A 600-metre connecting trail in Cuette and the 8.2-kilometre Circuit PDIPR Trail du Pont Noyer showcase the range of trails in Couffé. The town also has a rich heritage: castles, a chapel and art in the church offer different historical perspectives.
Trails and landscape
The Circuit PDIPR Trail du Pont Noyer is 8.2 kilometres long. In 2024, it was added to the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée and awarded the Uni’Vert-Trail label. The Circuit Univert’Trail du Pont Noyer starts at the rest area on the RD21. Route details may be updated; check the latest route information before setting out.
The Sentier de Cuette connects the village of Cuette with the departmental rest area on the RD21. The connecting trail is 600 metres long. The Sentier la Gazi-Les Noues is seven kilometres long and starts at the Plan d’eau de l’Ilette. It passes through the Couffé countryside in a natural and idyllic setting.
The Pont Noyer Trail passes through the valleys of the Loge au Moine and the Hâvre, which are designated Natura 2000 sites. Near Pont Noyer, an ancient road once crossed the Hâvre river. Seasonal conditions on the Pont Noyer Trail may vary.
Heritage and local history
Along the municipal heritage trail in the town centre, information panels at several locations explain the history of buildings, past activities and the people associated with them. The Château de la Villejégu has been listed as a historic monument since 21 December 1984. The protected features are the façades and roofs of the château, orangery and outbuildings; the chapel and dovecote; the interiors and their furnishings; the courtyard of honour, moat, bridge, terrace, French garden and gates.
The Château de la Roche was once the seat of the lordship of La Roche; its restoration began in 1842. The Château de la Contrie, dating from 1624 to 1840, is the birthplace of François Athanase Charette de La Contrie. The Chapelle Saint-Symphorien, also known as the Chapelle de La Monie or Moynie, was built by monks and came under the Priory of Saint-Méen.
The choir of the Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul features a contemporary mural by Albert Lemasson, added in 1945. Also listed as an object there is a liturgical vestment made of violet damask, tapestry in petit-point stitch and gold braid; it was listed on 31 March 1978. Couffé’s heritage thus takes many forms: protected areas of châteaux, historic buildings and furnishings, as well as art in the church.
At the Plan d’eau de l’Ilette
At the Plan d’eau de l’Ilette, visitors can fish for predatory fish, coarse fish and carp. Fishing is subject to local regulations and permits. The site also has a Théâtre de verdure, where concerts and performances can be organised.
Farm market and activities at Ferme La Gazi
Ferme La Gazi holds a farm market on Wednesdays and Fridays. Check the market days before your trip. By prior reservation, the farm offers educational activities: visits to the beehives and honey extractor or beekeeping facilities, candle-making and beehive painting. Reservations are required for these activities.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Vincent-Des-Landes, Sainte-Anne-Sur-Brivet, Bouaye, Chéméré, Crossac, Les Sorinières, Couëron, Saint-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu.
For the wider travel guide: Loire-Atlantique.
