Le Gâvre combines discoveries in the Forêt du Gâvre with a layered local history. When planning your visit, you can choose from different focuses: walks and forest trails, historic buildings, or the Musée Benoist. This makes it possible to get a sense of the character of the area through specific destinations before choosing accommodation for your stay.

Arboretum and pond at the edge of the forest

The Arboretum de la Magdeleine covers more than seven hectares. Trees from Asia, America, and Europe grow there. The size of the grounds and the trees’ different origins give the arboretum its own focus alongside the trails through the forest. Those interested in trees and landscapes will find a different way to explore here than on a route focused on woodland or cultural heritage.

The Étang du Gâvre lies at the edge of the Forêt du Gâvre. There is an area for night carp fishing on the campground side. Fishing rules and conditions may change; check the current requirements if you plan to fish there. The pond and forest also provide geographic landmarks for the Circuit de la Chapelle de la Magdelaine: the circular route starts and ends at the La Magdeleine parking lot near the pond.

Chapels, church, and local history

The Chapelle de la Magdelaine dates from the 12th century and was renovated in the early 19th century. Among its notable furnishings are an original credence table and a polychrome limestone statue of the Virgin of Notre-Dame de Grâce from the 15th century. The building’s history and its artwork offer distinct points of interest: the chapel combines a long architectural history with a specific example of late medieval religious art.

The Église Notre Dame also has several historical layers. It was originally built as a chapel in the 13th century and was extensively altered in the 15th and 19th centuries. Inside, a wooden barrel vault and carved beams depicting forest animals such as wild boar and wolf are among its described features. The stained-glass windows from the 1930s commemorate the First World War. On the Place du Muguet, photo panels provide information about the history of Le Gâvre’s cultural heritage; they were installed in 2019. A local legend is also associated with the Chêne au Duc.

The Musée Benoist is housed in a building dating from 1648. Its extensive collection includes depictions of the “Vierge à l’accouchée” from the 18th century. The museum is designed to be family-friendly. As visitor services may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit. The building’s history and collection thus offer two different ways to explore local history.

Forest trails with different points of interest

The Circuit du Pilier passes through tall, particularly beautiful high-forest stands in the Forêt du Gâvre. The Circuit des Chêtelons, by contrast, focuses on the natural regeneration of oak: this easy 2.9-kilometer PR loop is laid out as an educational trail where you can observe different stages of development. Route details may change; check the latest route information before setting out. The two trails therefore offer different points of interest—one focuses on the high-forest stands, while the other highlights the development of the oak woodland.

Three marked hiking trails invite you to explore the Forêt du Gâvre on foot. For a different kind of route, there is also a two-kilometer Balade à Roulettes® there, accessible to strollers, balance bikes, and wheelchairs. Check these accessibility details locally again before your trip. The Circuit de la Chapelle de la Magdelaine, in turn, combines forest trails and forestry avenues with regional heritage sites. This sets it apart from a walk focused solely on the forest or nature observation: here, landscape and cultural heritage come together.

If you are considering Le Gâvre as a place to stay, these differences can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your visit. The arboretum, forest trails, and pond appeal to different interests, while the chapel, church, and museum offer several perspectives on the area’s history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nozay, Chéméré, Pannecé, Le Bignon, Bouguenais, Le Cellier, Couëron, Soulvache

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