A bell tower without a church and a church without a bell tower give Saint-Étienne-De-Mer-Morte an unusual religious heritage. There are also two distinct trail themes: views over the town and bocage countryside on the La Vallée du Falleron circular trail, and woodland and the Falleron on the trail to Bois de la Choltière. Would you like to focus on local history, views and waterways, or the trail into the woodland?

Bell Tower and Local History

The religious heritage of Saint-Étienne-De-Mer-Morte includes a bell tower without a church and a church without a bell tower. This unusual contrast offers a tangible introduction to local architectural history: the tower and the church are two distinct features of the town. Those interested in religious heritage can start with this comparison.

The bell tower is the last surviving trace of the former Romanesque church, built in the 12th century. The term “Romanesque” places the former church in its art-historical context, while the 12th-century date establishes when it was built. The surviving tower thus preserves a link to an earlier building.

A bronze plaque permanently fixed to the façade of the bell tower commemorates the sacrilegious act committed by Gilles de Rais on Pentecost Day in 1440. The tower therefore brings together two distinct historical points of reference: the former church from the 12th century and the commemorated act of 1440. The year 1440 refers to the act, while the 12th century dates the former church.

Circular Trails Between Views, Water and Woodland

The La Vallée du Falleron circular trail passes through the bocage countryside and reaches a viewpoint overlooking Saint-Étienne-de-Mer-Morte. Bocage refers to a landscape divided by hedgerows; here, it is just as much a part of the trail as the view of the town. If you want to combine countryside and views on an outing, this circular trail offers a clear route.

The trail crosses the small Blanchardière stream and the Falleron at a ford. These water crossings are distinctive features of the route and set it apart from a trail whose only destination is the viewpoint. Take the crossings into account when planning, and check current trail conditions before setting out.

The trail to Bois de la Choltière has a different focus: it follows the Falleron stream, crosses it and then reaches the woodland. The route also includes the mill site, a pond, a children’s playground, a picnic area and a boules court. The playground, picnic area and boules court offer additional specific stopping points. As facilities can change, check which ones are available before your visit. This distinguishes the trail by its destinations and facilities from the circular trail with its viewpoint.

The Mill Site and Finding Accommodation

The mill site is a former grain mill powered by water from the Falleron. The Falleron features in the trail themes in different ways: as a waterway along the route to Bois and as the former power source for the mill. This links the landscape with local history without equating the mill’s former use with the site’s current facilities.

Discover more destinations: Petit-Auverné, Guenrouet, Saint-Molf, La Grigonnais, Batz-Sur-Mer, Soudan, Derval, Savenay.

For the wider travel guide: Loire-Atlantique.