In Chauve, you can choose between different ways to spend your time: a circular route through its megalithic heritage, a trail with opportunities for wildlife watching, and the activities at the Parc de loisirs. The Circuit des Menhirs has a clearly defined time frame; the other destinations offer their own highlights. This makes it easy to plan your stay around whether you would prefer a walk or cycle ride, wildlife watching, or leisure activities.
Circular Routes and Wildlife Watching
The Circuit des Menhirs is an easy 9.1-kilometre circular route. It is listed as taking 2 hours and 15 minutes. This combination of distance and time helps you fit the route into your day. Route details may be updated by the responsible authority, so check them again before setting out.
The Circuit des Menhirs is a walking and cycling trail through the heart of Chauve’s megalithic heritage. It includes the Menhir de Chevanou, which is about four metres high. The Circuit des Villages offers a different focus: this route provides the opportunity to observe birds, butterflies and other wildlife in their natural habitat. So, when choosing between the two routes, it comes down to your interests: one focuses on menhirs, the other on wildlife.
Menhirs and Historical Listings
The Menhirs des Platennes have been listed as a Monument historique by decree since 2 May 1989. Also known as Les trois pierres de La Crotrie, they form an arrangement of three fallen menhirs. Each stone is about four metres high.
The Menhir du Chevanou, also called the Pierre de La Crotrie, consists of two blocks; the upright block measures 4.20 metres. This menhir has also been listed as a Monument historique by decree since 2 May 1989. It stands beside the road near the hamlet of La Crotrie. On the territory of the commune of Chauve, the Les Menhirs circular route passes by this hamlet.
Another viewpoint is the Menhir de La Pierre Lematz. It is 3.75 metres high. From there, the municipal route offers views across the landscape to the ridge that conceals the Baie de Bourgneuf-en-Retz. The megalithic heritage thus encompasses not only the shape and arrangement of individual stones, but also a described view of the landscape.
Walking Trails and Leisure at the Parc de loisirs
Walking trails cross the Parc de loisirs, which also has a pump track for cross-country cycling. Fishing is permitted in the pond, but swimming is prohibited. Make sure to distinguish between these two rules when planning a visit to the pond: permission to fish does not include permission to swim.
Before your visit, check the municipal information about the park rules. Facilities may change over time. This will help you match your planned activities—walking trails, the pump track or fishing—to the current rules, while keeping the swimming prohibition in mind.
Discover more destinations: Guémené-Penfao, Guenrouet, Nozay, Arthon-En-Retz, La Bernerie-En-Retz, Saint-Colomban, Sainte-Anne-Sur-Brivet, La Chevallerais.
For the full travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.
