The best hikes from bus stations in La Forêt Pavée

Very pleasant site, always well maintained

The church, which consists of a large nave and two six-bay aisles, a transept, and a three-bay choir without an ambulatory, is 65 meters long. The transept is 26.50 m long, and the naves are 17.5 m wide. The bell tower is 65 meters high without the cross. It has a set of five bells made in 1895 by the Bollée foundry in Le Mans: Saint-Nicolas (the bourdon), weighing 4027 kg, playing the A of octave 2 Anne, weighing 1552 kg, playing the D of octave 3 Marie, weighing 1067 kg, playing the M of octave 3 Joséphine-Jeanne, weighing 726 kg, playing the F sharp of octave 3 Henriette-Victorienne, weighing 450 kg, playing the A of octave 3

The original chapel, initially dedicated to Notre-Dame, was built by Geoffroy IV, Baron of Châteaubriant, on the site where the cattle market was held from May to October until 1763. A text attests to its existence in 1263. [Threatening to fall into ruin, it was demolished in 1518, leaving only the choir of the old chapel standing. The place of worship was immediately rebuilt in a more spacious form using Châteaubriant schist (Nozay stone), based on the plans of Jean Delorme, brother of Philibert Delorme, thanks to the demolition of a neighboring house and the financial support of Jean de Laval. However, the latter's poor financial situation meant that by 1530, only the nave of the building had been built. At the death of Françoise de Foix in 1537 and Jean de Laval in 1543, the Notre-Dame chapel still lacked a framework. It was not until 1551 that the final work was undertaken by Baron Anne de Montmorency. The dedication of the new place of worship took place ten years later, on November 5, 1561, in the presence of the coadjutor of the Bishop of Nantes, and the name of Notre-Dame was changed to Saint-Nicolas, for an unknown reason. On the same day, the body of Jean de Laval, then encased in a lead reliquary, was transported from the castle chapel to the new building. Jean de Laval had wished to see the chapel erected as a collegiate church, but this wish was not granted. However, the building, as vast as a church, shared the honors of worship with the Church of Saint-Jean de Béré, which was then the parish church of the town, until the Revolution. Indeed, the Saint-Nicolas chapel, although of undeniable architectural value, was not suitable for worship in a parish as large as that of Châteaubriant. Nevertheless, in the 15th and 16th centuries, masses, vespers, and many ceremonies were held in the chapel for reasons of convenience, as it was closer to the town of Châteaubriant, while baptisms were all celebrated at Saint-Jean de Béré. At the end of the 19th century, the church, which became the parish seat in 1801, was completely rebuilt. The architect Eugène Boismen drew up the plans, inspired by those of the Saint-Nicolas basilica in Nantes, one of the first neo-Gothic projects in France, which was beginning to inspire architects throughout the west of the country. The foundation stone was blessed on April 25, 1875, by Bishop Fournier of Nantes. The choir, sacristies, transept, and five bays were only completed at the time of the consecration, which was performed by his successor, Bishop Le Coq, on February 1, 1881. The foundations of the bell tower and the remaining bay began in June 1892, based on plans by architect François Bougoüin. The tower and spire were completed in August 1894.

