Moisdon-La-Rivière: Forge History and Trails

Moisdon-La-Rivière combines the industrial heritage of Forge Neuve with Romanesque church architecture, marked trails, and fishing at Étang des Forges. Forge Neuve is now open to the public; seasonal access conditions may apply. A former industrial forge site, it dates back to the 17th century. The Musée des Forges is housed in a former coal storage building at Forge Neuve. It vividly and engagingly presents the mining past and the work of the forges from the 17th to the 19th century. The museum’s historical scope therefore extends beyond the period when the forge site was established.

Industrial history and heritage

The Église Saint-Jouin is a Romanesque fortified church and is listed as a historic monument. According to the municipality, it is the only fortified church in the département. “Romanesque” describes its architectural style, while “fortified church” refers to its defensive character; its historic monument status is another distinguishing feature. The church’s architectural focus therefore differs from the mining past and forge work presented at the Musée des Forges.

Comparing the trails

The Sentier du Prince is 2 km long and takes 30 minutes; the Sentier Farinel is 3.5 km long and is designed to take 45 minutes. The Prince is therefore 1.5 km and 15 minutes shorter. The Farinel is also explicitly rated as an easy walk. These figures offer a direct comparison of distance and duration, while the easy rating provides an additional guide for the Farinel.

The scenery and routes also differ. The Sentier du Prince passes through varied rocky and wooded areas and offers panoramic views in a landscape shaped by the former forges. The Sentier Farinel is a connecting trail to Forge Neuve and runs along the Don. The Prince is open year-round, though seasonal access conditions may still apply. Temporary weather-related access notices may be relevant for the Farinel. Check current access conditions before setting out.

The Sentier La Lande du Don follows the banks of the Don below vast shale plateaus and carries the national FFRandonnée label. In contrast to the varied rocky and wooded sections of the Sentier du Prince, this trail highlights the river and the shale plateaus. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Fishing and additional information

At Étang des Forges in Moisdon-la-Rivière, there is a fishing course with the Passion designation. This clearly identified fishing feature complements the trails and heritage.

The Carnet de la Biodiversité is available from the tourist office in print or as a download. As the available formats may change, check in advance if you need to know which version is currently available.

Discover more destinations

Brains, Saint-Mars-Du-Désert, La Cotinière, Soulvache, Malville, Les Touches, Blain, Château-Thébaud

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.