Attractions and places to see around Freigné include a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural insights. This commune, situated in the Maine-et-Loire department, is characterized by the tranquil flow of the Erdre river and the peaceful Segréen plateau. Visitors can explore ancient menhirs, 19th-century chapels, and significant historical structures like the Château de Bourmont. The area offers a serene escape with opportunities to discover local heritage and natural features.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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This ancient tree is said to have the ability to cure boils. Why bother going to the doctor when all it takes is a walk in the woods to heal?
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Beautiful 19th-century washhouse located on the Erdre River. A footbridge provides a beautiful view of the washhouse and the river. Picnic tables are available.
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Car-free rolling path from Carquefou to Candé.
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Entering Candé via the greenway, in a quiet & bucolic setting, is very pleasant. Passage over the Erdre, which at this point is still only a stream
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The wash house is located on the banks of the Erdre, at the exit of the town of Riaillé towards Ancenis. This beautiful building was abandoned for a long time before being restored in 1990-1991. This stone building would have been built around 1850, it measures 20 meters long and 6 meters wide. Today, the site of the wash house is a pleasant place, equipped for picnics as well as a footbridge spanning the Erdre to lead to the Riante Vallée room. https://www.riaille.fr/decouvre/sites-remarquables-et-sentiers-de-randonnee/sites-remarquables-de-la-commune
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On the Grande Balise road, a few hundred meters from the forest path, you will discover the venerable nail oak on the right. This is a 500 year old tree believed to have healing powers against furunculosis in humans. This oak would be the only survivor of a group of sessile oaks felled before 1742, it is today isolated among younger subjects. With a circumference of 4.20 meters at 1 meter from the ground, it is distinguished by a niche attached to its trunk which houses a Virgin and Child, and above all by a trunk covered with hundreds of nails. Formerly, the word nail designated boils; and popular tradition attributes to this oak the power to cure these painful conditions. An ancient pagan rite was practiced: it involved coming alone, at night, out of sight, to rub coffin nails against the sick part of one's body; then go around the tree seven times, address a prayer to the soul of the tree, drive the nails into the trunk on the side that never sees the sun. The rite ended by walking backwards and saluting the tree. https://www.petitfute.com/v75850-vallons-de-l-erdre-44540/c1173-visites-points-d-interet/c974-site-naturel/533485-le-chene-aux-clous-du- patisseau.html
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Between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Château de la Motte-Glain illustrates the end of one period, and the beginning of another. Neither a defensive fortress nor a pleasure residence, the castle moves with great beauty between the two functions. A schist and tuffeau castle Possibly dating back to the 12th century, the Château de la Motte-Glain was gradually rebuilt during the 15th century. A magnificent residence, the castle forms a Breton home to the north, and a French one to the west, recalling its very border nature. Between the local schist and the Angevin tuffeau, the castle is located between Brittany and Anjou, recalling its complex history and the result of prestigious sponsors. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The Château de la Motte-Glain is one of the first Renaissance castles in Loire-Atlantique, before the reconstructions of Châteaubriant and Ancenis. Still very Gothic in its decoration, the castle shows new research by its sponsor, in its staircase towers, and in the use of decoration linked to Santiago de Compostela, the great pilgrimage.
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Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption is a very popular name, which indicates the patronage of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, over this parish. Created completely pure by the grace of God, Mary could not experience the degradation of her body in death. It is popular tradition which, throughout the centuries, has pushed the Church to define “the Assumption of Mary” as a dogma in 1950. The imposing Riaillé church was rebuilt between 1841 and 1887. Historical notes mention more than 20 places of worship over the centuries of which very few traces remain.
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Freigné and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the impressive Catholic Church - Our Lady of the Assumption of Riaillé, rebuilt between 1841 and 1887. Another significant historical landmark is Château de la Motte-Glain, a beautiful residence showcasing the transition from medieval to Renaissance architecture. Additionally, the area features ancient menhirs, the 19th-century Chapel of the Rosary, the Benéfraye bread oven, and the former Ghaisne Manor.
Yes, the Erdre River is a prominent natural feature, offering tranquil settings for walks and picnics. A developed water body along the Erdre, established in 1986, provides a 1.5 km stroll, complete with a lavoir and a reconstructed fishpond. You can also follow a path beyond the old Foulon mill for picturesque views of the wild Erdre. The Bridge Over the Erdre in Candé offers a pleasant, car-free passage over the river in a bucolic setting.
The region around Freigné is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Pond of Parc du Charbonneau – Greenway – Girouard Section loop' or the 'Lavandières Pond – Greenway loop'. For running, options like the 'Running loop from Maumusson' are available. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Bois de Coléan – Bois de L'Aubriard loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for cycling around Freigné, running trails around Freigné, and MTB trails around Freigné.
Beyond historical sites, Freigné offers unique cultural insights. Near the Foulon mill, you can discover L'Escargot des Vallons, a snail farm that provides direct sales of cooked snails by reservation. In the village, the Ferme des Galli is an educational farm specializing in ornamental animals like chickens, rabbits, ducks, and goats, open for visits during specific times of the year.
Visitors particularly appreciate the serene and bucolic settings, especially along the Erdre River. The car-free paths, such as those near the Bridge Over the Erdre in Candé, are highly enjoyed for their quiet charm. Historical sites like The Washhouse of Riaillé are also popular, offering pleasant picnic spots and a glimpse into 19th-century local life.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The developed water body along the Erdre River offers easy walks and picnic areas. The Washhouse of Riaillé is also equipped for picnics and has a footbridge, making it a pleasant stop. The Ferme des Galli, an educational farm with ornamental animals, provides an engaging experience for children during its open seasons.
For those interested in ancient and mystical sites, Freigné has several menhirs located on the right bank of the Erdre, indicating ancient human presence. Additionally, the Nailed Oak is a unique ancient tree, believed to be 500 years old, with a local tradition attributing healing powers against boils, making it a fascinating and somewhat mystical spot to visit.
Yes, the area features notable historical residences. The Château de la Motte-Glain is a significant example, showcasing architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Another historical point of interest is the former Ghaisne Manor, an inscribed historical monument from the 16th century, and the Bourmont Castle, a 15th-century defensive structure that played a key role in local history.
The Erdre River can be best experienced through leisurely walks along its banks. A particularly pleasant option is the 1.5 km stroll around the developed water body, which includes a lavoir and a reconstructed fishpond. You can also follow paths beyond the old Foulon mill for more wild and scenic views. The Bridge Over the Erdre in Candé offers a lovely car-free passage over the river, perfect for a quiet moment.
Indeed, Freigné preserves several 19th-century structures. The Catholic Church - Our Lady of the Assumption of Riaillé was rebuilt between 1841 and 1887. You can also visit The Washhouse of Riaillé, a beautifully restored stone building from around 1850, now a pleasant picnic spot. Other examples include the Chapel of the Rosary and the Benéfraye bread oven, both dating from the 19th century, and the Moulin-Foulon bridge over the Erdre.
For a quieter experience, consider exploring the ancient menhirs located on the right bank of the Erdre, which offer a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past away from larger crowds. The Benéfraye bread oven and the Chapel of the Rosary, both 19th-century sites, also provide peaceful historical stops. Additionally, the paths along the wild Erdre beyond the Foulon mill offer serene natural beauty.


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