The activities offered in the Choisel Municipal Park are numerous. Through this new development, the Municipality of Choisel wished to strengthen the leisure, entertainment, and relaxation offerings at this popular Choisel site. Designed and manufactured locally, this platform is certified and accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Triportech also has the potential to be expanded, as several modules can be combined. Indeed, the structure currently comprises two modules: a covered module and a terrace. The entire facility complies with sustainable development standards, particularly regarding the recycling of materials. The Triportech will undoubtedly contribute to the conviviality of the entire Choisel site, already highly appreciated by many Castelbriant residents and visitors. The public is invited to come and enjoy a moment of relaxation at the Triportech, where refreshments, treats, and ice cream will be sold on site. Three young seasonal workers will be on hand to welcome the public. MINI-GOLF: Mini-golf-Choisel-300x200.jpg 18-hole course. Opening Hours: Open to the public: during the Easter and All Saints' Day holidays, daily from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; during the summer holidays, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; from April to November, excluding school holidays, it is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Finally, it is closed to the public from the end of the All Saints' Day holidays until the beginning of the Easter holidays. Price: €2 per adult and €1 per child. Contact: +33 6 32 75 64 38 or +33 2 40 81 02 32. SKATE PARK: Skate-parc-Choisel2-300x200.jpg A skate park with two beginner's quarter-decks, a spine, and a sidewalk. Open daily. Free for all. FITNESS PARK: ParcfitnessChoisel-300x200.jpg The Choisel site also features an outdoor fitness park, free and accessible to everyone, from 14 years old to seniors, whether athletic or not. It features nine intergenerational and fun gentle exercise machines, one of which is adapted for people with reduced mobility. PLAYGROUND AND MULTI-SPORTS FIELD: Terrain-multisports-choisel-300x200.jpg Also note that a playground and a multi-sports field have been installed right next to the mini-golf course. These various amenities further enhance the appeal of Parc de Choisel.

The Golden Room is located on the first floor of the Logis Jean de Laval. It is the only room in the château that has retained its original decor. Before serving as a residence for the court official, and then as a municipal museum in the late 19th century, upon the arrival of the Germans, the Golden Room was reportedly the site of the assassination of Françoise de Foix. Legend has it that Françoise de Foix, married to Jean de Laval, Baron of Châteaubriant and Governor of Brittany, had an extramarital affair with François I between 1516 and 1526. Jealous, Jean de Laval then locked his wife in this room, which was blocked by black curtains and closed shutters, before ordering two barbers to enter her room on the night of October 16-17, 1537, to bleed her wrists and ankles. Legend also tells that every year on this date, the ghost of the Countess reappears in a pool of blood at the stroke of midnight, then her husband arrives from hell to relieve her feet, until the couple climbs onto the balcony and disappears, only to return the following year.

nighttime. A medieval fortress and Renaissance building, Châteaubriant Castle recounts ten centuries of history. In the Middle Ages, Châteaubriant Castle was at the heart of the Marches of Brittany. It served as a stronghold defending the duchy against the Kingdom of France. The keep, ramparts, seigneurial chapel, and the medieval courtyard lodgings still bear witness to the power of this fortress. In the 16th century, the bailey became a residence opening onto the gardens. The castle gardens are open to the public from February to December. Visit maps are available at the reception-shop for a better understanding of the site. A 3D space allows you to discover, with free access, the architectural evolution of the castle, from the 11th century to the present day. From February to December, heritage mediators will accompany you on an in-depth tour of the castle, its keep, and its gardens. During school holidays, family workshops allow parents and children to develop their creativity or spark their curiosity! Opening days: Gardens are open to the public, Wednesday to Sunday: 9am-6pm (February-March and October-December) or 9am-7:30pm (April-September). Prices: - Free entry for those over €0.00 (Free access to the château gardens) - Individual adult rate from €3.00 to €6.00 (Guided tours, free for those on minimum income and special cards) - Individual child rate from €0.00 (Guided tours free for those under 26) - Individual child rate from €0.00 (Guided tours free for those under 26) Child from €4.00 to €8.00 (Family activity) - Adult group rate from €5.00 (From 15 people) Payment methods: Credit cards - Bank and postal checks - Cash Tours Self-guided tours (individual): Yes Guided tours (individual): Yes Average visit duration (individual): 1 hour Self-guided tours (groups): Yes Guided tours on request (groups): Yes Guided tours (groups): Yes Average visit duration (groups): 1 hour Languages: Tour: French, English - Signs: French, English Services: Interactive kiosk - Shop - WiFi Additional information: Groups of 15 people or more are welcome - Pets allowed (Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park.) - Points of interest visible without a tour Access Location: SNCF train station: 0.5 km

This recently built church (end of the 19th century) is visible from afar with its 65 meters in height.

The castle is a self-guided tour. A little tip: there are bike racks inside the castle, just beyond the entrance.