Attractions and Places To See around La Bernardière - Top 20

Clisson Castle has quite a story to tell: first an impregnable fortress overlooking the Sèvre, then a ducal residence, and finally a romantic ruin. In the 12th century, the powerful lordship of Clisson built this stone castle with highly elaborate defensive architectural systems: arrow slits, gun ports, and slits. A strategic point protecting the border of the Duchy of Brittany in the 15th century, it was abandoned by its owners from the second half of the 17th century onward before being burned down by Republican troops in 1793. But, beyond its grand history, this castle also has a more historic significance! In 1807, François-Frédéric Lemot, creator of the Garenne Lemot estate (a picturesque landscape located on the other side of the river), was captivated by these ruins and purchased it to turn it into an ornamental factory. The château was declared a historic monument in 1924, before being acquired by the Loire-Atlantique department in 1962. Today, visitors can visit it, take a guided tour, or simply experience its history. A stop on the Journey through the Vineyard, it's a stopover during the wine tourism tour of Nantes' wine country, featuring natural sites, heritage features, characterful villages, and unique cellars.

An absolutely beautiful site, but difficult to access by bike. You can cross, but the footbridge is too narrow (for my bike anyway) and you have to push the bike vertically. Obviously impossible with panniers.

Another beautiful site on the Sèvre Nantaise, with the unusual feature this time: it's not only at the crossroads of three departments (LA, Vendée, and M&L), a rather common occurrence, but also of three former provinces: Brittany, Poitou, and Anjou. The crossroads is formed by the Sèvre on one side and its tributary, the Bon Débit, on the other. The inn of the same name looks very nice; in any case, the setting is splendid.

In the past, the Maine was crossed using beams fixed to the rock. The 17th century Reuzard mill with its metal footbridge attests to the intense milling activity that reigned on the river at the time. The current footbridge, which dates from 1911, was renovated in 1977 and allows hikers to access from one bank to the other.

This chapel is the remaining remnant of a commandery (a branch of the order) of the community often referred to as the "Order of the Templars" or "Knights Templar", whose full name is "Poor Knights of Christ and of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem". The association gained notoriety due to the fact that in 1312 this order was dissolved by the French king and the pope and many members were burned at the stake as alleged heretics. The main reason for the dissolution was not the human and religious misconduct/heresy of the members, which was claimed as the motive, but the legendary wealth of this order. With his meticulously planned approach, King Philip IV of France primarily wanted to secure their possessions in order to improve his coffers.

Long an impregnable fortress, Clisson Castle is a model of a fortified castle. Built by the powerful Clisson family from the 12th century, this castle became a strategic point protecting the border of the Duchy of Brittany in the 15th century. In 1793, during the Vendée War, the fortress was burned and partially destroyed. Today, Clisson Castle still offers many examples of defensive architecture: archers, gunboats, stunners, etc. Ref: enpaysdeloire.com

Long an impregnable fortress, Clisson Castle is a model of a fortified castle. Built by the powerful Clisson family from the 12th century, this castle became a strategic point protecting the border of the Duchy of Brittany in the 15th century. In 1793, during the Vendée War, the fortress was burned and partially destroyed. Today, the Château de Clisson still offers many examples of defensive architecture: archers, gunboats, stunners…|

varied outing, ideal for cleaning up or resuming activity