Couffé: Hiking, Nature and Heritage

If you’re looking for a hotel in Couffé, you can plan your trip around the area’s specific themes: hiking trails, nature and cultural history. The routes vary in length and starting point; there are also historic buildings, a heritage discovery trail and activities at Ferme La Gazi.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

The Circuit PDIPR Trail du Pont Noyer is 8.2 kilometres long. In 2024, it was added to the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée and awarded the Uni’Vert Trail label. For comparison, the Sentier de Cuette is 600 metres long and connects the village of Cuette with the departmental rest area on the RD21. The significant difference in route lengths gives you a practical guide when choosing a trail.

The rest area on the RD21 is listed as the starting point for the Circuit Univert’Trail du Pont Noyer. Check the latest route information before setting off. The Pont Noyer circular route passes through the valleys of the Loge au Moine and the Hâvre, which are designated Natura 2000 sites; conditions along the route can vary by season. In the past, an ancient road crossed the Hâvre River at Pont Noyer.

The Sentier la Gazi-Les Noues starts at the Plan d’eau de l’Ilette. This trail offers a chance to discover the landscape of Couffé in a natural and idyllic setting. Its starting point makes the circular route another way to include the local landscape in your plans.

Pike, coarse and carp fishing are available at the Plan d’eau de l’Ilette. Local regulations and permits apply. There is also a Théâtre de verdure at the lake, where concerts and performances can be held. Fishing and cultural events are therefore two different activities at this location.

Cultural History in Couffé

The municipal heritage discovery trail in the town centre features information panels at several locations. They explain the history of buildings, past activities and the people associated with them. In this way, the trail connects local history with specific buildings and people, rather than focusing on a single era or monument.

The Château de la Villejégu was listed as a historic monument on 21 December 1984. Protected features include the façades and roofs of the château, orangery and outbuildings; the chapel and dovecote; and the interiors and their furnishings. The protected estate also includes the main courtyard, moat and bridge, terrace, French garden and gateways. The listing thus covers both parts of the buildings and features of the grounds.

Other historic sites have different points of interest: the Château de la Roche was the former seat of the lordship of La Roche and was restored from 1842 onwards. The Château de la Contrie, dating from 1624 to 1840, is the birthplace of François Athanase Charette de La Contrie. The Chapelle Saint-Symphorien, also known as the Chapelle de La Monie or Moynie, was built by monks and came under the Priory of Saint-Méen.

The churches also preserve distinctive features. The choir of the Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul contains a contemporary mural by Albert Lemasson, added in 1945. The Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul houses a listed liturgical vestment made of purple damask, needlepoint tapestry and gold braid. It was listed on 31 March 1978.

Farm Market and Activities

Ferme La Gazi holds a farm market on Wednesdays and Fridays. Check the market days again before setting off. Educational activities at the farm are available by prior reservation. These include visits to the beehives and honey extractor or apiary, making candles and painting beehives. Reservations are important when planning; these activities offer a different way to experience Couffé than its hiking trails and architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Moisdon-La-Rivière, Saint-Aubin-Des-Châteaux, Nort-Sur-Erdre, Sainte-Pazanne, Guérande, Bouguenais, Paimbœuf, Fay-de-Bretagne.

For the regional travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.