Sainte-Anne-la Grière and the Tanche-sur-Mer lighthouse

The starting point is at the Place Sainte-Anne car park, in La Grière. Arrive early in the morning during the summer and time your visit for when the tide is going out.

(S/E) Take the cycle path on Avenue Sainte-Anne, heading due north.

(1) Turn left onto Rue Bizet, cut across Rue des Genêts and go straight on along the stony track, Rue des Mizottes. At the bend, turn right onto Rue de la Briquetterie and cross the car park of the clothes shop.

(2) Join the cycle path on the left again; watch out for cyclists, keep to the left and follow Boulevard des Vendéens.

(3) Behind the cash machine, cross the public garden to reach Avenue de la République. At the first roundabout, turn right, pass the Chapelle de la Grière and continue straight on. Turn left up Impasse des Héliotropes.

(4) Take Avenue des Tulipes on the right and carry on straight ahead along the cul-de-sac, Allée des Acacias.

(5) Turn left onto a footpath, walk along the right-hand side of the lake and carry on straight ahead (view of the bay and, in the distance, the Île de Ré). Walk past the water sports centre, then along the Grande Plage to the Pavillon de l’Aunis.

(6) Head up Avenue de la Plage on the right; when you reach the public toilets, turn left and cross the car park. Walk up Rue de la Côte Sauvage, turn into the first right onto Rue des Peupliers, then left at the end of the street and take Avenue Maurice Samson.

(7) Turn left onto Rue du Milouin (one-way), then take the path leading down to Pointe de la République Beach. Walk along the beach for a good kilometre.

(8) Walk back up from the beach to the first-aid post at Plage de la Côte Sauvage, follow Rue de la Marine and, at the roundabout, turn left towards the Grouin du Cou Lighthouse (car park – no entry).

(9) Return via Rue du Phare. At the police station, carry straight on along Rue Étienne Dolet (old mill on the left).

(10) Turn right onto the high street towards the town centre, Avenue de la Plage, walk past the church and across the main square to reach Rue des Pêcheurs.

(11) Walk between the restaurants to reach the main beach. Follow the coastline, past the water sports centre and the pond on your left, then Clémenceau Beach; exit at the second car park and rejoin Avenue des Tulipes.

(4) Turn right onto Avenue Charles Chauveau and head towards Parc Eden Roc (narrow passage; having passed through it several times, it seems the route is tolerated). Take the second street on the right and follow the sandy footpath (view of La Tranche-sur-Mer).

(12) On the right, there is an iron staircase leading down to Plage de la Pointe du Rocher. Continue left along the beach until you reach the car park at Place Sainte-Anne.

In summer, many shops are open along the route; in winter, bring your own drinks.

On the beaches, dogs must be kept on a lead. In summer, dogs are not allowed on certain beaches.

The Grouin du Cou Lighthouse (private property).

The Old Mill.

The sandy beaches; at low tide, you can go fishing by following the signs at the beach entrances.