La Chapelle-Basse-Mer can be explored through two distinct landscapes: the landscaped natural and recreational area at Savinière, near the town centre, and the nearly 16-kilometre-long Levée de la Divatte. Historic buildings add architectural periods and memories of flooding to this picture. When planning your stay, this presents a practical choice: would you like to focus on walks and nature education by the small river, explore the levee landscape on foot or by bike, or delve into architectural history?
Riverside paths and the Levée de la Divatte
The Coulée Verte is a landscaped natural and recreational area on the banks of the small Savinière river, right near the town centre. It is a place for walking, relaxation and learning about nature. It is also connected to various hiking trails and car-free paths; tourist routes such as the Loire à Vélo are nearby. Those looking to combine learning about nature with exercise will find a starting point here that brings these themes together.
The Levée de la Divatte is on a different scale: it stretches for nearly 16 kilometres from La Chapelle-Basse-Mer to Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire. Built between 1847 and 1856, it was the last major levee constructed along the Loire. It protects more than 2,000 hectares of land from Loire flooding. The levee can be explored on foot or by bicycle, including along the Loire à Vélo route. Along the way, there are views of the Loire, its islands and the vegetable-growing landscapes. The riverside area near the town centre and the nearly 16-kilometre-long levee thus offer different scales when choosing what to do.
Building history across several periods
The Château de la Vrillière in La Chapelle-Basse-Mer is partly protected as a historic monument. It was rebuilt in the early 17th century from a residential building dating to the late 15th century. The complex is arranged around a rectangular courtyard, accessed through a portal in the Classical style. The site therefore offers a way to trace both an earlier building phase and a later reconstruction.
The Priory of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens was founded in the 10th or 11th century by monks from Marmoutier Abbey. It was the first religious structure in what later became the parish of La Chapelle Basse-Mer. On 13 May 1992, the priory was acquired by Reynald Secher. This was followed by its restoration, the rebuilding of the sacristy, the reconstruction of the cloister and the expansion of the original priory. Its founding and restoration provide two distinct points in time for exploring the site.
Flood marks and further points of interest
The Chapelle Saint Simon was built in the 16th century on the site of an older sanctuary and restored in 1775. The flood levels of 1711, 1783, 1856 and 1866 are marked on its façade. A fresco from 1961 depicting regional occupations was painted by Georges Riom. The dates on the façade provide a tangible historical reference alongside the history of the levee’s construction.
The Les Rives de Loire recreational area is located near La Pierre Percée, on the tourist road along the banks of the Loire. This wooded natural setting has a picnic area and places to play. Its facilities offer another option alongside the paths and buildings described above.
The Halte à vélo opened in 2025 and has been awarded the designation “aire d’arrêt principale Loire à Vélo”. It offers picnic tables, bicycle parking, toilets, an access car park and a covered shelter. Facilities may change; check which services are currently available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: La Chapelle Sur Erdre, Belligné, Corcoué-Sur-Logne, Sucé-Sur-Erdre, Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins, Grand-Auverné, Abbaretz, Le Landreau
For the broader travel guide: Loire-Atlantique.
