Loire-Atlantique walks

A lovely route around Piriac-sur-Mer that allows you to explore the town's coastline, following the beach or the customs officers' path, and also to discover its interior, taking the narrow streets and alleys that penetrate the intimacy of the place.

A tour of the Pointe du Croisic, at the tip of the Guérande peninsula. Discover the picturesque town, closely linked to fishing and the salt trade, and its superb Côte Sauvage.

Discover an unusual trail, following the banks of "La Rigole Alimentaire”, a small canal feeding into Vioreau Pond. The canal crosses the valley of the Erdre thanks to four aqueducts with eight to ten arches and travels underground over 600 m. It is, moreover, spanned by many picturesque stone bridges... During your walk you can admire the Castle of La Lucinière and the wooded area on the other side of the Valley of Erdre.

This loop mainly takes place in the vineyards between Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine and Château-Thébaud, south of Nantes. It offers some lovely views, particularly at the Belvédère de Château-Thébaud, which overlooks the Maine. The circuit follows farm tracks through the vineyards (some of which may be private). The landscape changes with the seasons and the different colours of the vineyards.

A very pleasant loop between the sea and the countryside, perfect for getting some fresh air. First along small roads and paths, where you can breathe in the fresh air, then along the sea to enjoy the sea air and spray from Pointe Saint-Gildas.

A seaside walk starting from the small Port du Collet, formed by the estuary of a coastal river between the Loire Atlantique and the Vendée It first follows a small winding road through the Marais Breton marshes, where you can observe numerous wild birds, including swans, geese, ducks, egrets and other marsh wildlife. It then runs along the coast, between the dunes and the beach, with magnificent views of the island of Noirmoutier, Bourgneuf Bay and its fishing grounds.

An easy hike in the commune of Préfailles, to Pointe St-Gildas, which juts out in the waves.

A beautiful hike with a few very small roads in the first third of the route, then only paths, particularly along the banks of the Sèvre. It is part of a series of loops that allow you to explore the banks of the Sèvre.

This walk takes you along the Sèvre Nantaise, passing through a small port and winding its way through the Muscadet vineyards, while you admire the small, typical, historic villages of the Nantes vineyards.

This route connects the three main areas of the municipality: Mesquer, Quimiac and Kercabellec. It allows you to discover the diversity of the area, first the marshes, then the countryside and the sea, which is particularly present around the Pointe de Mesquer.

The Pointe de Pen Bron is only a stone's throw from Le Croisic, but the channel that separates it and feeds a large part of the Guérande salt marshes is a dangerous stretch of sea. The sand spit that juts out between the ocean and the Traict is a remarkably peaceful place, offering a way to be in the middle of the waves while keeping your feet on solid ground.

Discover unspoilt nature south of the Nantes conurbation. A circuit that winds along a stream and the Loire, through marshes and over the heights of the Roche Ballue quarry. You will discover Nantes and its conurbation. You will pass through picturesque little villages in unspoilt countryside.

A lovely walk through the salt marshes and Mesquer Bay.

La Brière, France's second largest freshwater marsh, is a secret land hidden behind the surrounding hedgerows. The suggested route allows you to explore it from the land bordering it to the west and even catch a glimpse of it from the Sandun hill, which rises to a height of 28 metres. A real mountain in this flat country!But be careful, marshes are best explored when the water level allows it.Circuit temporarily closed

An easy hike along three streams: le Cens, l'Erdre, and le Gesvres. Nature within the town of Nantes.

This small 2 km² lake between Nantes and Châteaubriant will delight you with the beauty of the site and all the activities on offer: hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, sailing, etc. The walking tour takes you along some very pleasant paths.

Apart from the start on a small road, this short hike mainly follows both banks of the Sèvre Nantaise in a setting that I never tire of, whatever the season or time of day.

A beautiful short walk in a pleasant and surprising setting. Great view from the top of the slag heap.- 2019: No real changes to the route, but a fence has been put up to protect the entire inner area after checkpoint 2. Follow this route.

Set off to explore the Stream-Brest Canal, its "Rigole Alimentaire" and the surrounding countryside.

Starting at the town hall square in Couëron, this circuit quickly leaves the village to reach Lake Beaulieu, offering some beautiful views of the town. After circling the lake and perhaps observing a few birds, it ends along the Loire, which you reach via footpaths. Here you will find Jean-Luc Courcoult's "La maison dans la Loire" (The House in the Loire) and the "Tour à Plomb" (Plumb Tower). Suitable for all seasons, this route is particularly pleasant in the low winter light.

This hike starts and ends at the Bon Garand Chapel in the commune of Sautron but mainly takes place in the commune of Vigneux. It alternates between farm tracks in the countryside and wooded passages, and passes through several typical hamlets with some very beautiful buildings.

The commune of Batz-sur-mer is located between the sea and salt marshes, on what was once, long ago, an island. A jagged ocean coastline contrasts with the peaceful landscapes of the salt marshes. Between the two lies countryside that was once used for food production but is now a mix of fallow land and horse pastures. And always in the background is the imposing tower of Saint-Guénolé.

This loop in the Gavre National Forest allows you to enjoy a pleasant time in this natural environment, with more than 80% of the walk on trails (no tarmac).

Circuit along the beaches and villas of Pornic, ending at the castle. Return via the Tumulus des Mousseux, then along the golf course. After passing through the town centre, a long grassy path takes us back to the Porteau Beach road.

