Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) walks

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

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

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.

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 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.

A short walk to explore Pornic from the golf club.

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.

The Château de Ranrouët is a medieval gem nestled on the edge of the marshes. Here, there is no fortified rock, but a slight elevation in the greenery. The marshes that surround it provided protection, and the proposed route winds through the surrounding countryside where land and water constantly mix.

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 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.

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.

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.

This route connects the three main areas of the municipality: Mesquer, Quimiac and Kercabellec. It allows you to discover the diversity of the area, first the marshes, then the countryside and the sea, which is particularly present around the Pointe de Mesquer.

Mesquer has a coastline opening onto the Bay of Vilaine and the open sea, but around Kercabellec, a small port between the village and Quimiac, there is a much more secret route between the marshes and the Merquel and Rostu tidal flats. Immerse yourself in this unique landscape where salt and shellfish farming are closely intertwined.

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.

A lovely walk through the salt marshes and Mesquer Bay.

This is a hike to undertake when other trails are impassable in winter.

One-third salt marsh, one-third countryside and one-third sea: a superb recipe for a salty cocktail!

The hike begins with three beaches and ends at Pointe de Merquel, which marks the entrance to the Bassin du Mès, famous for its salt marshes, mussels and oysters. The landscapes are magical, whether on the sea or marsh side.

Pénestin is just a stone's throw away from being an island. Although its ocean side faces the Atlantic, it is only connected to the hinterland by a strip of land wedged between two marshes. The suggested route takes you through the southern part of the area, formerly known as Larmor, between the Pont Mahé marshes and the cliffs of Lanchale and Le Bile.

A very pretty route which starts in the countryside and forest and then follows the course of the Vilaine river. The start and finish are at the very pretty port of La Roche-Bernard.

An hour-and-a-half circuit with a few tricky sections. This pleasant walk alternates seamlessly between passages at water's edge and ridge-climbing, and also spans two bridges some 50 m above the Vilaine. The bridge circuit allows you to discover a small section of the river as it crosses the Sillon de Bretagne. Get your calves ready!

A country walk between Cosca, a stone's throw from the Arzal dam, and the Templar village of Lantiern.This walk along beautiful tree-lined paths and a few small roads connects the banks of the Vilaine estuary to the beautiful Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel, through pleasantly rolling countryside.The end of the route follows the botanical trail.The trail has been modified after the point (1), following the clear-cutting of the wooded area it used to cross, which made the trail disappear.

This hike starts at the car park of the Mine d’Or beach, along the coast north to Haut-Pénestin, to return by internal paths to reach the sea at Maresclé beach and then the starting point.

The Pointe du Halguen marks the southern limit of the Vilaine estuary. This promontory overlooking the ocean is also the northern end of the ochre cliffs that line the ocean front of Pénestin. A lovely walk is available around the village of Haut Pénestin, where long stretches of sandy beach precede secluded coves and abandoned salt marshes.

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.

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.

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.