Treillières: Chapel History and Craftsmanship

Treillières can be explored through a range of different highlights: the history of the Notre Dame des Dons Chapel, the brushmaking craft of Brosserie Julio – Andrée Jardin, and the valley and bocage landscapes. Local walking routes, the granite village of La Ménardais and Parc du Haut-Gesvres complete the picture. This allows you to consider heritage, craft production and nature as different interests for your stay.

Notre Dame des Dons Chapel: History and Pilgrimage

The origins of Notre Dame des Dons Chapel date back to the 11th to 12th centuries. Around 1460, it was restored by François II, Duke of Brittany and father of Duchess Anne. The chapel was a famous Breton pilgrimage site that attracted numerous visits from princes; among its visitors was Anne of Brittany. Its origins, restoration and pilgrimage history offer different insights into the history of the town. If you are interested in Breton heritage, you will find a specific historical highlight here, explored through both its early origins and the later visits by princes.

Discover the Craft of Brushmaking

For several generations, Brosserie Julio – Andrée Jardin has maintained the craft of brushmaking in Treillières. The brushes are intended for industrial applications and as household accessories, so the craft serves a range of different purposes. On a visit, you can see the workshops in operation and learn about the individual stages of the process: from drilling the wood and inserting the fibres to the finishing work. The sequence makes the production process easy to follow: preparing the wood is followed by inserting the fibres, then the finishing work. The focus is therefore not only on the brushes themselves, but also on the craft involved in making them.

Bocage, Walking Routes and Local History

The Gesvres runs through Treillières in a valley where the bocage landscape remains clearly defined. The La Vallée du Gesvres circular route is designated for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. Check the conditions before setting out. The Circuit des villages anciens, by contrast, focuses on landscape features: the circular route passes through former cultivated heathland, dense bocage and green lanes. The comparison helps you choose: three activities are listed for La Vallée du Gesvres, while the Circuit des villages anciens is described in terms of its landscape.

The built and historic environment can also be explored via local walking routes. La Ménardais is a granite village with old houses and their outbuildings. A third local walking route takes you to Moulin de Fort L’Evêque and traces of a former feudal castle in La Houssaie. Here, local heritage is a focus alongside the landscape.

Haut-Gesvres Nature and Leisure Park

Parc du Haut-Gesvres is a nature and leisure park with an educational trail and numerous notable trees. A large play structure includes slides, bridges, nets, climbing walls and a treehouse; picnic tables are nearby. The park therefore combines nature and learning with a range of play options. Unlike the local routes, which explore bocage, landscapes and historic sites, the park has its own focus: its trail, trees and play structure.

Discover more destinations: Brains, Varades, Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins, Sucé-Sur-Erdre, Saint-Nazaire, Bouvron, Guémené-Penfao, Préfailles

For the regional travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.