Fresnay-en-Retz walks

Until the 10th century, the sea bordered the village of Fresnay, then gradually receded, leaving behind a marsh that you can explore on this walk.

Passing through charming villages and pretty little hamlets, you will also walk alongside the Grand Étang, which has been developed for leisure and fishing, as well as market gardens where lamb's lettuce is grown in such large quantities that Machecoul-Saint-Même is one of the leading producers in Europe. Gadwall ducks, mallards and swans await you on this hike, which will take you to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Machecoul-Saint-Même.

The Breton marsh... a magnificently wild and little-known land for walkers. This route will take you through its vast expanses, among herons and little egrets! The croaking of frogs will accompany you in summer and you will be surprised by the transformation of the landscape in winter. In spring, life is reborn and explodes in this particularly rich aquatic environment.

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 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.

A short walk in the heart of the marsh. Depending on the season, you may see storks, shelducks, ibises and all kinds of wading birds. The walk starts on the cycle path towards Bouin, and after the hamlet of Mon Désir, the return journey is via the stork trail.

During this walk, you’ll pass meadows, vineyards and forests lined with pollarded trees. Halfway along the route, you’ll pass through Bois Joli, which certainly lives up to its name. The icing on the cake is the finale in the marshes, on the edge of Lac de Grand-Lieu. Wildlife, flora and landscapes to discover: a complete change of scenery is guaranteed. Depending on the season, you’ll walk along sandy paths lined with ditches and meadows grazed by cattle in summer and much loved by birds all year round.

This hike starts at Port Hamoneau in Brains on the banks of the Acheneau, then crosses the Marais du Cheval and the Marais de la Guerche.

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 on the steps of Jean Nesmy in Sallertaine and the surrounding area. This walk takes you to the Moulin de Rairé mill.

A pleasant walk along the Canal de la Martinière.

A pleasant, mostly shaded walk. Depending on the season, especially the vegetation, the Roche Ballue viewpoints offer beautiful panoramic views.

This hike covers part of the Marais Audubon, a wetland that is part of the estuarine marshes. This area is a sanctuary for many species of birds, including storks, herons, egrets, ducks, harriers... An area of extensive cattle farming, it is also home to other less desirable species, such as nutria. This circular route of about 10km runs almost exclusively along roads – some of which are flood-prone – but with very little traffic.

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.

Circular route passing by the site of the old Roche Ballue quarry and the village of La Matrasserie, starting from La Mothe.

A short walk to discover two sides of Saint-Herblain: the rural side, with its meadows, fields, woods and sunken lanes, and the urban side, with its hamlets, flower-filled gardens and connecting paths. Depending on the season, wild or domestic animals will accompany you amidst rich and sometimes lush vegetation. You’ll feel a world away from the big city.