The best road cycling routes around Vue

Developed in the 18th century by the monks of the nearby abbey, the Canal de Buzay once connected the Acheneau to the Loire to drain and reclaim the surrounding marshes. Lined with a peaceful and shaded towpath, this straight waterway crosses the wild landscapes of the Pays de Retz, offering an ideal haven for cycle touring and wildlife observation. Today disconnected from the Loire at its lock, it remains a picturesque link in the local hydraulic heritage.

The triple lock of Les champs neufs, located in Frossay on the Canal de la Martinière, is a masterpiece of 19th-century river engineering: * A cascade crossing: Unlike a simple lock, this structure comprises three consecutive chambers that allowed ships to compensate for the difference in level and effectively regulate water flow between the Loire estuary and the canal. * The steam machinery: Right next to the chambers stands the stone building of the La Machinerie du canal, which once housed imposing steam pumps responsible for maintaining the canal's water level constant for commercial navigation. * Heritage and promenade: With its lock gates, metal bridge, and preserved period mechanisms, it is one of the most spectacular and instructive stopping points on the route along the banks.

A remarkable engineering work inaugurated at the end of the 19th century to maintain maritime navigation towards Nantes, the Canal de la Martinière stretches its 15 kilometers parallel to the Loire estuary. Lined with period machinery, imposing locks, and natural bird reserves, it is today a prime spot for walking, fishing, and cycling on the Voie Verte. The site also hosts the contemporary artwork Misconceivable (the "soft boat") from the Estuaire trail.

This 19th-century church pays homage to the Anglo-Saxon hermit monk Vital, who lived in a cave in the rock beneath the church. Vital is the origin of the village of Saint-Viaud and gave it its name (Viaud = Vital).

The Saint-Pierre du Clion church was built in the Middle Ages. Remodeled in the 17th century, it was enlarged in the 19th century. It is undoubtedly the only church in the Pays de Retz where you can admire a genuine carillon mechanism dating from 1857. A bell tower-porch, a former watchtower The church of Clion is remarkable with its tall, massive square tower, like a keep. It is believed to date back to the 15th century, or even the 14th century.

In the distance, the Cordemais power station appears before our eyes, offering verticality to the flatness of its surroundings.

Totally free and fast baccalaureate!

Beautiful little church. Worth going inside.