Bonnoeuvre offers several themes to explore during a stay: two circular walking routes, the Plan d’eau as an extension of the Erdre, and local historical and traditional heritage. There are practical differences to consider when planning your day. You can compare the walking routes by length; at the water, the focus is on a dedicated pontoon, picnicking and fishing. The bridge, priory and old oak tree offer different historical connections, from a dated stone bridge to local records and traditions.

Choose a circular route by distance

The “Le vieux pont du moulin” circular walking route is 9 km long and starts at the church car park. The 12 km “Circuit des Layons de l’Erdre” circular walking route also starts at the same car park. The routes differ by three kilometres, so you can choose between them based on your preferred distance. Their shared starting point makes it easy to compare the two circuits.

Neither route is listed in the PDIPR. The municipality advises taking particular care with rights of way, road crossings and path maintenance. Take this guidance into account when preparing, and check current route conditions before setting out.

The Plan d’eau and the Erdre

The Plan d’eau de Bonnoeuvre is located within the municipality of Bonnoeuvre, covers about 1 ha and is an extension of the Erdre River. A dedicated pontoon provides access for people with reduced mobility. Picnicking and fishing are also possible there. If you are choosing between a walk and spending time by the water, the priorities differ: for the walking routes, distance is the point of comparison; at the Plan d’eau, it is access via the pontoon and the opportunities for picnicking and fishing.

The bridge and priory: local history

The Pont de Bonnœuvre is a stone bridge with three arches, built in 1748. According to a historical account, it replaced a wooden footbridge that had repeatedly been swept away by winter flooding of the Erdre. The bridge brings together a precisely dated structure and the history of a crossing repeatedly affected by flooding.

The Prieuré de Bonnœuvre is documented as early as 1073. The Prieuré Saint-Martin has a dovecote associated with the former seigneurial monastic estate. The Prieuré Saint-Martin is now privately owned, cannot be visited and can be seen from the road. If you plan to come specifically to see the building, check access information again shortly before your visit.

The Chêne aux Clous du Pâtisseau

The Chêne aux Clous du Pâtisseau connects natural and local history. Its diameter is more than four metres, and its age is estimated at 400 to 500 years. Local written records already document the tree in 1742. This brings an early written mention together with an explicitly estimated age.

Local tradition links the tree to a healing ritual for boils; the ritual is credited with curing them. As well as its measurements, the tree offers a glimpse into local traditions.

Discover more destinations: Guérande, Rezé, Campbon, Missillac, Issé, Château-Thébaud, Les Moutiers-En-Retz, Saint-Nazaire.

For the broader travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.