Massérac: Saint-Benoît Chapel, Paimbu and the Marais

Massérac combines a long history with rural heritage and trails through the landscape. If you’re looking for a hotel in Massérac, you can first decide whether chapels and churches, Paimbu’s traditional architecture or activities in the Marais will shape your stay. Each topic offers different points to consider when planning your trip.

Saint-Benoît Chapel and religious heritage

Saint-Benoît Chapel was built in 897 by the monks of Redon from sandstone, quartz and slate. It was abandoned in 1870 because of its poor condition and restored in the late 20th or early 21st century. The Fontaine Saint-Benoît is 250 metres from the chapel and was once used by the monks for their water supply. The chapel and fountain thus link architectural history with a concrete reminder of past water use.

The parish church of Massérac was built in 1872. Its neo-Gothic stained-glass windows depict important episodes from the lives of Saint Benedict and his sister in eight panels. The panels give the church a clearly defined iconographic programme. On the edge of the marshland, the Saint-Benoît Oratory, also known as the Chaire de Saint-Benoît, was built in 1859. A pilgrimage is also held each year at a contemporary calvary in Massérac. If you’d like to plan your stay around it, check the date in advance.

Paimbu: slate houses and fruit growing

The village of Paimbu preserves traditional slate houses. Some farmyards are enclosed by fences made of flat slate stones, so the material is also present in the boundaries around the yards. A bread oven dating from the 18th century was used until the Second World War. The houses, enclosures and oven represent different aspects of the village’s rural heritage.

The Verger de Paimbu is on the edge of the village in the commune of Massérac, less than one kilometre from the centre. At the Verger Commun de Paimbu, members of the public and businesses can harvest apples after making a request and receiving approval, accompanied by a member of the association. If you’re planning to take part, arrange it in advance.

Walks and routes

Walking trails offer opportunities to explore the Marais de Vilaine. Hiking and mountain biking routes also follow the former railway line. One named route is the Circuit d’interprétation des Marais, which starts in La Thebauderie in Massérac. It is 3.7 kilometres long and marked in yellow. The walk takes 55 minutes, is suitable for families and features information panels. Alongside general walks, there is also a route with a clearly specified distance, marking and duration.

The routes cater to different interests: the walks pass through the Marais, while the former railway line is used by both hiking and mountain biking routes. The panels along the Circuit d’interprétation des Marais add a further thematic dimension. If you’re planning time outdoors, you can weigh these specific route details against the historic sites and Paimbu’s rural heritage.

Plan your journey

Massérac is served by regional TER BreizhGo trains. There is also an on-demand transport service accessible to people with reduced mobility. Before travelling, check the latest TER timetables and the conditions of the on-demand service, as service details may change. When choosing a hotel, you can consider your journey alongside the things you’re interested in during your stay in Massérac.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Étienne-De-Mer-Morte, Brains, Aigrefeuille-Sur-Maine, Saint-Fiacre-Sur-Maine, Ligné, Pont-Saint-Martin, Piriac-Sur-Mer, Saint-Joachim

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.