From Sainte-Marguerite beach to Saint-Marc beach

A round trip hike to admire the Loire estuary. From Sainte Marguerite beach, take the coastal path linking beautiful sandy beaches to Saint-Marc beach, where Jacques Tati's film "Les vacances de monsieur Hulot" (1953) was shot. A statue of Mr Hulot watches over the beach eternally.

Details

14834449
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Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.87 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 295 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 312 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 98 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 7 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Pornichet (44380)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 47.243803° / W 2.314555°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1022ET, 1023OT, 1123OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the small car park on the edge of Avenue du Littoral.

(S/E) Head towards the junction with Avenue d'Armor. Turn right down the very short Avenue de la Pierre Percée, which runs south and leads to Sainte-Marguerite beach. Turn left towards the south-east, following the coastline to cross the entire length of the beach. 50 m before the rocks, go up to the top of the beach to climb a flight of steps.

(1) Turn right onto a path heading south-east (signposted: Saint-Marc and Saint-Nazaire).
The uphill path gives way to the short Avenue de la Lande, heading east. At the bend in this avenue, continue straight ahead towards the east under the pine trees to rejoin the coastal path.

You will encounter several trail and path crossings coming from the road, which you should avoid. Follow the red and white markings ofthe GR®34and the general direction of Saint-Marc - Saint Nazaire.

(2) When you reach the Chémoulin semaphore, go around this well-protected military site to the south on a well-marked path. Just after the semaphore, go down a series of steps to rejoin the original coastal path.

(3) Take the Route de Géorama heading east, which will take you back to the Route de l'Océan. Turn right and follow the Route de l'Océan to the next crossroads, about 200 m away.

(4) Go down Rue de l'Océan on the right and, just before the beach access, turn left, continuing to follow the red and white markings ofthe GR®34 traileastwards. You will arrive at Saint-Marc beach and the terrace where the large statue of Monsieur Hulot admiring the sea stands.

(5) Go down the circular staircase from this terrace to find the path heading east towards Saint-Nazaire.

(6) When you reach the end of the beach, turn around and take the same path back to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 36 ft - Parking: Avenue du Littoral
  2. 1 : mi 0.55 - alt. 46 ft - Flight of steps, fork to the right.
  3. 2 : mi 1.1 - alt. 75 ft - Chémoulin semaphore
  4. 3 : mi 1.44 - alt. 69 ft - Géorama Road
  5. 4 : mi 1.84 - alt. 85 ft - Rue de l'Océan
  6. 5 : mi 2.31 - alt. 26 ft - Saint-Marc beach
  7. 6 : mi 2.42 - alt. 30 ft - Butte du Château
  8. S/E : mi 4.87 - alt. 36 ft - Parking: Avenue du Littoral

Notes

The path runs close to the seafront, going up and down with the terrain.
The difference in altitude is negligible, but people with knee problems should be aware that there are many steps, even if they are spaced out.

Between (3) and (4), you can thank the owners who have taken over the seafront by removing the coastal path. You are forced to walk along uninteresting streets, fortunately only for a short distance (600 m).

(S/E) You can continue on to Courance beach, which is very close by.

Worth a visit

The coastal path starts in Pornichet and ends in Saint-Nazaire. It is possible to walk the entire length.

From Avenue de la Pierre Percée, admire the rock called Pierre Percée offshore.

One of the beaches is reserved for nudists. Signs indicate this beach. The path passes high above it.

At the end point, across the street, you will find a chapel where artists' exhibitions are held.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
User 25946189

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk along the coast, not very difficult, just a few sections with steps

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MF et D
MF et D

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful views of the rocky coastline.
Even the semaphore staircase is easy to climb.

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epiluc91
epiluc91

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant coastal walk. The coastline here is very rugged and dotted with aggressively shaped rocks.

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DanOll
DanOll

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Pleasant walk with varied panoramic views

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CGrando
CGrando

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Lovely walk along the sea, beautiful views along the route
Children's playground just before arriving at St Marc beach
No particular difficulties, just a few steep steps around the semaphore

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schoub42
schoub42

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk.

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Pamala
Pamala

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful scenery and guaranteed peace and quiet and a change of scenery.

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marie-claire.aubry@wanadoo.fr
marie-claire.aubry@wanadoo.fr

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant short walk with lovely views.

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