Best attractions and places to see around Jans, a commune in the Loire-Atlantique department of western France, offer a blend of natural features and historical sites. The area is characterized by its river valleys, such as the Don Valley, and diverse landscapes including lakes and former mining areas. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor activities, from walking routes to discovering local landmarks.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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While the ascent of the slag heap is flat and gently uphill in its first part, it is followed by a long, steeper section of walking before reaching the summit. It is clearly stated that descending via any route other than the designated access point is strongly discouraged due to the risk of rockfalls.
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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.).
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The Chapel of the Holy Places in Guémené-Penfao is also known as the Chapelle Sainte-Anne-de-Lssaisnt. It overlooks the Don Valley and was built on the site of a former leper colony. It has frescoes describing the legends and history of the place. The chapel is open on weekends and public holidays and has a picnic area and toilets. You can also enjoy the view of the valley and the old Roman road that passes nearby. You can also participate in the annual pilgrimage and open-air mass dedicated to Saint Anne, which takes place on the last Sunday in July. This hike is an excellent way to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Pays de Redon.
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Etang de la Roche is a beautiful lake surrounded by nature where you can enjoy views of the water, trees and wildlife, and go fishing or canoeing if you wish. The lake is part of the Domaine de la Roche, a 22-hectare space which offers various activities and facilities to visitors. Étang de la Roche is an ideal destination for a peaceful and refreshing hike in nature.
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This deep mine excavation is now a beautiful lake and hiking spot. The calm waters offer amazing reflections from the shore.
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The site of the Holy Places is an enchanting place. Built on the site of a former leper colony, near Guénouvry, the chapel overlooks the Don Valley with a breathtaking view. The frescoes it contains represent both the history of this site and the legends.
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The area around Jans offers several compelling natural features. You can visit Mine Lake, a tranquil spot formed from a deep mine excavation, known for its reflective waters. Another beautiful location is La Roche Pond, a lake surrounded by nature where you can enjoy views, fishing, or canoeing. For a more unique experience, the Abbaretz lagoon presents reddish-orange marshes due to mineral oxidation, offering a distinct landscape for exploration.
Yes, the region has notable historical sites. The Chapel of the Holy Sites, also known as Chapelle Sainte-Anne-de-Lssaisnt, is a religious building and historical site overlooking the Don Valley, featuring frescoes depicting local legends. Additionally, The Slag Heap is a former tin mine site, now a significant vantage point with an orientation table at its summit, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Jans is an excellent base for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, including easy loops like the Étang de Gruellau, or more challenging trails such as the Fairies' Trail. For cyclists, there are many cycling routes, from moderate loops around La Roche Pond to longer, more difficult rides. Gravel biking is also popular, especially around the Abbaretz mine spoil tip, which offers varied terrain.
The Chapel of the Holy Sites is considered family-friendly, offering a historical and scenic outing with a picnic area and toilets available. The natural settings of La Roche Pond and Mine Lake also provide pleasant environments for family walks and enjoying nature.
Jans is a commune situated in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France. It is characterized by its river valleys, such as the Don Valley, and diverse landscapes including lakes and former mining areas.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The calm waters and reflections at Mine Lake make it a notable hiking spot. The Chapel of the Holy Sites is valued for its historical frescoes and breathtaking views over the Don Valley. Many also enjoy the panoramic views from The Slag Heap, a former tin mine site.
Yes, The Slag Heap is a magnificent vantage point, offering extensive views of the surrounding landscape. It even has an orientation table at the top to help identify landmarks. The Chapel of the Holy Sites also provides a breathtaking view overlooking the Don Valley.
Yes, La Roche Pond is an ideal spot for these activities. It's a beautiful lake surrounded by nature where you can enjoy fishing or canoeing, making it a perfect destination for a peaceful and refreshing outing.
The Abbaretz lagoon is known for its unique reddish-orange marshes, a result of heavy metal oxidation. While you can tour parts of the site by bike, be aware that it's suited for mountain biking or gravel riding due to walkways, roots, and rocks. Access to certain areas, like the second spoil heap, has been prohibited since 2019 due to severe arsenic pollution, so it's important to respect signage.
For hiking, you can explore trails like the 'Fairies' Trail' which is a moderate 12.6 km route. There are also easier options such as the 'Étang de Gruellau loop' (3 km) or the 'Étang de loisirs Jean Guyon loop' (7.6 km). For more details and a wider selection of routes, refer to the hiking guide for Jans.
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy various routes, including the 'Crêperie du Moulin de Juzé loop' (34 km, moderate) or the 'La Roche Pond loop' (35 km, moderate). For a more challenging ride, consider the 'Abbaretz mine spoil tip – Port of Nort-sur-Erdre loop' (74 km, difficult). You can find more options and details in the cycling guide for Jans.


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