The best walks and hikes around Joué-Sur-Erdre
4.5
(193)
1,334
hikers
78
hikes
Hiking around Joué-Sur-Erdre offers a network of trails characterized by its waterways and gentle terrain. The region features several lakes and ponds, such as Lake Vioreau and Provostière Pond, alongside historical aqueducts and canals like the Rigole des Ajeaux. These features contribute to a landscape suitable for various outdoor activities, including numerous circular hikes Joué-Sur-Erdre. The area provides accessible paths with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for a range of abilities.
Best hiking trails around Joué-Sur-Erdre
- The most popular…
Last updated: July 21, 2026
4.8
(28)
166
hikers
10.6km
02:41
30m
30m
Hike the 6.6-mile Lake Vioreau Loop, a moderate trail around the largest reservoir in Loire-Atlantique, offering diverse scenery and lake vi
4.6
(5)
49
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
11
hikers
7.23km
01:52
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The west bridge of Lake Voireau offers a beautiful, unobstructed view of the reservoir. The largest body of water in Loire-Atlantique, this lake stretches through the heart of the forest. Its wooded banks and landscaped beaches make it a pleasant stopover for a nature break or a swim.
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A perfect place to relax or have a picnic. You can cross the Erdre River to take a path opposite.
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Very beautiful place, banks of the Erdre below. Nice place to relax.
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This archway is accessible, but the following ones toward Nort-sur-Erdre are not, due to ongoing safety work. A beautiful spot down below for a picnic on the banks of the Erdre.
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The Ajaux channel connects the Riaillé lakes (La Provostière and La Poitevinière) to the large Vioreau Reservoir. The water thus transported supplies the Nantes-Brest canal.
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The Provostière pond, with a surface area of 73 ha, is connected to the Vioreau lake by the Rigole des Ajaux. This complex is part of the supply system of the Nantes-Brest canal. Its hydraulic management is ensured by the Loire-Atlantique Department, which has owned it since 2008. A 5.5 km path on which a bird observatory is located allows you to go around the pond in about 1h30.
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François Bureau, known as "Franchik", was born on April 23, 1921. He regularly stayed in the family fiefdom at the Château de la Meilleraie, in Riaillé. After studying in Nantes, he was admitted to the Saint-Cyr officers' school in 1943. During this period, he was, like so many other men, affected by the STO (Compulsory Work Service), but he decided to leave the country rather than work in Germany, in order to join "the fighting France". Handed over to the Germans with comrades by the smuggler, he was arrested on July 18, 1943, in Perpignan. Then began the transfers from camp to concentration camp: Büchenwald, Laura, Ellrich, Nordhausen. He was part of a medical convoy of more than 1,600 patients. Many died during and after the transfer. He was one of the few survivors. It is at Nordhausen, his last camp, that we can follow his trail. The camp was liberated on April 12, 1945 by the Americans. Death papers mention his death on April 21, 1945, before his repatriation, nine days after the liberation of the camp. François Bureau was therefore free on the day of his death, after more than eighteen months of deportation in Germany. https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/ancenis-saint-gereon-44150/francois-bureau-etait-un-homme-de-conviction-4390446
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Joué-Sur-Erdre?
There are over 60 hiking trails around Joué-Sur-Erdre. These routes range from easy strolls to more challenging excursions, offering diverse options for all skill levels.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in Joué-Sur-Erdre?
Yes, Joué-Sur-Erdre offers many easy, family-friendly walks. For example, the Aqueduc du Gué de la Roche – Arcades of the Gué de la Roche loop is an easy 6.6 km path that explores a historic aqueduct, suitable for families.
What are the best circular hikes in the Joué-Sur-Erdre area?
The region is known for its circular routes. Popular options include the Lake Vioreau Loop, a 10.6 km trail offering scenic views, and the Rigole des Ajeaux loop, which is 7.2 km and leads through a landscape shaped by waterways.
Are there any challenging hiking routes around Joué-Sur-Erdre?
While most trails are easy to moderate, there is a challenging route for experienced hikers. The Le Gué de la Roche – Aqueduc du Gué de la Roche loop is a difficult 20.4 km trail that offers a longer, more strenuous experience.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along the hiking trails?
The trails often feature the region's characteristic waterways, lakes, and ponds. You can explore areas like Lake Vioreau or Provostière Pond, and discover historical elements such as the Vioreau Reservoir Dam or the Canal de Nantes à Brest.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Joué-Sur-Erdre?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the picturesque scenery around the lakes and historic waterways.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest to explore?
Yes, the region is rich in historical features. You can visit the Tindière Lock or the Pas d'Héric Lock on the Nantes to Brest Canal, and explore sites like La Forge Neuve, which offer a glimpse into the area's past.
What is the best season for hiking in Joué-Sur-Erdre?
The gentle terrain and varied landscapes make Joué-Sur-Erdre suitable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours for extended walks around the lakes and waterways.
Are there options for less crowded hiking spots in Joué-Sur-Erdre?
While popular routes like the Lake Vioreau Loop can see more visitors, the extensive network of trails means you can often find quieter paths, especially on weekdays or by exploring some of the less-trafficked sections along the Rigole des Ajeaux or around smaller ponds.
What are the typical durations for hikes in Joué-Sur-Erdre?
Hikes in Joué-Sur-Erdre vary in duration. Easy trails like the Aqueduc du Gué de la Roche loop can take around 2 hours, while moderate routes such as the Lake Vioreau Loop typically last about 2 hours 40 minutes. Longer, more challenging trails can extend to 5 hours or more.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots along the trails?
Many trails offer scenic views, particularly those around the lakes and along the waterways. The West bridge at Lac de Vioreau is a notable spot for panoramic views over the water, and the paths along the Rigole des Ajeaux provide picturesque canal-side vistas.
Most popular routes around Joué-Sur-Erdre
Most popular attractions around Joué-Sur-Erdre
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