Sougéal walks

The route runs along the edge of the marsh and its vast 175-hectare wet meadows. These are classified as an “Espace Remarquable de Bretagne” (Regional Nature Reserve). The marsh is home to waterfowl all year round, but you may also come across cows and horses grazing freely there. In winter, access to the marsh is often cut off by floodwaters. The suggested route allows you to go round the marsh. However, two observation points overlooking the marsh remain accessible. The route also offers a more idyllic stretch through the woods and countryside around Sougeal. All in all, a peaceful walk to be enjoyed all year round.

It comprises 175 hectares of extensive wet meadows and encompasses three main activities (see practical information). This route invites you to explore this environment, starting at the fish pass and then following the course of the Couesnon as closely as possible.In this regional nature reserve, only birdsong can be heard.

A short, easy walk around the Sougeal Marshes. Designated both a Regional Nature Reserve and a ‘Remarkable Site of Brittany’, with over 175 hectares restored, the area safeguards the bay’s ecosystem. You can spot over 360 plant species, amongst the reed beds and hedgerows. As for wildlife, there are numerous migratory birds. Depending on the season, you’ll find over 60 species of waterbirds, including grey herons and white storks.

A landscape of hedgerows and woodlands, characterised by highly fertile soil thanks to the presence of the Ruisseaux de la Chênelais and the Petit Hermitage, as well as all the streams flowing into them, alongside woodland and heathland.

The Villecartier State Forest is now known for its leisure centre and miniature harbour. A former royal forest covering 1,000 hectares, it has been home to craftsmen since ancient times: the Auge des Sabotiers archaeological site bears witness to this. During the Roman period and then in the Middle Ages, its activities continued to evolve against a backdrop of religious influence. This walk, which takes place entirely in the forest, invites you to discover all these places steeped in history.

The Villecartier National Forest is known for its leisure centre, miniature harbour and hiking trails. The forest, formerly royal, covers an area of 1,000 hectares. It is dotted with monuments of varying ages that bear witness to human activity throughout its history. The proposed route allows you to discover some of them, and with a little luck, the four-legged animals that inhabit it; to do so, you must be relatively quiet.

The Villecartier National Forest is known for its leisure centre, miniature harbour and hiking trails. The forest, formerly royal, covers an area of 1,000 hectares. It is dotted with monuments of varying ages that bear witness to human activity throughout its history. The proposed route allows you to discover some of them, and with a little luck, the four-legged animals that inhabit it. To do so, you must be relatively quiet.

The Villecartier National Forest is known for its leisure centre, miniature harbour and hiking trails. The forest, formerly royal, covers an area of 1,000 hectares. It is dotted with monuments of varying ages that bear witness to human activity throughout its history. The proposed route allows you to discover some of these monuments and, with a little luck, the four-legged animals that inhabit the forest. To do so, you need to be relatively quiet and have a little luck.

A walk along the country lanes of La Fontenelle, which presents no significant difficulty. There is a beautiful view over the Couesnon valley and the charming village of La Roche. The architecture of some of its houses is remarkable, with decorative arched windows and double-roll-top doors...

A short, peaceful walk starting from Sains. The route passes through wooded areas, including a charming section at the start. There are usually many water birds at the Pas Gérault pond, especially in autumn. This walk takes you along the Oak Trail, with its many remarkable trees, including the Oak of Liberty.

A short, peaceful walk starting from Sains. The route passes through wooded areas, including a charming section at the start. There are usually many water birds at the Étang du Pas Gérault, especially in autumn.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the polders and return via the plateau that marks the end of the old coastline. In principle, you can enjoy a breath of fresh air. The route presents only one small difficulty, namely the coast between Chanel and Haut Chanel, with a difference in altitude of 15 m to 75 m. The reward in season is cherries!

A leisurely stroll through the polders, returning via the plateau overlooking the former coastline. A short stretch along the Couesnon river continues towards the Greenway, offering a fine view of Mont-Saint-Michel. In principle, you’ll get a good breath of fresh air. The route presents only one minor challenge: the hill between Chanel and Haut Chanel, with an elevation gain of 15 to 75 metres. The reward in season is cherries or chestnuts!

This walk takes you along the Couesnon between the dam and Anse de Moidrey, allowing you to see the polders on the Brittany side and also the fairly abundant wildlife, particularly birds.A bit of history: formerly known as Lerra Fluvius, the Couesnon rises in the commune of Saint-Pierre-des-Landes in Mayenne, at the Fontaine de Couesnette, 200 metres above sea level. The Couesnon was channelled in 1867, allowing boats to sail up the river as far as the port of Pontorson. The first dam, built in 1969, was intended to stop the tide from flowing back into the riverbed, which, during high tidal ranges, caused flooding. It was demolished in 2008 and replaced by the Couesnon Dam as part of the project to restore the maritime character of Mont-Saint-Michel.

From Étang du Pas Gérault, take the paths and trails on the plateau, then on the Claye plain. The trail takes you through the somewhat wild Guyoult before following a circular route back to the plain and the lake. This area is rich in wildlife, with numerous egrets and cattle egrets, and sometimes grey herons. Game is often seen here, but it is very shy.

A short walk through the countryside, between Baguer-Pican and Sains, following forest paths, small roads and passing through rural hamlets. The route follows part of the eastern section of the local PR® trail known as “Le Circuit de la Manceliére”. It is a family walk with no particular difficulties.

Roz-sur-Couesnon consists, as its name suggests, of an upper part (roz = hill in Breton) where the village is located, and a lower part made up of former marshes, polders and salt marshes, where the Couesnon river once flowed. This unique feature gives the town an exceptional view of the bay and Mont Saint-Michel, as well as a wide variety of landscapes, which the route proposed here seeks to highlight.

A circular route offering a variety of views of Mont-Saint-Michel. From the viewing points on the hills overlooking the bay, the paths along the polder dykes or the edges of the salt marshes and canals, this architectural marvel is always in view.

Discover the charming little town of Bazouges-la-Pérouse, then walk through the woods to reach this former residence of the Counts of Fougères, now a guest house, and finally stroll along charming streams that offer peace and serenity.

A walk mainly through woodland. We leave Roz-sur-Couesnon to walk along the heights of the old hill before heading down into the polders and market gardens. We soon come to the greenway, which links Cancale to Le Mont. The walk then passes close to the Maison des Polders, which is well worth a visit, before reaching the magnificent view from the park at Roz-sur-Couesnon town hall.

This route allows you to discover a whole range of small architectural heritage sites: guardhouses, typical houses, a wash house and a church. But of course, as everywhere else in the area, the star attraction is Mont-Saint-Michel, which visitors can see in the background throughout their journey.

As we follow the banks of the Loysance, we enjoy the tranquillity of the Voie Verte, punctuated by a few inclines that allow us to explore the surrounding countryside, having previously walked through the Tremblay countryside along shaded paths.

The route follows the granite massif of the former coastline. You will walk along ancient paths, some of which are carved into the granite. The bocage landscape consists of sunken lanes, small meadows and fields surrounded by hedges. You will discover some beautiful views of the Bay of Mont-St-Michel, but the mount itself remains out of sight, hidden by a protruding plateau.