On one of the reed paths in Saint-Jean-sur-Couesnon

Starting from Saint-Jean-sur-Couesnon, a small country village, come and discover peace and tranquillity on this walk, which will take you past historic sites, old houses and the banks of the Couesnon.

Details

4329715
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.47 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 46 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 46 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 230 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 161 ft

Description of the walk

(S/E) Leave the car park on the left, following Rue du Stade. Turn right into Rue de l’Église, then left just before it. The path leads to Rue du Moulin. The mill is on the left, but you need to turn right.

(1) Before the hairdresser’s, turn left into Impasse des Roseaux and head towards the banks of the Couesnon. Follow the meandering river for about a kilometre.

(2) Take the path on the right until you reach a road. Turn right and, after 30 metres, turn left. After 150 metres, at the start of a bend, take the path on the right across the fields.

(3) At the end of the path, veer to the right, then cross the road to take the path opposite leading to La Ménardais, and join the D23 county road.

(4) Follow the D23 to the right. Pass the La Louvrais junction, continuing straight on. Walk alongside and cross the Ruisseau du Pissot.

(5) Take a path on the right. Please note: it is barely visible at first, but it is lined with trees on the right-hand side and is situated 75 metres before the road leading to La Galardière.

This path crosses damp meadows covered in rushes.

Carry on straight ahead towards the north to reach the housing estate. Turn left onto Rue de la Mairie to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 207 ft - Town Hall car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.29 - alt. 171 ft - Impasse des Roseaux. Towards the meanders of the - Couesnon (fleuve)
  3. 2 : mi 1.04 - alt. 164 ft - Path on the right
  4. 3 : mi 1.64 - alt. 223 ft - Road junction, opposite
  5. 4 : mi 2.05 - alt. 207 ft - D 23
  6. 5 : mi 2.63 - alt. 180 ft - Path on the right
  7. S/E : mi 3.47 - alt. 207 ft - Town Hall car park

Notes

We are still in a land where every stone, every stream, every season of the year is linked to a legend. Here, it is the legend associated with the reeds fuelling the St John’s Day bonfires that is rooted in the landscape:
“It is said that on the evening of St John’s Day, one can hear in the distance a confused, joyful murmur and a strange music mingled with metallic sounds and harmonica-like vibrations produced by children running their fingers along a reed fixed to the two sides of a copper basin filled with water and pieces of iron. Young girls in their festive best rush to dance around the bonfires, for they have been told that if they visit nine of them, they will marry within the year.”

Worth a visit

In Saint-Jean, on Rue de la Mairie on the right: a16th-century washhouse.

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
2.7 / 5
Olivier B.
Olivier B.

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

I agree with the other comments: the distant sound of traffic can be heard throughout the walk along the Couesnon.

Please note that the path isn’t very well maintained, and a good part of it runs through tall grass, so it’s best to wear trousers to avoid ticks.

A significant section runs along the departmental road, which is quite busy, so avoid taking children there.

All in all, it’s probably not the best walk to do in the area.

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cagnenc
cagnenc

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The walk along the Couesnon would be more pleasant if it weren’t for the constant noise from the Route des Estuaires. It’s worth noting that the start of the path is used as a place for local dogs to do their business, so you have to watch your step very carefully, which is rather unpleasant. Otherwise, the rest of the walk is fine.

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co35490
co35490

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

A bit of a walk and not quite enough of a small village to pass through, but very pleasant along the Couesnon

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