Préfailles walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

The commune of Batz-sur-mer is located between the sea and salt marshes, on what was once, long ago, an island. A jagged ocean coastline contrasts with the peaceful landscapes of the salt marshes. Between the two lies countryside that was once used for food production but is now a mix of fallow land and horse pastures. And always in the background is the imposing tower of Saint-Guénolé.

La Brière, France's second largest freshwater marsh, is a secret land hidden behind the surrounding hedgerows. The suggested route allows you to explore it from the land bordering it to the west and even catch a glimpse of it from the Sandun hill, which rises to a height of 28 metres. A real mountain in this flat country!But be careful, marshes are best explored when the water level allows it.Circuit temporarily closed

Walk around the ramparts of Guérande to finish in the heart of the medieval town. The walk starts at the Gaudinais car park, around the ramparts, then follows a path that joins a short section ofthe GR® 34.

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.

The Pointe de Pen Bron is only a stone's throw from Le Croisic, but the channel that separates it and feeds a large part of the Guérande salt marshes is a dangerous stretch of sea. The sand spit that juts out between the ocean and the Traict is a remarkably peaceful place, offering a way to be in the middle of the waves while keeping your feet on solid ground.

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.