Pornic walks

A short walk to explore Pornic from the golf club.

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.

Two types of landscape for this hike:Jagged rocks and coves from Pornic to Pointe Saint Gildas,Flat rocks with water holes, then the sandy beach from Saint Gildas to Tharon.The journey from Tharon beach to Pornic is by bus. For experienced walkers, the hike can be completed in one day. It can also be split into two days, with an overnight stay at the hotel at Pointe Saint Gildas.

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.

This hike through land, forest and sea starts at the Chapel of Tharon-Plage and takes you to Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef via an inland route, then on to the Forest of Pierre Attelée and finally to Les Rochelets in the commune of Saint-Brévin. The return to the starting point is through the shade of the forest and then along the coast with its fisheries, surfers and the Port de Comberge.

Walk along Gohaud Beach, known for its fishing and surfing. Then enter the Pierre Attelée forest, where you will appreciate the shade on hot days.

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.

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

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.

Two circular walks starting from Le Pointeau, on the beach and then along the edge of the dune cordon. Discover the Pointeau site, a key location in the Atlantic Wall.

A pleasant walk starting from Place Bougainville in St-Brévin-les-Pins, first following the beach southwards, then turning north through the village centre to explore the countryside before returning along the Loire.

This beach walk should be done at low tide and includes a section through the marshes. Remember to check the tide times (see practical information). Moderator's note: The route was modified on 16/06/2023 to bypass the Bois de la Blanche between 2 and 5, which is private property.

Hike on the sand along the beach, then through the marshes.

On theGR®®34, along the Loire estuary, from the Ville ès Martin lighthouse to Pointe de Chémoulin. Two return trips, which can be adjusted as desired, starting from the Plage de la Courance car park.Please note! To avoid a long and unpleasant detour, it is best to start this hike at low tide.

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

Discover the many facets of the city: the port, museums, the Loire estuary, the beach, beautiful mansions, parks and shopping streets.

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.

On theGR®®34, between Petite Vallée Beach and Pointe du Bé, passing by Pointe de Chémoulin, a beautiful site on the Côte Sauvage, then along the dune cordon of Old Pornichet and beautiful beaches.

A beautiful circuit between the sea and the marshes at the northern tip of the Île de Noirmoutier, near L'Herbaudière.

A beautiful walk around a large part of the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve. This route also takes you past the Étang Vide and the exit of the Gois passage on the Île de Noirmoutier side.

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.

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.

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.