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Starting point on the church square in Lassay-les-Châteaux. Easy parking.
(S/E) Take Rue de l’Église heading north (as you go, admire the view of the rose garden on your left, depending on the season). At the junction, turn left onto Grande Rue. Cross the market square in the town centre.
(1) At the next junction, turn right into Rue du Champ de Foire. Keep to the left-hand side of the uphill street. Just past the cemetery, opposite the post office, turn left towards the crematorium onto Rue des Vallons.
Continue along the street through the housing estate until it ends. A dirt track continues from here; follow it for a few dozen metres to reach the start of the ‘off-track’ route. Turn right onto the grassy path between two fields, marked by wooden posts bearing the coats of arms of the town of Lassay.
You’ll come out onto the D216 road; follow it to the left for 150 metres. Then turn right onto the signposted path. A few hundred metres further on, wooden knights flank the path, providing some information about the legend of Lancelot.
(2) Continue on to reach the fairly well-preserved ruins of the Château du Bois Thibault.
(3) Carry on along the road to join the D117 at “La Loge”. Cross the road to take the small signposted path which starts directly opposite at this junction (path not shown on the IGN map). The path descends and winds alongside a tiny stream, the Ruisseau de Beauchêne.
You’ll arrive in a small valley where a few sculptures will catch your eye; then, just after crossing the bridge over the stream, you’ll be presented with several paths to choose from. To reach the ruins of the Château du Bois Frou, take the path leading uphill opposite the bridge. The climb is easy thanks to the steps, which have been stabilised. The rest of this path overlooks the stream. You’ll know you’ve reached the ruins of Bois Frou Castle when you see a huge barrel by the path.
(4) Walk through a field to admire the ruins of the building.
For the return journey, turn left onto the road near the ruins and pass through the hamlet of La Chaugonnière. Continue along this small road until you reach the D117. Then turn right towards the centre of Lassay-les-Châteaux. After about 300 metres, turn into the first street on the right to pass in front of the 14th-century castle, which is still in perfect condition. This is the third and final castle in the Lassay area.
(5) Walk down the small street opposite the castle’s main entrance to reach Rue Lamberdière (turn right), which passes in front of the tourist information centre.
At the junction you passed earlier on the way there.
(1) Turn right onto Route d’Ambrières. After about a hundred metres, turn left towards the Roseraie car park.
(6) Cross the car park and follow the path through the grounds to the foot of the wooden steps. Climb these steps and you will be back at the church square (S/E).
Tourist office
Moderate 
Visorando Member
