The Buzay Canal

  • The Buzay Canal
  • The Buzay Canal
  • The Buzay Canal
  • The Buzay Canal
  • The Buzay Canal
The Buzay CanalThe Buzay CanalThe Buzay CanalThe Buzay CanalThe Buzay Canal

Presentation

Located south of the Loire, between the Canal de la Martinière and the village of Messan in Rouans, the Buzay Canal was created in the 18th century to facilitate the transport of goods between the Pays de Retz and Nantes. Today, it's an ideal spot for a bucolic stroll on foot or by bike. Surrounded by the Acheneau and Tenu rivers, numerous moats and marshes, it is home to an abundance of vegetation.
A little history :

Surrounded by the ancient meadows of the same name, the canal hasn't changed much since it was built. Although managing water resources is becoming more and more of a priority these days, in the past, monks, landowners and the people of the Pays de Retz were already aware of this issue, which led to its construction. Around the canal, there is still a network of sluices and locks, often automated, which allows controlled irrigation of the marshes at any time of year. The water level changes according to the needs of the farmers, so the seemingly calm movement is constant. Crossing the canal from one bank to the other via the small bridges that cross it, you can see the river Acheneau, which flows from the Loire to Lake Grandlieu.

5 good reasons to discover it
  • as a Nature 2000 zone, you can discover exceptional flora and fauna
  • from the former site of Buzay Abbey, and imagine what life was like in the days of the Cistercian monks
  • it's an ideal place to relax
  • the landscape is flat ; it's the perfect place for a short walk or cycle ride, along the canal and up the small roads winding towards the Loire enjoy the coolness in summer !
Practicalities
  • From the small village of Messan to the locks of the Canal de la Martinière, through the Buzay marshes, it's just 8km round trip
  • There is a free car park in the village of Messan, as well as a restaurant and a motorhome park.
Information
  • TYPE OF SITE :
    • River
Equipment/services
  • FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES :
    • Shaded area

Map

Map

Destination
Le canal de Buzay
44640
ROUANS
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 47.19337
Longitude : -1.85413
  • Distance from the center (church ) :
    • 28 km. from the center of Pornic
    • 37 km. from the center of Préfailles
    • 32 km. from the center of Tharon-Plage
    • 24 km. from the center of La Bernerie
    • 25 km. from the center of Les Moutiers
    • 16 km. from the center of Chauvé
    • 15 km. from the center of Arthon
    • 27 km du centre de Bourgneuf
Contact details
The Buzay Canal
44640
ROUANS