Sion-Les-Mines: Menhirs, Mills and Hiking Trails

For a trip to Sion-Les-Mines, hiking trails, megalithic monuments and the history of the Forges de la Hunaudière offer different points of interest. The walking routes vary considerably in length and walking time; there are also reminders of the history of metallurgy and a watermill with its equipment preserved. If you are looking for a hotel in Sion-Les-Mines, you can first consider whether nature watching, time spent hiking or historical sites should shape your stay.

Hiking trails: scenery and time required

At 6 kilometres and about 1 hour 30 minutes, the Sentier du Tour de l’Étang de la Hunaudière is the shortest of the three walking routes described. It is marked in yellow and first passes through oak and beech woodland, then along the banks of the pond. There, you may be able to spot grey herons, great crested grebes and mallards. The change from woodland to the pond shore gives this route its own distinct scenic focus.

The Sentier des Mines is 12.7 kilometres long; about 3 hours and 15 minutes are listed for this easy hike. The start and finish are in Sion-les-Mines. At 16.4 kilometres, with a walking time of approximately 4 hours, the Sentier de Sion à la Hunaudière is longer and is also rated easy. It is marked in yellow. The times therefore range from the approximately one-and-a-half-hour route by the Étang, through the Sentier des Mines, to the roughly four-hour route. Check route details and conditions before setting out.

Menhirs and remembrance

The Alignement de la Grée Galot is a megalithic site with a row of menhirs on the boundary between Lusanger and Sion-les-Mines. The Menhir de Pierre Pin, also called the Pierre des Huguenots, is another named monument: it is listed as a historic monument. The Menhir de la Grée à Midi and the megalithic monument La Roche à la Bergère are classified as historic monuments.

The Monument de la Brosse commemorates the Maquisards who were murdered by Germans on the night of 10 to 11 July 1944. The Cérémonie de la Brosse is held at the memorial stele every year on the first Sunday in July. If you would like to include the ceremony in your travel plans, check the arrangements for that year.

Industrial history and a mill visit

The Forges de la Hunaudière operated as a metallurgical site from the mid-16th century until 1882. A decree dated 6 July 1987 listed parts of the former Forge de la Hunaudière as protected historic monuments; these include the Saint-Eloi chapel. The site’s history can also be explored through a live demonstration: Art de la Fonderie at the Forges de la Hunaudière involves casting molten metal. Depending on what is currently being produced, bronze or aluminium is cast. As the format may change, check the current visitor arrangements before travelling.

The Moulin du Pont Godalin, which is around four centuries old, has preserved its watermill equipment and still produces buckwheat flour. A self-guided visit includes the old mill and its outbuildings, the mill grounds, the waterwheel and a mill museum with a film, slideshow and exhibition. Check access details in advance. This means your trip planning can include a choice of different hiking times, historic sites and a mill that continues to produce flour.

Discover more destinations: Indre, Fégréac, Mesquer, Château-Thébaud, Treffieux, Rougé, Vigneux-De-Bretagne, La Chapelle-Glain.

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.