Les Sorinières: Menhirs, Monastic History and Walking Trails

Les Sorinières brings together prehistoric monuments and medieval monastic history with a network of walking trails and parks with distinct characters. If you are looking for a hotel in Les Sorinières, deciding what you want to focus on can help you get a sense of the place: would you like your stay to centre mainly on cultural history, outdoor trails, or parks and ponds?

Menhirs and Monastic History

The Menhir of Faulx is a Neolithic quartzite menhir dating from 4500 to 2500 BC. The addition of a cross and a small statuette in a niche gave it a Christian character. In 1984, it was added to the supplementary list of Historic Monuments. At this stone, you can consider both its prehistoric dating and its later Christian design.

The Menhir de la Haute-Lande is also made of quartzite. It weighs between 15 and 20 tonnes and was added to the supplementary list of monuments in 1960. The two menhirs therefore have different points of interest: the Faulx menhir stands out for its dating and Christian character, while the Haute-Lande menhir is notable for its weight and the year it was listed.

The Abbaye de Villeneuve was founded as a Cistercian abbey in 1201. Its abbey church was consecrated in 1224 by Etienne, Bishop of Nantes. The monks’ former hospitality is also part of the abbey’s history: in the past, they welcomed members of religious orders and pilgrims. Its foundation, consecration and this historical context offer several points of connection to different periods.

Walking and Green Spaces

The walking trail network in Les Sorinières comprises 34 km of waymarked and maintained trails. The routes pass through forests, along waterways and by townhouses. When planning a walk, you will therefore encounter both natural and local features. It is advisable to check the local waymarkers before setting out.

Parc Hippolyte-Derouet is a starting point for walking trails. The wooded park is in the town centre, covers one hectare and has a children’s playground. Its size, central location and role as a starting point for trails make it a different landmark from the larger parkland at Parc de la Filée.

Parc de la Filée is a 12-hectare, preserved rural recreation park. It includes a 1.5-hectare pond where people fish. The two parks therefore differ in scale and in their stated features: Parc Hippolyte-Derouet is characterised by its woodland, playground and walking trails, while Parc de la Filée is defined by its rural setting and pond. If you would like to fish there, check the current local rules in advance.

A Free Place to Visit

Médiathèque L'Échappée offers free admission. All documents and games can be used on site free of charge. This gives you another specific reason to visit, in addition to the historic monuments and the city’s outdoor spaces. You can include this free media and games area as a separate item in your itinerary.

This gives you a varied picture when choosing your destination: Les Sorinières brings together remains from different periods, waymarked walking trails, two parks with distinct characters and a media offering that can be enjoyed free of charge. Choose the focus of your stay according to which of these aspects of the area interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Pornic, Le Pallet, Mésanger, Le Cellier, Saint-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu, Saint-Herblain, La Baule-Escoublac, Anetz.

Go to the main travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.