Refine your search for walks in Pays de la Loire
Pays de la Loire walks
The meandering Sarthe
Tourist office 
9.94 mi
+1,148 ft
-1,158 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois (Sarthe)
The meandering Sarthe route takes you through the Alpes Mancelles from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois via Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Circuit around Piriac sur Mer
Visorando Member 
6.27 mi
+59 ft
-59 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Piriac-sur-Mer (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
The Pointe du Croisic
Visorando Member 7.74 mi
+23 ft
-30 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Le Croisic (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
The full tour of Lake Jaunay
Visorando Member 
7.56 mi
+177 ft
-207 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from La Chapelle-Hermier (Vendée)
Check out this beautiful trail completes a circuit around "Lac du Jaunay”. It is a quiet and wonderful place for nature lovers.
The wild coast
Visorando Member 
4.49 mi
+79 ft
-79 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Olonne-sur-Mer (Vendée)
This is a pleasant route offering a beautiful walk through the forest, over the dunes and along the beach, with a climb back up to the ski hill, the highest point in the forest at 34 metres above sea level.
The Circuit des Arcades of the Rigole de Vioreau canal
Visorando Member 
4.80 mi
+171 ft
-171 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Nort-sur-Erdre (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
La Pointe du Payré
Visorando Member 
3.00 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Jard-sur-Mer (Vendée)
A short hike for lovers of unspoilt nature.
Lac du Graon
Visorando Member 
8.07 mi
+236 ft
-233 ft
3h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon (Vendée)
A 13 km circuit along the edge of Lake Graon allows you to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
A very varied circuit with narrow paths and woodland trails... A real treat.
The circuit can be extended by small loops of around 2 km (La Renardière and Les Petites Touches).
Between Saint-Fiacre and Château-Thébaud
Visorando Member 
7.25 mi
+430 ft
-456 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Sentier de la Citardière - Mervent Forest
Visorando Member 
6.87 mi
+600 ft
-584 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from Mervent (Vendée)
A short walk in the Forest of Mervent and along the River Mère.
Préfailles and Pointe Saint-Gildas
Visorando Member 
7.59 mi
+102 ft
-82 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Préfailles (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
The Sébastopol Polder Nature Reserve
Visorando Member 
4.49 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Barbâtre (Vendée)
A beautiful walk around a large part of the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve. This route also takes you past the Étang Vide and the exit of the Gois passage on the Île de Noirmoutier side.
L'Annerie (Ânerie) and the Moulin Rousselin
Visorando Member 
7.15 mi
+259 ft
-259 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Gétigné (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Around Port du Collet
Visorando Member 
7.82 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Les Moutiers-en-Retz (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Préfailles - Circuit around Pointe Saint-Gildas
Visorando Member 
4.54 mi
+69 ft
-56 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Préfailles (Loire-Atlantique)
An easy hike in the commune of Préfailles, to Pointe St-Gildas, which juts out in the waves.
Lake Mervent - Citardière Château - Pont du déluge
Visorando Member 
4.41 mi
+174 ft
-174 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Mervent (Vendée)
There are many pedestrian paths to discover in Mervent forest.
The Great Forest and the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
Visorando Member 
5.47 mi
+285 ft
-305 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye (Maine-et-Loire)
This hike combines nature and heritage and offers a pleasant walk through the forest and countryside. It is best done before or after a visit to the abbey, which is a major Romanesque site.
Circuit along the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise and vineyards from Le Pallet
Visorando Member 
5.40 mi
+141 ft
-141 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Le Pallet (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Vouvant, medieval town, listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'
Visorando Member 
10.25 mi
+696 ft
-712 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Vouvant (Vendée)
A hike full of mystery... in the land of the fairy Melusine.
Pointe and woods of Penbron
Visorando Member 
4.02 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from La Turballe (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Walk along the Sèvre in Saint-Laurent
Visorando Member 
5.15 mi
+285 ft
-289 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre (Vendée)
The banks of the Sèvre Nantaise between the Bois de la Barbinière and the Moulin Guy
Lay Valley - Saint-Vincent-Puymaufrais
Visorando Member 
5.26 mi
+427 ft
-427 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Bournezeau (Vendée)
In a steep-sided valley.
A hike along the Lay River at a place called "Le Grand Bateau".
The Lay River flows through part of the Poitevin Marshes and empties into the Atlantic Ocean between La Faute-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer.
Mesquer - Quimiac
Visorando Member 
13.66 mi
+69 ft
-66 ft
6h 20
Easy
Departure from Mesquer (Loire-Atlantique)
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 coastal path in Brétignolles
Visorando Member 
6.11 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Bretignolles-sur-Mer (Vendée)
The sound of waves crashing on the beaches, the smell of salt air and invigorating sea breezes: this is what you can expect on this hike, which follows the coastline as closely as possible.
Bouguenais, its valley, its banks of the Loire, its picturesque villages
Visorando Member 7.44 mi
+187 ft
-167 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Bouguenais (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Pointe de Merquel
Visorando Member 
3.83 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Mesquer (Loire-Atlantique)
A lovely walk through the salt marshes and Mesquer Bay.
Sea and marshes in the Forest of Olonne
Visorando Member 
6.11 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Olonne-sur-Mer (Vendée)
The Olonne forest stretches across the dune massif that borders the ocean between Brem-sur-Mer and Les Sables d'Olonne. This massif completely isolates the marshes located between the forest and the first hills where the vineyards of the Vendée fiefdoms flourish. This circuit offers a walk between the ocean and the banks of the Vertonne through the flat, open landscapes of the marshes, the more rugged forest and the immensity of the sea.
Circuit around Moulin Papon
Visorando Member 
5.48 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from La Roche-sur-Yon (Vendée)
A tour around the artificial lake of Moulin Papon, on foot or by bike.
