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L'Épine (Vendée) walks
Circular route around the Île de Noirmoutier
Visorando Member
17.96 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
3 hrs
Easy
Departure from L'Épine (Vendée) (Vendée)
A lovely bike ride to discover the north coast of the Île de Noirmoutier, passing through the salt marshes.
Between marsh and ocean on the Île de Noirmoutier
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.
Tour of the Mullembourg Marshes
3.60 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Noirmoutier-en-l'Île (Vendée)
Come and discover the soul of Noirmoutier on an easy, flat route where you can explore, in turn, the great Noirmoutier sea wall, the Mullembourg marshes, the sea and, finally, the small Vendée-style houses of the town of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île.
Between Beach and Marsh at the end of the island of Noirmoutier (2)
8.65 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Noirmoutier-en-l'Île (Vendée)
This beach walk should be done at low tide and includes a section through the marshes.
Remember to check the tide times (see practical information).
Moderator's note: The route was modified on 16/06/2023 to bypass the Bois de la Blanche between 2 and 5, which is private property.
Between the beach and the marshes at the tip of the island of Noirmoutier (1)
7.85 mi
+16 ft
-13 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Noirmoutier-en-l'Île (Vendée)
Hike on the sand along the beach, then through the marshes.
The Sébastopol Polder Nature Reserve
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.
Préfailles and Pointe Saint-Gildas
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.
Préfailles - Circuit around Pointe Saint-Gildas
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.
Coastal and inland trails in Préfailles
6.42 mi
+118 ft
-135 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Préfailles (Loire-Atlantique)
A seaside resort that has been highly popular since the early days of sea bathing, the coastal path allows you both to admire the grand villas that bear witness to that era and to walk along part of the Jade Coast. After passing several beaches, you will reach a wilder stretch of coastline bordered by a vast expanse of coastal heathland. The return journey through the hinterland will allow you to discover the maze of paths leading back to the coast.
A short circular loop at Pointe de Saint-Gildas
2.46 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Préfailles (Loire-Atlantique)
The Pointe de Saint Gildas offers an exceptional view over Bourgneuf Bay and the Loire Estuary, and is one of the most visited sites in the Pays de Retz. It is a strategic location, as evidenced by the blockhouses which, during the Second World War, helped to defend the Saint-Nazaire submarine base.
Sainte-Marie circuit and its tumulus
5.25 mi
+213 ft
-207 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Pornic (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Pornic - Pointe St Gildas - Tharon beach
12.82 mi
+72 ft
-135 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Pornic (Loire-Atlantique)
Two types of landscape for this hike:Jagged rocks and coves from Pornic to Pointe Saint Gildas,Flat rocks with water holes, then the sandy beach from Saint Gildas to Tharon.The journey from Tharon beach to Pornic is by bus.
For experienced walkers, the hike can be completed in one day. It can also be split into two days, with an overnight stay at the hotel at Pointe Saint Gildas.
The countryside around La Plaine-Sur-Mer
6.84 mi
+102 ft
-125 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from La Plaine-sur-Mer (Loire-Atlantique)
As you follow the many paths, you’ll discover the rural side of La Plaine-sur-Mer.
As you pass through the villages, you’ll be able to see examples of the typical architecture of the Pays de Retz.
Route du Port de Gravette
7.41 mi
+75 ft
-75 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from La Plaine-sur-Mer (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Tour of Préfailles
8.74 mi
+108 ft
-115 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from La Plaine-sur-Mer (Loire-Atlantique)
This route offers a beautiful walk around Préfailles. Although the first part, which connects the two coastlines flanking Pointe Saint-Gildas, is of less interest, the rest of the route is exclusively on the coastal path. You first walk facing the Île de Noirmoutier, then, once you have passed the point, the Côte d'Amour blocks the horizon.
Please note that there is not much shade on this route, so it is best to walk it when the sun is not too strong.
Tour of Pornic
3.33 mi
+115 ft
-115 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Pornic (Loire-Atlantique)
A short walk to explore Pornic from the golf club.
Short route of the Quatre Charrauds
3.17 mi
+20 ft
-16 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Jean-de-Monts (Vendée)
A lovely little walk by the sea and through the Vendée tidal creeks. Beautiful scenery for a family outing.
The Haute Perche Canal
5.42 mi
+151 ft
-174 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Pornic (Loire-Atlantique)
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.
Circular between Tharon Plage and Les Rochelets
8.78 mi
+62 ft
-62 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef (Loire-Atlantique)
This hike through land, forest and sea starts at the Chapel of Tharon-Plage and takes you to Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef via an inland route, then on to the Forest of Pierre Attelée and finally to Les Rochelets in the commune of Saint-Brévin. The return to the starting point is through the shade of the forest and then along the coast with its fisheries, surfers and the Port de Comberge.