Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Mars-La-Jaille - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Saint-Mars-La-Jaille, now part of Vallons-de-l'Erdre, offer a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest. The area is characterized by its green environment, valleys, and proximity to the Erdre River. Visitors can explore local landmarks and enjoy outdoor activities. This region provides opportunities for discovering both historical heritage and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Mars-La-Jaille
- The most popular attractions is Bridge Over the Erdre in Candé,…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
The blue train
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Bridge Over the Erdre in Candé
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Stele of the Aviators
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Catholic Church - Our Lady of the Assumption of Riaillé
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The Washhouse of Riaillé
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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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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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Car-free rolling path from Carquefou to Candé.
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Entering Candé via the greenway, in a quiet & bucolic setting, is very pleasant. Passage over the Erdre, which at this point is still only a stream
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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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Along the greenway you will find a wagon topped with a Brau harvester. These harvesters, manufactured not far away in Saint Marc la Jaille, were transported by train to Nantes. The train was therefore nicknamed the blue train.
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Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption is a very popular name, which indicates the patronage of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, over this parish. Created completely pure by the grace of God, Mary could not experience the degradation of her body in death. It is popular tradition which, throughout the centuries, has pushed the Church to define “the Assumption of Mary” as a dogma in 1950. The imposing Riaillé church was rebuilt between 1841 and 1887. Historical notes mention more than 20 places of worship over the centuries of which very few traces remain.
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Not far from the crash site, a stone memorial to the two 27-year-old Canadians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I visit in Saint-Mars-la-Jaille?
Saint-Mars-la-Jaille offers several historical sites. You can explore the Château de Saint-Mars-la-Jaille, an 18th-century castle with a listed park open to the public on Sundays. Another significant site is the Stele of the Aviators, a memorial commemorating two Canadian aviators from WWII. Additionally, the Washhouse of Riaillé, a beautifully restored 19th-century building on the Erdre River, provides a glimpse into local history and is a pleasant spot for a picnic.
Are there any unique cultural or industrial heritage sites to see?
Yes, the region has a unique industrial heritage. Along the greenway, you'll find The blue train, a wagon topped with a Braud harvester, symbolizing the local agricultural machinery industry and its historical transport to Nantes. You can also visit the Musée BRAUD to learn more about the evolution of harvesting machines and production methods.
What natural features can I explore around Saint-Mars-la-Jaille?
The area is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Plan d'eau des Lavandières, a tranquil body of water popular for fishing and walking, offering picnic areas and children's games. The Château Park, dating from the 18th century, provides a serene natural setting. The region is also characterized by its green landscapes, valleys, and the presence of the Erdre River, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and canoeing.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the area?
Absolutely. The Bridge Over the Erdre in Candé offers a car-free greenway, perfect for family strolls or bike rides in a quiet, bucolic setting. The Plan d'eau des Lavandières features amenities like picnic tables and children's games. The restored Washhouse of Riaillé also has picnic facilities and a footbridge, making it a pleasant family stop.
What outdoor activities are available near Saint-Mars-la-Jaille?
The region is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like "The blue train – Le Moulin Pelé loop from Bonnœuvre" or mountain biking on trails such as "The Washhouse of Riaillé loop from Teillé." For runners, there are options like "Running loop from Maumusson." You can find more details and routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Mars-La-Jaille, MTB Trails around Saint-Mars-La-Jaille, and Running Trails around Saint-Mars-La-Jaille guides.
Where can I find hiking and walking paths?
Numerous trails exist around Saint-Mars-la-Jaille for both hikers and cyclists. The greenway, which features The blue train and crosses the Bridge Over the Erdre in Candé, offers a pleasant car-free option. The surrounding green landscape, valleys, and the Erdre River provide ample opportunities for exploring on foot. You can find specific running routes in the Running Trails around Saint-Mars-La-Jaille guide.
What is the Croix LETORT?
The Croix LETORT is a cross located on Avenue Alexandre BRAUD. It serves as a memorial to Jacques LETORT, the first mayor of Saint-Mars-la-Jaille, who was assassinated on December 15, 1793.
Are there any religious sites of interest?
Yes, the Catholic Church - Our Lady of the Assumption of Riaillé is an imposing structure rebuilt between 1841 and 1887. It reflects the area's religious history and architectural development, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
When is the best time to visit Saint-Mars-la-Jaille?
Saint-Mars-la-Jaille hosts various festive events, particularly in the summer, including concerts, flea markets, sports tournaments, and fireworks. This makes the summer months a vibrant time to visit. However, the 18th-century Château Park offers a tranquil setting for contemplation, especially at dusk, which can be enjoyed in milder seasons as well.
What local products or markets can I find?
The village maintains a vibrant local life with weekly markets. You can discover local producers offering a variety of goods, including pastries, charcuterie, honey, jams, and fresh vegetables, providing a taste of the regional gastronomy.
Is there a place to relax and have a picnic?
Yes, both the Plan d'eau des Lavandières and the restored Washhouse of Riaillé are equipped with picnic tables, offering pleasant environments to relax and enjoy a meal outdoors.
What is the Boule BRAUD?
The Boule BRAUD is a distinctive water tower constructed in 1961. Its atypical shape and colors make it an emblem of the town's industrial past, reflecting the agricultural machinery manufacturer BRAUD.
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