Les Herbiers walks

The banks of the Sèvre Nantaise between the Bois de la Barbinière and the Moulin Guy

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.

This is a beautiful 3-hour walk along the banks of the Vouraie reservoir. The path is very easy to follow.

A beautiful loop, passing by two beautiful bodies of water, around Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges and Saint-André-de-la-Marche, forming the commune of Sèvremoine, alternating between main roads (very few), small roads, dirt tracks for tractors, and a few footpaths.

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.

Marked trail starting from Rue du Gaudu, which runs along the Moine river via the Pierre de l'Écuelle. This legendary rock is said to be engraved with the devil's plate and knife... !! Hike temporarily inaccessible !!

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.

This loop will take you past countless (private) ponds, mostly through woodland. As its name suggests, the path can be muddy, especially in wet weather.This hike is best done in summer, when the paths are shaded and less muddy.There are many variations that allow you to shorten the loop.

A large part of the route is in the woods, well shaded and very pleasant in strong sunlight, with one section to be done on foot (stairs and very steep slope).

A tour around the artificial lake of Moulin Papon, on foot or by bike.

A large loop through the bocage and the town's parks, offering both natural surroundings and an urban environment with preserved biodiversity. On this route, you can admire the château in Beaupuy Park, the sunken paths lined with pollarded trees, and the park with its ponds and leisure facilities.

On small rural roads and numerous farm tracks, you will discover landscapes alternating between panoramic views and wooded valleys. This two-sided route allows you to start by travelling along small roads offering wide panoramic views of the Maugeoise countryside.The hike then takes you to the Èvre river. You can admire the winding course of the water through the fields and rocky hillsides.

A hike full of mystery... in the land of the fairy Melusine.

This loop follows a historic path and takes you past some extraordinary plants in the vegetable garden of the same name. A loop through the bocage, surrounded by meadows and hedges, this route does not present any particular difficulties. However, be careful at roundabouts and on main roads with heavy traffic.

A route to discover the large Rivoli Urban Park (5), in the shade of the trees, in a preserved biodiversity, and the Moulin Papon Lake dam (10). This lake is used to supply drinking water to the town of La Roche-sur-Yon. The water treatment plant can be seen from the dam. Seagulls and cormorants can be seen on the lake, and from the shore it is not uncommon to spot kingfishers, swallows and swifts in flight. In summer, leisure facilities are available for young and old alike.

A cycle route to discover the countryside around La Roche-sur-Yon, among hedgerows, ponds and rivers.

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.

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. NB: please note (9). Renovation work on a footbridge is planned from 17 to 28 March 2025 inclusive. The hiking trail will therefore be closed during this period

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.

A round trip to visit the two tourist sites in Nesmy: the pottery, the legacy of over a hundred years of family expertise, with guided tours organised during the school holidays; and Rambourg Mill, the last intact watermill in the Yon Valley, a magnificent mechanical world worthy of Jules Verne, which can be visited every summer and during special events. It is also possible to visit the gardens of Nesmy Castle in the summer. For visits, see practical information: La Roche-sur-Yon Tourist Office

A superb hike through the largest forest in the Vendée. The terrain is varied but not particularly difficult, making it a hiker's paradise. Beautiful paths, a dam lake, a climbing site, a leisure park, a hidden cave, remarkable bridges and trees, and a forest that has been explored for many years: this is what I invite you to discover.

A short walk in the Forest of Mervent and along the River Mère.

Two unique and very different valleys: Piquet with its granite chaos and the darker and more peaceful Pierre aux Fées.

There are many pedestrian paths to discover in Mervent forest.

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).

Hike around La Meilleraie with a mostly shaded first section and some unpaved paths, forming a pleasant green tunnel in summer. The second part of the circuit is more open, with a section on the plain. This second part can be avoided by going directly from point (6) to point (9).

During this hike, you will discover numerous fountains and wash houses, of course, but also the castle and park of Dilay, the Doré, Saumort and Autize valleys, the Pouzay house and dovecote, the Chaillot arboretum and perhaps... La Galipote.