Attractions and Places To See around Riaillé - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Riaillé, a commune in Loire-Atlantique, offers a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its river valleys, such as the Erdre, and significant ponds like the Étang de la Provostière, remnants of its industrial past. Visitors can explore historical forges, churches, and various outdoor activities including Riaillé hiking trails and cycling routes. This region provides diverse opportunities for natural exploration and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
West bridge at Lac de Vioreau
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Stele of the Aviators
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Forges of Moisdon-la-Rivière
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Vioreau Reservoir Dam
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Arcades of the Gué de la Roche
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Riaillé.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
0
0
A perfect place to relax or have a picnic. You can cross the Erdre River to take a path opposite.
0
0
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.
0
0
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
0
0
Picnic table below the aqueduct. The site of the ford on the Erdre is also charming (but impassable when I passed there).
3
0
The surroundings of the dam are currently under construction and closed to the public (6/28/24)
2
0
Former site of industrial forges in the 17th century, you will discover a landscape bathed in greenery, the pond and the ancestral buildings carved out of the beautiful blue stone. Starting point for hiking trails. Another essential element of the forges site, the large coal storage hall of yesterday transformed today into a museum (free entry). The Forge Neuve museum explains in a clear and fun way the mining past and work in the forges from the 17th to the 19th century. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forges_de_Moisdon-la-Rivi%C3%A8re
0
0
Dam under construction until July 2024. No water in the lake.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Riaillé?
Riaillé boasts a rich industrial past. You can visit the historical Forges of Riaillé, including remnants like the blast furnace at Poitevinière and the houses of the founder and his clerk. The Our Lady of the Assumption Church, built between 1841 and 1887, features remarkable rose windows and a carved wooden pulpit. Don't miss The Lavoir, a beautifully restored stone building from around 1850 on the banks of the Erdre River, or the old Water Mills like Moulin Pelé and Moulin de la Benâte.
Where can I find natural beauty and outdoor activities around Riaillé?
The region is rich in natural features. Explore the Provostière Pond (Étang de la Provostière), popular for fishing and hiking. The Erdre Valley offers opportunities for natural exploration, including hiking and kayaking, with self-service kayaks available for booking at The Lavoir. Nearby, the Grand Réservoir de Vioreau and Plage de Vioreau provide a significant natural feature with a beach area. You can also enjoy the tranquil Ancenis Forest for trails and picnics.
Are there good hiking trails near Riaillé's attractions?
Yes, Riaillé offers numerous hiking trails. You can explore routes like the Orée des Bois, Rigole des Ajaux, Provostière, and Vallée de l'Erdre. For specific routes, check out the Hiking around Riaillé guide, which includes trails like the 'Footbridge over the Erdre – The Washhouse of Riaillé loop from Riaillé' and various loops around Provostière Pond.
What cycling routes are available around Riaillé?
Riaillé is great for cycling. You can find various routes for both mountain biking and road cycling. For mountain biking, explore trails around the Grand Réservoir de Vioreau and The Arcades of the Rigole. Road cyclists can enjoy routes like 'The blue train loop from Bonnœuvre'. Find more options in the MTB Trails around Riaillé and Road Cycling Routes around Riaillé guides.
What are some family-friendly activities in Riaillé?
Many attractions around Riaillé are suitable for families. The Provostière Pond offers easy hiking trails and fishing. The Lavoir provides a pleasant picnic spot by the Erdre River. The Arcades of the Gué de la Roche also offers a charming picnic area. Additionally, the Plage de Vioreau at the Grand Réservoir de Vioreau is a great spot for a nature break or a swim.
Where can I find scenic views or viewpoints in Riaillé?
For stunning views, visit the West bridge at Lac de Vioreau, which offers a quiet deck and unobstructed views of the largest body of water in Loire-Atlantique. The Arcades of the Rigole also provide unique and impressive views as you pass through them.
What is the Vioreau Reservoir and its significance?
The Vioreau Reservoir Dam, built in 1835, is a significant man-made monument that serves as the main water supply reservoir for the Nantes-Brest canal. The reservoir itself, including the Grand Réservoir de Vioreau, is the largest body of water in Loire-Atlantique and offers opportunities for nature breaks and swimming at Plage de Vioreau.
Are there any unique natural springs in Riaillé?
Yes, you can discover the Mineral Fountain or Notre-Dame Spring (La Fontaine Minérale ou Source Notre-Dame). This ferruginous spring emerges from the Haut-Rocher, offering clear water known for its lightness and magnesium content, typically around 12°C.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Riaillé?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The tranquil views from the West bridge at Lac de Vioreau, the unique passage through The Arcades of the Rigole, and the shaded, wilder parts of the Lakeside path are frequently highlighted. The historical significance of the forges and the charm of the Erdre River banks also receive positive feedback.
Can I go kayaking in Riaillé?
Yes, the Erdre River and its valley offer opportunities for kayaking. Self-service kayaks are available for booking at The Lavoir, providing a unique way to explore the natural surroundings.
What is the Pont du Theil?
The Pont du Theil is a notable bridge listed as a point of interest within Riaillé, contributing to the area's historical and architectural landscape.
Most popular attractions around Riaillé
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
