The best traffic-free bike rides around Nozay

Also known as the "basin," the port of Nort-sur-Erdre is a lively, historic neighborhood that's a great place to stop off. At the foot of the Saint-Georges Bridge, which separates the wild Erdre from the navigable Erdre, the marina is now a popular place for walking and fishing. Free Wi-Fi access near the Tourist Office Contact the harbor master's office for an extended stay; the first two nights are free. Open year-round Type of facility: Slipway - River stopover - Pontoon - Marina Payment methods: Bank and postal checks Access location: Nort-sur-Erdre train station: 1 km Languages spoken: French Facilities: Picnic area - Restrooms - Services - Playground

The construction of Port Mulon Castle dates back to the 19th century. Of its various owners, it primarily preserves the memory of Prosper Coinquet. Born in 1825 in Nantes, Prosper Coinquet was mayor of Nort-sur-Erdre twice, from 1859 to 1874, and again from 1877 to 1892. He was also a general councilor for the Loire-Inférieure department from 1883 to 1887. This lawyer by training was also a great lover of the arts. He was himself a musician and poet. He composed numerous songs and waltzes that enjoyed considerable regional success. He dedicated one of his waltzes, simply titled "Le port Mulon," to his castle. Prosper Coinquet chaired or was a member of several musical and literary societies. It was therefore only natural that he decided to make the château the setting for evenings dedicated to the arts. Readings and concerts were held in the park or in the reception hall. Nantes artists invited to perform came by way of the Erdre River. The setting, its tranquil riverbank, and its magnificent park wooded with rare species, thus retain the imprint of the music that was performed there until 1892. That year, Prosper Coinquet died at home. Since 2006, music has once again resonated in the park's foliage. Indeed, at the end of June, the venue hosts the La Nuit de L'Erdre festival. Today, the Château de Port Mulon and its park are managed by the municipality of Nort-sur-Erdre. A reception hall can be rented from the town hall, whether for private or professional events. You can also take yoga classes at the château. As for the Nantes Atlantique improvisation league, it has made it its headquarters. Finally, since 2017, the place has become a coworking space whose success continues unabated. As for the park, it's a place where, in addition to enjoying its vast spaces and magnificent trees, you can indulge in an orienteering course. Twenty markers are scattered throughout, and by exploring them, you'll learn much more about the treasures it contains. During your stroll, you'll undoubtedly encounter riders who enjoy riding their horses there. And if, at nightfall, you spot the fluttering shadows of numerous bats, don't be surprised. For several years, the castle and grounds have been havens for these nocturnal animals.

Small pond in the middle of a recreation area. Several picnic tables. Unfortunately, I didn't see a single body of water. If the town hall is reading this...

A half-Mordor, half-Mad Max atmosphere with these reddish-orange marshes. The color is due to the oxidation of heavy metals contained in these highly acidic waters: iron, manganese, cobalt, and... arsenic. It's actually due to severe arsenic pollution that access to the second spoil heap has been prohibited since 2019. You can tour the site by bike, but it's clearly mountain biking/gravel riding (walkways, roots, rocks, etc.).

This 40-meter-deep (!!!) pond occupies the former Abbaretz tin mine, which has been in operation since Roman times. It cannot be cycled around, but it is possible to do so on foot in "hiking" mode. The path that winds through the woods towards the east (Abbaretz) is very pleasant.

19th-century church. Unfortunately, there's no water supply, but there's a good bakery in the small square to the left.

A truly amazing site. Bring a lock, as you have to leave your bike at the bottom of the steps.

19th century castle overlooking a large 15 hectare park, known for its rare species and for its music festival "La Nuit de l'Erdre". The path along the Erdre can be very muddy in winter. Beyond the place called Les Mares Noires you can continue on a single track that crosses a fairly densely wooded area and/or the more rolling Noe-Guy path.