In Campbon, tangible traces of local history meet three routes with distinct profiles. The four-storey windmill, chapels and crosses tell the story of different eras; cycling and walking trails each offer a different focus in terms of distance, difficulty and scenery. This makes it easy to plan your stay around your own interests, without having to combine the individual experiences into a fixed itinerary.

The La Bicane Mill

The Moulin de la Bicane is a tower windmill dating from 1840 and the only mill in the municipality still in operation. Visits are possible by prior reservation. You can view the machinery and, when the wind is suitable, watch buckwheat being milled. Milling therefore depends on suitable wind conditions. As reservation and visiting arrangements may change, check them before planning a visit.

The mill also offers wheat and buckwheat flour made from locally grown organic grain. Details of the products available may change. A visit to the mill therefore combines technical insights with a tangible connection to grain and flour: possible highlights include the mill itself, its machinery and, when the wind allows, the milling process.

Three Routes, Different Time Commitments

VÉLO DÉTOURS – LA BOUCLE DE ZÉPHYR is an easy, 12-kilometre cycling loop starting in Campbon. It passes the Campbon wind farm, the ultralight aircraft base and the Moulin de la Bicane. There is also a pond and flowering fields along the route.

The two walking routes described here differ considerably. Le sentier du Moulin is rated as an easy walk: it is 3.7 kilometres long, has 22 metres of elevation gain and a stated duration of one hour. The route starts at Domaine de la Ducherais in Campbon and is marked in yellow.

At 17.8 kilometres, with a stated duration of four and a half hours, Le sentier des Calvaires is the longer option; it is rated as moderately difficult. The two walking routes therefore offer a clear comparison in terms of time commitment and stated difficulty. Check local access information for the routes before setting out.

Chapels, Crosses and Former Routes

Le sentier des Calvaires follows the Allée verte, a former railway line, and crosses artistically designed old bridges. Streams and surface runoff flow beneath these bridges. Numerous crosses and calvaries stand along the route. Communities and wealthy families erected them to guide travellers and protect them from unpleasant encounters. The route thus links its course with a historical interpretation of the crosses along the way.

Chapelle Sainte Barbe also has a long history: its site has been inhabited since Gallo-Roman times, although the chapel’s origins are unknown. It was burned down during the Revolution and most recently restored in 1830. Chapelle Saint-Michel de la frairie du Mons in Campbon was built at the beginning of the 16th century. It replaced an older chapel mentioned in a record from 1497.

Campbon’s heritage also includes 24 handcrafted wrought-iron crosses. The local historical association describes them as a remarkable example of folk art. Access may be restricted at some locations.

Another Activity

Poney-Club de la Ducherais offers equestrian disciplines ranging from recreational riding to competition. The range of disciplines available may change, so check before making plans. You can choose between this activity, the cycling loop and the walking routes according to your interests and the time you have available.

Discover More Destinations

Sucé-Sur-Erdre, Maisdon-Sur-Sèvre, Bonnoeuvre, Treillières, Paulx, Fégréac, Fresnay-En-Retz, Ruffigné

For the overview of the wider region: Loire-Atlantique.