Sucé-Sur-Erdre: Water, Nature and Heritage

Water, wetlands and historic buildings shape the themes you can explore in Sucé-Sur-Erdre. On the Erdre, you can go kayaking and canoeing, or head out on the water on a paddleboard from the beaches along the Erdre; you can board licence-free houseboats in Sucé-Sur-Erdre. On land, nature watching and cycling routes take centre stage, while the area’s architectural history ranges from manor houses to Protestant sites. You can plan your stay around whether you prefer to be on the water, in nature or exploring the area’s history.

Water sports on the Erdre

The municipal Base nautique de Mazerolles offers a range of water sports activities to the public and school groups. In the harbour area, you can hire kayaks and canoes for trips on the Erdre. You can paddleboard from beaches along the Erdre, both in the town and at Mazerolles. Licence-free houseboats can also be boarded in Sucé-Sur-Erdre. Check seasonal availability of activities and rentals before your trip.

Wetlands and nature watching

The Tourbière de Logné lies on the left bank of the Erdre and extends across the municipalities of Carquefou and Sucé-Sur-Erdre. It is designated as an Espace naturel sensible (ENS) and includes peat bog, fen and peatland woodland. There is a nature trail at the peat bog. However, the reserve is not open to the general public; the reserve team offers guided visits every year. If you would like to experience this area, plan your visit as part of one of these tours.

The Plaines de Mazerolles are another wetland landscape. They lie within the classified Vallée de l’Erdre site and a Natura 2000 zone. The protected plains are open for walks by the water, fishing and picnics. Birdlife is another particular attraction: 169 bird species can be observed here, including many migratory birds. A stay by the water can therefore combine walks, fishing, picnics and birdwatching.

Cycling routes and choosing a route

The Sucé-sur-Erdre / Rive Gauche cycling loop is 14 kilometres long and rated very easy to easy. La Vélodyssée offers a different type of route: it passes through Sucé-Sur-Erdre and includes 15 kilometres of protected route there. The first description is of a loop with a difficulty rating, while the second is of a protected linear route. The length and route type help distinguish the two options. Check current signage and route conditions before setting out.

Buildings and history

The Manoir de la Châtaigneraie was built in 1860 in the Palladian style; a park adjoins the manor house. The Tour Gaillard offers a different historical perspective: it dates from the 16th century, was built by Protestants and remained an important Protestant site until 1685. These sites bring together two distinct themes: manor-house architecture and the Protestant history of the Tour.

The building history of the Château de Chavagne dates back to a late-medieval manor. In the 17th century, it was expanded by families from parliamentary circles and by local notables, including the Descartes. The Château is partially protected as a Monument historique; the protection covers the entire manor and the façades and roofs of its outbuildings. The main construction phase of the Château de Launay, by contrast, dates to the 18th century. This Château is also partially protected as a Monument historique, including its façades and roofs. The information about their construction phases and the scope of their protection makes the two Châteaux distinct destinations for visitors interested in architecture and history.

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-Glain, Les Touches, Vue, Sainte-Luce-Sur-Loire, Ligné, Varades, Saint-Vincent-Des-Landes, Fégréac.

For the regional travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.