Local tourism part 2

The summer has arrived! What is your favourite place to cool down? Around Nantes, the Atlantic coast is the most obvious answer for this question. However in July the beach can be crowded, so here is an alternative option.

Hiking in the forest, next to the canals, is a beautiful, peaceful summer afternoon program.

We discovered a lovely walk that follows the Petit Canal ou Rigole alimentaire. It’s less than an hour to drive there from the city.

 

Linked to the Canal de Nantes à Brest

A 385 km long canal across Bretagne – that would be nice to walk one day! 

Let’s start with something easier.

The Rigole alimentaire is a 21 km long canal that was built between 1833 and ’36 to support the main canal’s flow and so to provide a smooth boat traffic on the bigger canal.

The countryside was changed; it was industrialized, but once abandoned. That’s how nowadays we can take a romantic walk there, where the nature almost completely took back its place.

Today the Rigole alimentaire’s functions are replaced by other methods. The four stone aqueducts, alongside the 21 km canal, are covered with moss and hidden between lush green plants. Parallel to the canal, the fast river Erdre flows. At some point we have the possibility to go down to the river bank. It’s a hidden, mysterious landscape, a less known heritage from the region.

🐕 Traveling with dog here is of course possible and a fun experience if your furry friend likes water.

If you live around Nantes, take time on a sunny afternoon to discover this unknown path.

Otherwise we’re curious about your favourite places around your home! Send us your short story including photos to our e-mail address: unfoldedglobe@gmail.com or use the #unfoldedglobe hash tag on Instagram to get the chance to be featured!