4.6
(71)
456
hikers
36
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Etang De La Poiteviniere are found within the expansive Ancenis forest in the Loire Atlantique region of France. This area is characterized by a large 78-hectare lake, Etang De La Poiteviniere, which is surrounded by extensive woodlands. The terrain offers a mix of natural paths, wooded areas, and sections alongside the lake's clear banks, providing diverse scenery for hikers. The region is known for its preserved natural environment, featuring varied landscapes including forests, open areas, and…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
1
hikers
7.39km
01:59
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
5.32km
01:24
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
hikers
4.27km
01:10
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
5.50km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(8)
4
hikers
5.36km
01:23
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Étang des Troches, the green lung of Pannecé, is the ideal place for an outdoor excursion. The body of water closest to the car park is a leisure and walking area. It features a walking trail, a pond open for fishing, large family picnic tables, a children's playground including a table tennis table, a fitness area, restrooms, and a shelter in case of rainy weather. https://www.intramuros.org/pannece/decouvrir/11178
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This church was built in the mid-19th century. It can be seen from afar from the surrounding hills, as its size is remarkable for a small village.
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Beautiful 19th-century washhouse located on the Erdre River. A footbridge provides a beautiful view of the washhouse and the river. Picnic tables are available.
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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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July 25, 1944, shortly after 3 p.m., a Mosquito type plane, a light and fast twin-engine, appeared in the sky of Riaillé, followed a few seconds later by two German fighter planes. Arriving above the hamlet of l'Enclose, one of the fighters gained altitude and dove on the Canadian plane, riddling it with bullets. After starting a curve, the burning Mosquito crashed very close to the Provostière pond. The debris littered the ground for about fifty meters, the fire and the explosion of the ammunition made it impossible to approach. When the fire died down, the inhabitants rushed to the scene and found the charred bodies of the pilot and the navigator. They were identified as Lieutenants Burgess and McPherson. The Germans, who came to the scene, told the mayor that he could bury the bodies but without an official ceremony. However, the occupier's orders were not respected. The bodies were wrapped in sheets and transported to a nearby farm, the village carpentry made the coffins. The next day, a religious ceremony was held in the parish church in the presence of many Riaillé residents and wreaths of flowers covered the coffins. The procession then headed to the cemetery under the supervision of German soldiers who did not intervene. For 80 years, these two Canadian officers have been resting in the Riaillé cemetery. Their tomb is regularly maintained and decorated with flowers by the UNC-Riaillé Mémoire association but also by anonymous people who thus perpetuate the memory of their sacrifice. https://www.echoancenis.fr/actualite-4422-riaille-le-25-juillet-1944-deux-aviateurs-canadiens-etaient-abattus-dans-le-ciel-de-riaille
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The water mills mark the route of the Erdre trail, first the Moulin Pelé then that of the Benâte.
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The wash house is located on the banks of the Erdre, at the exit of the town of Riaillé towards Ancenis. This beautiful building was abandoned for a long time before being restored in 1990-1991. This stone building would have been built around 1850, it measures 20 meters long and 6 meters wide. Today, the site of the wash house is a pleasant place, equipped for picnics as well as a footbridge spanning the Erdre to lead to the Riante Vallée room. https://www.riaille.fr/decouvre/sites-remarquables-et-sentiers-de-randonnee/sites-remarquables-de-la-commune
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There are 14 easy hiking trails around Etang De La Poiteviniere, offering a variety of routes through forests and along the lake.
Easy hikes in Etang De La Poiteviniere feature diverse landscapes, including vast forests, paths along the large 78-hectare lake, and a mix of natural trails, wooded sections, and open areas. Some routes also pass by farms and along rivers, offering varied scenery.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For example, the Provostière Pond – Memorial stone loop from La Provostière is a gentle 5.5 km path with minimal elevation, perfect for a family outing.
The Etang De La Poiteviniere area is generally dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep your dog on a leash, especially given the presence of wildlife like deer and wild boar in the surrounding forests, and the bird reserve at the eastern end of the lake.
The vast forests surrounding Etang De La Poiteviniere provide ample shade, making hiking enjoyable even during warmer months. The natural, preserved environment is pleasant throughout the year, but spring and autumn offer particularly beautiful colors and comfortable temperatures.
Yes, many easy routes are circular. For instance, the The Washhouse of Riaillé loop from Riaillé is a 5.3 km circular trail that takes about 1 hour 23 minutes to complete, leading through varied landscapes.
The easy trails in Etang De La Poiteviniere are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the natural and preserved environment, and the diverse scenery of forests and lake views.
Yes, the area is rich in wildlife. The eastern end of the lake features a bird reserve, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The surrounding forests are also home to deer and wild boar, which hikers might spot, especially during quieter times.
Easy hikes around Etang De La Poiteviniere typically range from just over an hour to around two hours. For example, the Notre-Dame Church – Le Moulin Pelé loop from Riaillé is a 7.3 km trail that takes approximately 1 hour 57 minutes.
While specific historical markers on the trails are not detailed, the region itself has a unique history. The lake was once a source of iron ore used to produce cannonballs for Napoleon's army, adding a historical layer to the natural surroundings.
The easy trails around Etang De La Poiteviniere feature gentle gradients. For example, the Hiking loop from Pannecé has an elevation gain of only 34 meters, making it very accessible for beginners or those seeking a relaxed walk.
The area is known for its preserved natural environment, and the trails are generally well-defined, traversing a mix of natural paths and small roads. With over 400 hikers having used komoot to explore, the routes are well-trodden and easy to follow.


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