where Zoe de Bonchamps, famous for saving the lives of 5,000 Republican soldiers imprisoned by the Chouans in the abbey church, is buried) with a commemorative plaque in honor of Casson's fighters, donated by the Vendée Military Association.

The Church of Saint-Louis was built in 1841. It contains a listed alabaster bas-relief dating from the 15th century depicting "the adoration of the Magi between two saints." The bell tower is listed as a natural heritage site because it is home to greater mouse-eared bats, a very rare breed of bat. You'll find a water tap at the entrance to the cemetery near the chapel, behind the church, and a few benches if, like me, you're not only short of water, but also of energy.

you can also ride with your roadbike, if you're not afraid a little dust