Varades: Loire trails, landscapes and historic sites

Varades offers several reasons to plan a trip: walking trails along the Loire, a fishing lake, opportunities for family time and historic buildings. Each destination offers something different. You can consider whether nature and outdoor activities, a family outing, or architecture and history should take center stage during your stay.

Walking trails and views of the Loire

The Circuit de la Madeleine is 9.1 kilometers long and passes through wetlands and hilly terrain along the Loire in Varades. Along the way, there are views of the river and its islands. This gives you a clear sense of both the landscape and the route’s length: if you want to experience the Loire landscape on foot, this is a well-described trail through varied terrain.

The Circuit de la Madeleine can be reached from Nantes by a 30-minute train ride. Timetables may change, so check the connection before you travel. Another route starts at the Étang de la Gravelle: from there, the 11-kilometer “La Grande Prée” walking trail continues on. The distances make it easy to compare the routes: the Circuit is 9.1 kilometers long, while La Grande Prée is 11 kilometers.

Fishing and time at Parc de la Mabiterie

The Étang de la Grippe is a fishing lake on the banks of the Loire in Varades. Fish species found there include pike, zander, perch and carp. If you want to fish here, check the local access conditions before your visit, as they may change. Planning this outing therefore involves considering both the fish species and the practical arrangements for your visit.

Parc de la Mabiterie offers opportunities for picnics and family play. It is also the starting point for the permanent orienteering course in Varades. The park thus offers two different ideas for spending time outdoors: taking a break with a picnic or some play, or setting off on an orienteering course. You can decide which better suits your day’s plans and interests.

Architecture and history

The Church of Saint-Pierre in Varades dates from the 12th, 18th and 19th centuries. Its history of construction spans several widely separated periods, and it reflects architectural changes over the centuries. Those interested in historic buildings can consider this long sweep of history alongside the area’s more recent buildings.

Palais Briau is a 19th-century residence whose design was inspired by the Italian style. It stands in an 18-hectare park with an orangery, outbuildings and the ruins of the former medieval castle. The Palais can be visited in the company of its owners. Check access arrangements before you arrive so you can take this requirement into account when planning your visit.

Cultural sites in Varades and La Meilleraie

La Meilleraie is a typical fishing village on the Loire. A viewpoint there offers a view of the abbey church of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. The former river trade is also part of the village’s history: La Meilleraie once had two boatyards of different sizes, reflecting the importance of shipping in the region.

La Meilleraie is also associated with the death of the Vendéan General Bonchamps. He died there on October 18, 1793, at the age of 33. The house is located at 61 Rue de la Basse Meilleraie. La Meilleraie thus brings together river scenery, views of the abbey church and a specific historical connection to the place.

If you are looking for a hotel in Varades, it helps to first prioritize the places that matter most for your trip: the trails and views of the Loire, the fishing lake, Parc de la Mabiterie or the historic sites. The route lengths offer a concrete basis for comparing hiking plans; you should also take into account the possibility of visiting Palais Briau and the changeable access conditions at the Étang de la Grippe when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Soudan, Ruffigné, La Chapelle-Saint-Sauveur, Prinquiau, Nantes, Saint-Léger-Les-Vignes, La Cotinière, Thouaré-Sur-Loire

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.