Lavau-sur-Loire walks

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.

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.

Traced along the Sillon de Bretagne, this route offers beautiful views of the Loire Estuary. Whether along sunken paths or through the undergrowth, this walk crosses four pleasant, shaded valleys. In spring, these green corridors, rich in botanical and faunal diversity, are carpeted with daffodils and frequented by kestrels.

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

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 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.

Passing through villages, tree-lined paths and the towpath of the Nantes-Brest Canal, this walk is an opportunity to observe ducks, foxes, swans, coots and deer, if you keep a low profile.

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.

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.

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

A short walk to explore Pornic from the golf club.

The Isac Valley connects Guenrouët to the Vilaine. Small country roads and wide carriageways, then the towpath of the Nantes-Brest Canal, lead to the Bellion Lock, a nautical stop at the confluence of the canal and the Vilaine. The return journey is the same, via other equally pleasant routes. A bucolic atmosphere is guaranteed on this ride on the edge of the Pays de Redon.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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).

The village of Saint-Dolay overlooks the plateau that borders the south bank of the Vilaine. This flat landscape is cut by a valley with sometimes steep slopes, where the Moulin Neuf stream flows. While moors cover the slopes and heights of the valley, marshes and peat bogs cover the bottom. Add to this variety of vegetation a remarkable geological diversity, and you will have many reasons to explore this route.