From La Grossière to Tiffauges
Visorando Member 5.62 mi
+187 ft
-194 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Boussay (Loire-Atlantique) (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Dune, forest, Veillon marsh
Visorando Member 
3.74 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (Vendée)
Hike along the dunes, forest and marshes. A biotope waiting to be discovered.
La Brière between Sandun and Saint-André-des-Eaux
Visorando Member 
8.21 mi
+59 ft
-62 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Guérande (Loire-Atlantique)
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
Cens, Erdre and Gesvres, three streams of Nantes
Visorando Member 
4.02 mi
+62 ft
-62 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
An easy hike along three streams: le Cens, l'Erdre, and le Gesvres. Nature within the town of Nantes.
Tour of Lake Vioreau
Visorando Member 
6.58 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Joué-sur-Erdre (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Between marsh and ocean on the Île de Noirmoutier
Visorando Member 
5.63 mi
+23 ft
-20 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from L'Épine (Vendée) (Vendée)
A beautiful circuit between the sea and the marshes at the northern tip of the Île de Noirmoutier, near L'Herbaudière.
The salt flower trail
Visorando Member 
3.30 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from L'Île-d'Olonne (Vendée)
Set off to explore the Marais des Olonnes.
Around La Turmelière
Visorando Member 
4.44 mi
+423 ft
-446 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Liré (Maine-et-Loire)
A pleasant walk around the magnificent Château de la Turmelière, where Joachim du Bellay was born.
Tour of Lake Vouraie
Visorando Member 
8.77 mi
+354 ft
-348 ft
4h 20
Easy
Departure from Bournezeau (Vendée)
This is a beautiful 3-hour walk along the banks of the Vouraie reservoir. The path is very easy to follow.
The fords of the Èvre in Montrevault
Visorando Member 
6.70 mi
+640 ft
-630 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Montrevault (Maine-et-Loire)
A very beautiful hike that crosses or runs alongside the Èvre river. This meandering river has sculpted the landscape of the Mauges region.It witnessed numerous massacres that took place during the Vendée wars between Cholet and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil.
The Green Venice: Damvix - Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud - Arçais
Visorando Member 
8.89 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Damvix (Vendée)
Relaxation and a change of scenery guaranteed! Come and enjoy the peace and quiet, the authentic landscape and the rich flora and fauna.
The Marais Poitevin, also known as the "Green Venice" for its tourist attractions, is a vast area of water and greenery where nature lovers will find peace and tranquillity along 400 km of canals.
Terril and Abbartz Pond
Visorando Member 
3.77 mi
+207 ft
-213 ft
1h 55
Moderate
Departure from Abbaretz (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Pas d'Héric lock circuit
Visorando Member 
4.99 mi
+92 ft
-92 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Nort-sur-Erdre (Loire-Atlantique)
Set off to explore the Stream-Brest Canal, its "Rigole Alimentaire" and the surrounding countryside.
From the Loire to the Forest
Tourist office 
4.42 mi
+243 ft
-226 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Le Thoureil (Maine-et-Loire)
Megaliths, priory, chapel, church, sailors' houses; the history of Thoureil can be discovered through its buildings and landscapes, linked in their history by the Loire. Hilly route.
From Port d'Aziré to Marais des Nattes
Association / Club / Walk leader 
5.89 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Benet (Vendée)
Walking along the Rigole d'Aziré to the Courdault canal, then returning via the Marais des Nattes, you may spot some nutria, purple herons or lapwings, and perhaps even a deer or two.
The village of Montsoreau and its castle between the Loire and troglodyte dwellings
Tourist office 
9.98 mi
+400 ft
-410 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Montsoreau (Maine-et-Loire)
A raised walkway showcasing the various attractions of the Saumur region: the Loire, troglodyte dwellings, vineyards alternating with wooded and marshy areas.
Please note that the trail is impassable in the event of flooding of the Loire and/or heavy rainfall.
The Olonnes marsh
Visorando Member 
3.51 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Olonne-sur-Mer (Vendée)
This route winds between the forest and the Olonnes marshes, where many species of birds come to find food and peace.
Menhirs and Dolmens of Le Bernard
Visorando Member 
6.98 mi
+75 ft
-85 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Bernard (Vendée)
Hike through the countryside of the commune of Le Bernard to discover six dolmens, including the largest in the Vendée (the Frébouchère dolmen), four menhirs and a Gallo-Roman tower. Information panels are provided at each site. A significant part of the circuit is on tarmac. Can also be done by mountain bike.
Hyrôme and Layon Valley
Visorando Member 
6.89 mi
+207 ft
-203 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay (Maine-et-Loire)
A lovely walk alternating between streams, vineyards, hillsides and historical discoveries. It's also a great way to learn interesting facts about the vineyard thanks to the information boards dotted along part of the route.
The route is marked in yellow by the Communauté de Communes des Coteaux du Layon, which offers this circuit.
From the village of Couëron to Lake Beaulieu and then to the Loire
Visorando Member 
5.90 mi
+161 ft
-167 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Couëron (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Bon Garand to La Haymionière loop
Visorando Member 
8.20 mi
+66 ft
-69 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Sautron (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
From Montsoreau to Candes-Saint-Martin
Visorando Member 2.18 mi
+184 ft
-171 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Montsoreau (Maine-et-Loire)
Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin are two villages that form a single settlement. They transcend regional boundaries, as the Loire and the hillside unite them.This route allows you to discover the terraced white houses along the river and the confluence with the Vienne.A walk best taken at sunrise to fully enjoy the light on the facades.
Please note: a recent update (June 2026) indicates a disruption to the route due to a landslide, likely above Candes-St-Martin (to be confirmed).
More walks in Pays de la Loire
Select an area below: