Orvault brings together nature and culture, with a range of different attractions. The circular trail through the Cens Valley is 6 to 7 kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half on average; “L’art dans la Ville” puts urban art in the spotlight. There is also an orienteering course, as well as cultural sites and historic buildings and artworks. You can tailor your stay to what you are looking for: a walk in nature, art in public spaces, or architecture and heritage.
Nature in the Cens Valley
The Cens Valley runs through Orvault for 9 kilometres; parts of it are designated as ZNIEFF (Zone naturelle d’intérêt écologique, faunistique et floristique). A circular trail through the valley is 6 to 7 kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half on average. The valley also has observation areas and information boards about its fauna and flora. These add a thematic focus for anyone who wants to take in the local wildlife and plant life while walking.
Art and outdoor orienteering
The “L’art dans la Ville” trail features around thirty urban murals, stickers and sculptures. You can explore it on foot or by bike, following the black QR codes. This offers a different focus from the Cens Valley: here, the emphasis is on art in the urban environment.
At the Domaine de la Tour, the orienteering course includes 20 marked routes for schools, groups, individuals and families. The range of routes makes the activity suitable for different kinds of groups, without requiring a particular format. Access to the orienteering course is free of charge. When planning your visit, check whether any temporary restrictions apply.
Cultural sites and buildings
The Château de la Gobinière houses a theatre in the former stables. Exhibition spaces are located both in the château and in the greenhouse. The spaces are therefore spread across different parts of the grounds: the theatre is in the former stables, while exhibitions are held in two other locations.
The Church of Saint-Léger is a Neo-Gothic building with no bell tower. Its windows depict the life of Saint Léger. It also has an organ built towards the end of the 19th century by the organ builder Auguste Tolbecque. Another detail of art-historical interest can be found in the chapel of the Château de la Tour: it houses a stained-glass object from the first half of the 16th century, classified as a historic object in 1988.
The Calvaire du Bourg combines a small chapel with a high platform enclosed by a balustrade. Two staircases on either side lead up to it. From there, the panoramic view takes in the town centre, the Étang de la Fabrique and the Cens Valley.
Green spaces in Orvault
The Parc Michel Baudry, also known as the Parc de la Gobinière, offers 7 hectares of public green space. It complements the cultural sites and the trail through the Cens Valley with another clearly defined natural space to enjoy during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Oudon, Ruffigné, Saint-Herblon, Saffré, Sainte-Reine-De-Bretagne, Guenrouet, La Baule-Escoublac, Paimbœuf
For the regional travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.
