Notre-Dame-des-Landes, Rural commune in Loire-Atlantique, France
Notre-Dame-des-Landes is a rural commune located northwest of Nantes in the Loire-Atlantique department. The landscape consists mainly of open farmland and scattered settlements typical of this region.
The commune experienced steady population decline from the 1800s through the mid-20th century, a pattern common to many rural farming areas. In recent decades, this trend reversed as people moved back to the countryside.
The area transformed into a zone of alternative agriculture where farmers cultivate wheat and buckwheat while maintaining collective living practices.
Being a small rural commune, the area has limited amenities and is best explored by car. Nearby towns offer more services while the countryside provides space to walk and observe farming life.
The area became widely known for sustained grassroots opposition to a major infrastructure project proposed for the region. This resistance ultimately led to the cancellation of the plans, marking a turning point in how such decisions are made locally.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
