Petit-Mars can be explored in a variety of ways: the 15-kilometre Circuit des Marais, the Circuit des Villages with views of church towers, the landscaped Port La Rivière area on the Erdre, and Château de Pont Hus and the Moulin de Launay. The options range from a moderately difficult circular walking route and other activities on offer to architectural history and distinctive windmill design. For your stay, you can decide whether to focus on outdoor activities, scenery or heritage.
Walking Routes and Scenery
The Circuit des Marais is a 15-kilometre, moderately difficult circular walking route (PR). Its length and difficulty rating can help you assess whether the route suits your pace and the level of challenge you have in mind. As trail conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out. Horse riding and mountain biking are also available on the Circuit des Marais; the stated distance and difficulty rating apply to walking.
The Circuit des Villages passes through the countryside around Petit-Mars and offers views of numerous nearby church towers from its highest point. Unlike the Marais route, whose length and difficulty are specified, the Circuit des Villages is defined by its elevated views. The routes can therefore be compared using different criteria: route length and difficulty on the one hand, and views and scenery on the other.
By the Water and in Town
Port La Rivière is a landscaped area for walking, picnicking and accessing the Erdre. Unlike a designated circular route, it is a named place to spend time with several activities on offer. This gives your plans a different focus from choosing a route based on distance or walking difficulty.
Architectural History and Local Features
The history of the Pont Hus estate should be distinguished from its present-day status. The first château was built in 1070; the current château dates from the 18th century. The year 1070 therefore refers to the first building, not the current château. Today, the estate is a renowned stud farm, and the château can be seen from the Erdre. Its history, its current use and the view from the river all contribute to an understanding of the estate.
The Moulin de Launay dates from the 18th century and is a windmill. Its design is more precisely defined: it is a conical tower windmill, characteristic of the area around Nantes. Its century, tower type and conical shape help describe the building more precisely: the date places it in its historical context, while its shape gives it a distinctive architectural profile. Unlike Pont Hus, where two château buildings belong to different periods, the Moulin is distinguished by its design and regional type.
The Grotte de Lourdes is in the locality of Les Portes, right next to Étang du Tertre Rouge. You can use this immediate landmark to help you find your way.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: the walking route with a stated distance, views of church towers, the landscaped area for walks and picnics with access to the Erdre, or an interest in architectural history and regional design.
Discover more destinations: Les Touches, Nozay, Chéméré, Treffieux, Préfailles, Haute-Goulaine, Saint-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu, Saint-Aignan-Grandlieu.
For the overview of the wider area, see: Loire-Atlantique.
