Discover Casson

The options vary considerably in scope: alongside a challenging, long circular route, there are themed trails, while churches, chapels and the Château du Plessis offer historical and architectural details. This makes it easy to choose activities to suit your interests.

Trails of varying lengths

The Chemins-Creux loop is a challenging 16.5-kilometre circuit, with an estimated duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes. It passes through Casson, Héric and Nort-sur-Erdre. In Casson, it crosses the bocage landscape, where oak trees line the sunken lanes. These lanes were formerly used as livestock routes and allowed water to drain away in winter. The route therefore combines a clearly defined walking distance with a landscape whose distinctive pathways once served a practical purpose.

L’école buissonnière is considerably shorter: the circular walk is 3 kilometres long and suitable for everyone. It includes 13 sites scattered across Casson that are of botanical, environmental or ecological significance. A playful, educational trail in the style of a treasure hunt, it is accompanied by a ladybird and a grasshopper that guide visitors. Local signage may change. When comparing the two routes, length and character are key: one is 16.5 kilometres and takes 4 hours and 30 minutes, while the other is a 3-kilometre circular walk.

Another themed route is the Sentier des enfants de Batz. Seven panels cover the history of the municipality of Casson, its buildings and its biodiversity. The trail is also a place of remembrance and a shaded walking route. The information on the panels may change.

Buildings and their history

The Église Saint-Louis dates from 1841 and was designed by the architect Chenantais. It houses a listed 15th-century alabaster relief depicting the Adoration of the Magi between two saints. The bell tower is also noteworthy: a very rare bat species lives there.

The Chapelle Sainte-Anne was designated a historic monument by decree on 14 February 1989. The Chapelle de la Recouvrance dates from 1860 and replaced an earlier chapel, which was first mentioned as early as 1649. Historically, it was a place of pilgrimage where people prayed for the healing of sheep and sick children. The two chapels therefore offer different historical points of interest: the date of Sainte-Anne’s designation is particularly notable, while the documented history of Recouvrance reaches further back.

The Château du Plessis includes its façades and roofs, a staircase with a wrought-iron railing, the Empire-style salon with its decorations, a porch and the grand staircase. The landscaped garden features two stone lions at the entrance to the leafy semicircular space. Alongside the churches and chapels, specific architectural details are therefore also a focus.

Nature and tasting

Pike, perch, largemouth bass, carp, bream, roach, rudd and eel are found in the Étang du Motais. This variety of species adds another natural feature to the themed trails and bocage landscape.

The La F’Hermaphrodite farm offers visits with snail tastings by reservation. Check in advance whether reservations are available. The offerings include prepared Gros Gris snails in their shells, as chouquettes, cooked and as preserves. Product availability may change. For travellers wishing to combine their stay with a tasting, this is a distinct option alongside trails, nature and architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Boussay, Cordemais, Le Landreau, La Plaine-Sur-Mer, Vieillevigne, Thouaré-Sur-Loire, Chéméré, Joué-Sur-Erdre.

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.