4.5
(140)
938
hikers
44
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Forêt De Vioreau traverse a diverse acidophilic forest ecosystem, characterized by sessile and pedunculate oaks, alongside conifer plantations. This region, located in Loire-Atlantique, encompasses 750 hectares, with 70 hectares designated as a Sensitive Natural Area. The landscape features varied arboreal scenery and is bordered by the expansive Vioreau reservoir, the largest freshwater reserve in Loire-Atlantique.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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)
2
hikers
7.54km
01:57
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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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.
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
4.57km
01:10
20m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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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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Forêt De Vioreau offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 20 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 40 hiking routes throughout the forest, catering to various preferences.
Easy hikes in Forêt De Vioreau generally range from 3.4 miles (5.5 km) to 4.7 miles (7.5 km) in length. The elevation gains are minimal, typically between 15 to 40 meters, making them suitable for all fitness levels. For example, the Étang de Beaumont loop from Beaumont is about 4.7 km with only 15 meters of ascent.
Yes, many of the easy trails in Forêt De Vioreau are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Aqueduc du Gué de la Roche – Le Gué de la Roche loop from Le Fertais, which offers a pleasant 4.5 km circuit through varied forest terrain.
Absolutely. The easy trails in Forêt De Vioreau are ideal for families. Their gentle terrain, minimal elevation, and moderate distances make them perfect for walks with children. The forest's diverse ecosystem and the proximity to the Vioreau reservoir provide engaging natural surroundings for young explorers. Many routes, like the Provostière Pond – Memorial stone loop from La Provostière, are well-suited for a family outing.
Yes, Forêt De Vioreau is generally dog-friendly, and most easy hiking trails welcome dogs, usually on a leash. The varied forest paths and open areas provide a great environment for your canine companion to enjoy alongside you. Always ensure to follow local regulations regarding pets in natural areas.
Forêt De Vioreau offers beauty throughout the year. Spring is wonderful for witnessing nature's awakening and blooming flora, while autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant fall foliage, making it particularly picturesque. Summer provides pleasant shaded walks and the option to combine hiking with water activities at the Vioreau reservoir. Even winter offers a unique, tranquil experience, though paths might be damp.
Yes, Forêt De Vioreau is well-equipped with amenities. Shaded picnic tables are available, especially near the Vioreau reservoir, perfect for an open-air meal. The site also provides practical facilities such as sanitary facilities, showers, and a snack bar, ensuring a comfortable visit after your hike.
Forêt De Vioreau is rich in diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including the black woodpecker, and listen for their calls. The forest is also home to mammals like deer and a variety of insects, such as the stag beetle and great capricorn beetle. The proximity to the Vioreau reservoir also attracts aquatic birds and other creatures.
Parking is generally available at key access points around Forêt De Vioreau and the Vioreau reservoir. For example, routes like the Rigole des Ajeaux loop from Aire naturelle "Le Temps de Vivre" often have designated parking areas near their starting points, making access convenient for hikers.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers often praise the quiet, diverse forest ecosystems, the peaceful views of the large Vioreau reservoir, and the well-maintained, accessible paths that make for enjoyable and relaxing walks.
Yes, the easy trails in Forêt De Vioreau offer several interesting natural features. You'll traverse a diverse acidophilic forest with dominant sessile and pedunculate oaks, as well as sections of conifer plantations. The expansive Vioreau reservoir, the largest freshwater reserve in Loire-Atlantique, is a prominent feature, offering scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching. You might also spot unique plant species like the chlorophyll-free monotrope sucepin.
Easy hikes in Forêt De Vioreau are designed for leisurely enjoyment. Depending on the specific route and your pace, they typically take between 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours. For instance, the West bridge at Lac de Vioreau – Lake Vioreau loop from La Romeraye, which is 7.5 km, can be completed in about 1 hour 55 minutes.


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