Bonnoeuvre: Hiking Trails, Water and Local History

Bonnoeuvre can be explored through several specific highlights: two circular walks, a body of water on the Erdre, and architectural and natural landmarks with their own histories. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Bonnoeuvre, you can first decide whether hiking, a stay by the water or historical traces should be your focus. The different themes can help you tailor your trip to Bonnoeuvre to your plans.

Hiking: comparing two circular walks

The “Le vieux pont du moulin” circular walk is 9 km long and starts at the church car park. The “Circuit des Layons de l’Erdre” also starts there and is 12 km long. The two circular walks therefore differ in length by three kilometres. You can compare the shorter and longer routes directly by distance when planning, and both have the same starting point. Neither walk is listed in the PDIPR. Take care regarding rights of way, road crossings and maintenance. Factor these points into your route planning rather than basing your choice solely on distance.

Plan d’eau: a separate focus by the water

The Plan d’eau de Bonnoeuvre lies within the municipality of Bonnoeuvre, covers around 1 ha and is an extension of the Erdre River. Picnicking and fishing are possible there. A dedicated pontoon provides access to the Plan d’eau for people with reduced mobility. This offers different reasons to visit than the circular walks: you can combine your time by the water with a picnic or fishing. The information about its area and the Erdre also places this body of water within the landscape of Bonnoeuvre.

The bridge and Prieuré in local history

The Pont de Bonnœuvre is a stone bridge with three arches, built in 1748. In local history, it was preceded by a wooden footbridge that was repeatedly swept away by winter floods on the Erdre. This places the earlier use of the crossing and the stone bridge built in 1748 in their historical context.

The Prieuré de Bonnœuvre is documented as early as 1073. The Prieuré Saint-Martin has a dovecote associated with the former seigneurial monastic estate. The Prieuré Saint-Martin is now privately owned, cannot be visited and can be seen from the road. As access information can change, check it again before planning a visit specifically for this purpose. This helps distinguish a view from the road from a visit inside.

Chêne aux Clous du Pâtisseau: tree and tradition

The Chêne aux Clous du Pâtisseau is more than four metres in diameter; its age is estimated at 400 to 500 years. The tree is already documented in local written records from 1742. Alongside these details about its size, estimated age and early written mention, a healing ritual has also been passed down. According to local tradition, the tree is circled seven times clockwise, a nail is hammered into its trunk, a Paternoster and an Ave Maria are recited, and the sign of the cross is made three times. The ritual is said to cure boils.

Discover more destinations: La Meilleraye-De-Bretagne, Le Pallet, Châteaubriant, Nort-Sur-Erdre, Basse-Goulaine, La Chapelle-Basse-Mer, Corcoué-Sur-Logne, Chauve

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.