Petit-Mars: Walking Trails, the Erdre and Architectural History

For a stay in Petit-Mars, you can choose from walking routes, scenic landscapes, access to the Erdre and historic buildings. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether walking, the river or architectural history will shape your stay.

Walking Routes and Landscapes

The Circuit des Marais is a 15 km, moderately difficult circular hiking trail (PR) in Petit-Mars. The route is also intended for horse riding and mountain biking. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

The Circuit des Villages runs through the landscape of Petit-Mars and offers views of numerous surrounding church steeples from its highest point.

The Erdre and Local Landmarks

Port La Rivière is a landscaped area for walks and picnics, with access to the Erdre.

The Grotte de Lourdes is at Les Portes, right next to the Étang du Tertre Rouge.

Châteaux, a Mill and a Former Fort

At Pont Hus, two periods of construction should be distinguished: the first château was built in 1070, while the current château dates from the 18th century. The Pont Hus estate is now a renowned stud farm. The château is also visible from the Erdre.

The Moulin de Launay is an 18th-century windmill and a conical tower mill characteristic of the Nantes region. Le Breil is a former fort that has been completely renovated.

Route Details, the Pond and the Grotto’s History

The Circuit des Villages complements the 15-kilometre loop with a more challenging circuit: the departmental website gives a distance of 20 kilometres, a duration of around four hours and 15 minutes, and 144 metres of ascent and 143 metres of descent. The route starts at the car park opposite the church on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. It passes through Petit-Mars and Ligné and by a mill, a church, the old town centre, the Château du Pont-Hus (visible from the route), the Étang du Tertre Rouge and an access point to the Erdre. Several surrounding church steeples can be seen from the highest point. The 2.5-hectare Étang du Tertre Rouge was originally a grazing marsh with the Tertre Rouge stream; today, the departmental website lists fishing, a playground, a boules court and picnic tables there. The Lourdes Grotto at Les Portes was established in 1958. A stone bearing an inscription leans against its inner wall; the source dates it to between 3000 and 5000 BC. Since 1959, Claude Amaury, Seigneur de la Musse’s gravestone has also been located there. The same page mentions a Marian Mass on 15 August as an annual tradition; check the dates and visitor conditions for the relevant year before planning a trip around it. Before setting out on the Circuit des Villages, check current trail conditions and make sure the full route fits your schedule and hiking experience.

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.