Discover Chauve

Chauve brings together megalithic heritage, routes through the countryside, and activities at the Parc de loisirs. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would like to focus mainly on the menhirs, a walking or cycling route, wildlife observation, or the leisure park. These priorities can also give your search for hotels in Chauve a clear direction.

Walking trails among menhirs and nature

The Circuit des Menhirs is an easy 9.1-kilometre circular route; the stated duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes. It is described as a walking and cycling route and passes through the heart of Chauve's megalithic heritage. This combines specific information about distance and time with the theme of the menhirs. As route details may be updated, check the information before setting out.

The Circuit des Menhirs includes the Menhir de Chevanou, which is about four metres high. The Menhir du Chevanou, also known as the Pierre de La Crotrie, is described as comprising two blocks; the upright block is 4.20 metres high. The approximate height given for the menhir and the measurement of the upright block provide different details about this monument.

The Circuit des Villages offers a different thematic perspective: this route provides the opportunity to observe birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. This gives you a clear distinction when choosing: the Circuit des Menhirs focuses on megalithic heritage and specifies a route length and duration, while the Circuit des Villages is associated with wildlife observation. No specific walking or cycling duration is given for this second circular route.

Menhirs and historical heritage

The Menhirs des Platennes, also known as Les trois pierres de La Crotrie, form an arrangement of three fallen menhirs. Each is about four metres high. Since 2 May 1989, the Menhirs des Platennes have been listed as a Monument historique by decree. Their number, fallen position, and approximate height distinguish this group as an archaeological ensemble.

The Menhir du Chevanou has also been listed as a Monument historique by decree since 2 May 1989. It stands beside the road near the hamlet of La Crotrie. The Les Menhirs walking trail passes through this hamlet, which is in the municipality of Chauve. This helps place the menhir in relation to the hamlet, while the two names Pierre de La Crotrie and Les trois pierres de La Crotrie refer to different groups of menhirs described here.

Views and countryside

At the Menhir de La Pierre Lematz, the municipal route offers a view across the countryside to the ridge that hides the Baie de Bourgneuf-en-Retz. The menhir is 3.75 metres high. This adds a landscape view to routes whose main themes are monuments or wildlife observation. If both megaliths and scenery matter to you during your stay, this viewpoint offers a distinct connection to the area around Chauve.

Parc de loisirs: walking paths, pump track, and pond

The Parc de loisirs is criss-crossed by walking paths and has a pump track for cross-country cycling. Fishing is permitted in the pond, but swimming is prohibited. The pond rules are therefore an important distinction between the recreational activities on offer. Check the municipal information about the park and pond rules before your visit.

To help plan your trip, you can group activities by the type of experience you want: the Circuit des Menhirs provides specific information about distance and duration, the Circuit des Villages offers the opportunity to observe wildlife, and the Parc de loisirs combines walking paths with a pump track and pond. The groups of menhirs and the view from La Pierre Lematz add historical and landscape themes to the options.

Discover more destinations: Héric, Sucé-Sur-Erdre, Saint-Mars-Du-Désert, Saint-Aubin-Des-Châteaux, Chéméré, Pontchâteau, Donges, Mesquer.

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.