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Machecoul walks
Les Hauts du Treil
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 marsh
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.
Machecoul Forest from Saint-Même-le-Tenu
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.
The Fresnay Marsh
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.
Marshes, storks and ancient abbey on Île Chauvet
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.
Route des Marais de Grand-Lieu to Saint-Mars-de-Coutais
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.
The Templars’ Route in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons
This walk will take you through a rural landscape of vast fields and meadows, surrounded by beautiful hedgerows. Lovely paths lined with oak, ash or willow trees will lead you from hamlet to hamlet. Here and there, majestic wind turbines will remind you that you’re in the wind. Make the most of it.
Around Port du Collet
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.
From Sallertaine to the Moulin de Rairé
A pleasant walk through the marshes from Sallertaine to the Moulin de Rairé, the only windmill to have been in continuous operation since 1560.
In the footsteps of Jean Nesmy in Sallertaine
Circular on the steps of Jean Nesmy in Sallertaine and the surrounding area. This walk takes you to the Moulin de Rairé mill.
The Great Wading Bird Trail starting from Port Hamoneau
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.
The Wild Boar Trail in Legé
This is an uneventful trail, with a bit of road, often wooded paths and the forest nearby.
At the start, enjoy the magnificent lakes and their beautiful reflections. The return path offers a bird’s-eye view of the site.
Quai des Romains in Pont Saint-Martin
This circuit follows the Ognon, which feeds into the Lac de Grand Lieu, located a few kilometres to the west. You can find more information on the Pont Saint-Martin hiking website.
La Montagne and La Roche Ballue with return via Bois du Brossais
A pleasant, mostly shaded walk. Depending on the season, especially the vegetation, the Roche Ballue viewpoints offer beautiful panoramic views.
From La Roche Ballue to La Matrasserie, starting from La Mothe
Circular route passing by the site of the old Roche Ballue quarry and the village of La Matrasserie, starting from La Mothe.
Bouguenais, its valley, its banks of the Loire, its picturesque villages
Discover unspoilt nature south of the Nantes conurbation. A circuit that winds along a stream and the Loire, through marshes and over the heights of the Roche Ballue quarry. You will discover Nantes and its conurbation. You will pass through picturesque little villages in unspoilt countryside.