The trail starts at the port of Lavau-sur-Loire and takes you to the Observatory with a magnificent view of the marshes and the Loire. The walk then continues to the Étangs du Trou Bleu, a former blue granite quarry. Next, enjoy a country walk to the Fresnier marsh with its canals populated by storks.

This beautiful walk begins with a visit to Chantrerie Park and its remarkable trees. A short detour behind some more or less heavily built-up areas will take you to Étang Hervé and then Port Breton. The return journey will then take you along the Erdre.

Starting from Les Closes du Verger, you will discover a beautiful green area nestled between Treillières and La Chapelle-sur-Erdre. Through fields and forest paths, this is a lovely way to discover nature on the outskirts of Nantes.

The village of Languin still bears traces of the old coal mines, which remained in operation until the early 20th century. The route will take you along the banks of the "Rigole Alimentaire" (food canal), past the mine director's residence and its 300-year-old Lebanese cedar tree. From the village, you will enjoy a remarkable view of the surrounding countryside, which rises to an altitude of 55 metres.

A very pleasant hike on a varied, well-shaded route, which will take you past lava flows, two castles and Île Neuve. As a main course, there are a few nice climbs to enjoy.

From the magnificent landscaped park of the Jardin des Lakas, head towards the sea along wide country lanes, then continue along the coast on the coastal path lined with fisheries. After Port de Gravette, an important fishing and yachting port, new paths take you back to La Plaine-sur-Mer.

This hike starts at the port of La Haye-Fouassière and follows a circular route along the south bank of the Sèvre Nantaise to Monnières (on the Way of St James), with an optional detour to the reservoir on the Sèvre at Le Pallet (approximately 15 km without this option). It offers commanding views over the Sèvre and its surroundings and often winds its way through vineyards.

This hike allows you to discover the Machecoul forest with its characteristic flora and rich forest birdlife, not to mention numerous rare or endangered insects.

A lovely little route along the Cens and through the countryside around Sautron.

A family hike that crosses villages, forests, woods and vineyards south of Vertou. A circular route starting from the École de l'Enclos, which largely follows the Portillon route.

The hike begins with three beaches and ends at Pointe de Merquel, which marks the entrance to the Bassin du Mès, famous for its salt marshes, mussels and oysters. The landscapes are magical, whether on the sea or marsh side.

One-third salt marsh, one-third countryside and one-third sea: a superb recipe for a salty cocktail!

This fully signposted route runs between the banks of the Divatte, vineyards and hedgerows in the commune of Barbechat. It mainly follows unpaved paths and offers wide-open views of the landscape. In terms of built heritage, the main point of interest is the Château de la Berrière. The route starts from the car park at the Perthuis Churin leisure centre, which can be reached by following the signs for Landemont on the D207 from the village.

Mesquer has a coastline opening onto the Bay of Vilaine and the open sea, but around Kercabellec, a small port between the village and Quimiac, there is a much more secret route between the marshes and the Merquel and Rostu tidal flats. Immerse yourself in this unique landscape where salt and shellfish farming are closely intertwined.

After the lake of Vallée Mabile, the path leads the hiker below the Sillon de Bretagne to the marsh and its moat lined with trees and reeds, populated by grey herons feeding among the cows. You may also come across the corncrake, the bird with the most distinctive song.

The Château de Ranrouët is a medieval gem nestled on the edge of the marshes. Here, there is no fortified rock, but a slight elevation in the greenery. The marshes that surround it provided protection, and the proposed route winds through the surrounding countryside where land and water constantly mix.

A pleasant walk in this beautiful forest, with a chapel at the end for those who are interested. Very shady, easy paths overall, with little elevation gain.

Superb hike starting from the Chapelle des Lieux Saints, through the woods, with magnificent views of the rolling landscapes of Guénouvry. At a bend in the path, you will see the Château de Juzet and overlook the Don River as you head towards the village of Tréguély, then return to the chapel.

A stone's throw from the centre of Pornic, the Haute Perche Canal is a haven of peace for walkers. Between rolling landscapes and bocage scenery, discover the history and natural riches of this waterway from one bank to the other.

A short walk to explore Pornic from the golf club.

A route to walk alongside the Loire River as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. In Saint-Nazaire-Plage, the seaside promenade is very popular with Nazairians. It is open to the Loire estuary and its maritime traffic. Further on, on the beautiful coastal path, open to the south, and shaded by pine trees, you sometimes have the feeling of being on the edge of the Mediterranean. ⚠️ Hiking poles prohibited on the Nazairian coastal path

This is a hike to undertake when other trails are impassable in winter.

Set off to explore the "Nortais" bocage, between the canal and sunken lanes. Along the way, discover the "La Tindière" lock, guest rooms and gourmet terrace. Along the Stream-Brest canal, you will find a covered picnic table along the towpath. Boating is available from March to October, allowing you to watch the pleasure boats.

Walk around the ramparts of Guérande to finish in the heart of the medieval town. The walk starts at the Gaudinais car park, around the ramparts, then follows a path that joins a short section ofthe GR® 34.

Circular walk following the Sillon de Bretagne path. Dog friendly.

This is a very pretty route in the Oudonnaise countryside, featuring the Pilardière communal estate and the Hâvre valley. The route consists almost entirely of paths and trails, with very little tarmac. It is accessible in all weathers, except along the banks of the Hâvre during periods of high water. Many sections are tree-lined, making it particularly pleasant in hot weather. Depending on the season, you may be able to admire magnificent carpets of cyclamen at the foot of the trees on the Pilardière estate.