Discover Monnières: Vineyards, Mill Trails and Heritage

Monnières offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: historic buildings, vineyards, trails with interpretive stops and a pond for outdoor relaxation. The themes range from the Romanesque Church of Sainte Radegonde to the history of Village du Pont. When planning your trip, you can focus on architecture, trails through the vineyards, wine or a break by the water.

Mills and trails through the vineyards

The Moulin de la Minière is an 18th-century windmill set above the vineyards, offering panoramic views. Since autumn 2022, information panels at the mill have described its history and how it works. The site is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. As access conditions may change, check them before setting out.

The Circuit des Moulins offers another perspective on mills and vineyards: it is signposted through the vineyards with yellow markings. The circular route includes the “Eau à la bouche” educational trail, where plants with strong scents or distinctive flavours are introduced in a playful way. The trail also leads to the Grotte de Lourdes viewpoint, overlooking the Sèvre Nantaise. The Circuit thus combines waymarking, introductions to unusual plants and views over the river. Markings may be updated, so check the current signs before setting out.

Sainte Radegonde and local history

The Romanesque Church of Sainte Radegonde reflects several phases of construction. Remains from the 11th century have survived; the bell gable with buttresses dates from the 13th century, and there is also a Gothic choir. The stained-glass window in the large church window was installed in 1945 and is signed by Jacques Grüber. The architectural features and stained glass offer different clues to the building’s history. The area’s history reaches further back, too: in the late Middle Ages, Monnières was home to a Templar commandery.

Village du Pont and wine culture

Village du Pont was an old port serving the wine-growing area, on the edge of the navigable stretch of the Sèvre Nantaise. The village also has typical multi-storey stone houses dating from the 15th to 18th centuries; they once belonged to merchants and shipowners. The former port’s role points to river traffic, while the houses and their former owners offer insights into the history of architecture and ownership.

Domaine Ménard-Gaborit offers tours and wine tastings by prior reservation. Its range includes a selection of organically certified Muscadet wines, including Monnières-Saint-Fiacre. Visitor services and the wine selection may change; check reservation requirements and the range in advance if you are planning a visit.

Relax at Étang des Tuileries

The peaceful Étang des Tuileries covers two hectares and is used for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Activities and facilities include fishing, a children’s playground, boules courts, and picnic and barbecue areas. There are also two reserved parking spaces, a pontoon suitable for two wheelchairs, two picnic tables—one of them under a shelter—and accessible toilets. As facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Campbon, Bouvron, La Chapelle-Launay, Donges, Le Cellier, Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Mars-La-Jaille, Abbaretz.

Return to the main travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.