A protected monument, the childhood home of nature painter Jean-Jacques Audubon, and the natural surroundings of Lac de Beaulieu give Couëron several different ways to explore. There is also the La Loire à Vélo cycling route, a weekly market and a velodrome that hosts competitions. When choosing your destination, you can therefore weigh up culture, nature watching and cycling according to your interests.
Architecture and local history
The Tour à plomb is classified as a historic monument. It was built from 1875 to 1877 and is 69.40 metres tall. Its dimensions and construction dates offer concrete points of reference for understanding the protected monument’s history and architecture.
La Gerbetière offers another way to discover Couëron’s history. This manor house dates from the 17th century and was altered at the end of the 18th century. Nature painter Jean-Jacques Audubon spent his childhood here. After its restoration, the town converted the house into a cultural venue open to all. Regular exhibitions, concerts and performances are held there. If you are planning to attend a particular event, check its date before your trip, as the programme may change.
The Chapelle de Beaulieu was the chapel of the Château de Beaulieu; its existence has been documented since 1608. The historical dates highlight different periods: the chapel is attested from 1608, La Gerbetière dates from the 17th century and was altered later, while the Tour à plomb was built between 1875 and 1877.
Nature at Lac de Beaulieu
At Lac de Beaulieu, you can walk around the lake, use the picnic tables and visit the children’s play areas. Two observation points allow you to watch the local wildlife discreetly, including cormorants and herons, while enjoying views of the Beaulieu marshes. Together, the lake and marshes form an ecologically notable area with remarkable biodiversity. Nature is therefore the focus here, offering a clear contrast with the historic buildings.
Cycling and digital tours
La Loire à Vélo passes through Couëron along a variety of secure, signposted routes. The Espace de la Tour à plomb is part of the Accueil vélo network. As this affiliation may change, check its current status before your trip if it is important to your plans.
For a walking tour of the town, “Au cœur de la ville” follows the discoveries of architect Lucie Lenoir. It includes nine stops and takes about 45 minutes. The digital puzzle game “Mystère au Port-Launay” introduces Couëron’s maritime history at six stops and takes about an hour. These approximate durations help with comparison: the walking tour is shorter than the puzzle game. Before your trip, check that “Au cœur de la ville” is available; for the puzzle game, also check app availability and access.
Cycling and the market
Couëron’s velodrome has a 250-metre cycling track. Cycling competitions are held there, including the Challenge Jo Legoux, the Mercredis de la piste, departmental and regional championships, and the Trophée des Sprinters. The programme may change. If you are travelling to Couëron specifically for a competition, check its date in advance.
A weekly market is held in the centre of Couëron. If you want to include a market visit in your stay, check the latest market information in advance, as arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Fiacre-Sur-Maine, Donges, Préfailles, Haute-Goulaine, Marsac-Sur-Don, Sainte-Luce-Sur-Loire, Chauve, Legé
For the wider travel guide: Loire-Atlantique.
