Top 10 most beautiful walks around Nantes

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The banks of the Loire

What would Nantes be without the Loire? The longest river in France crosses the city in its heart, and walking by its shores is a locals' favourite. Two trails located along the Loire caught our attention.

The first starts from the Mauves meadow in Nantes, and runs along the Loire to Mauves-sur-Loire. The walk takes place on a relatively preserved part of the banks of the Loire, between wet meadows and fields.

An alternative can be made from Champtoceaux. The route then begins by offering a lovely panorama of the Loire and Oudon, before following the river between meadows and undergrowth, then arriving at the citadel of Châteauceaux.

Banks of the Loire near Nantes

14km • Easy •

Banks of the Loire near Champtoceaux

9km • Easy •

Along the Gesvres

We continue this selection with a pleasant walk along the Gesvres, a tributary of the Erdre. The trail includes a bit of elevation gain, and is mainly located in the shade of beautiful vegetation. All this, just a stone's throw from Nantes.

Along the Gesvres

6km • Easy •

Lake of Vioreau

Far from the Loire but still close to the water, this path goes around Lake Voieau. The route is mainly shaded, and ideal for a picnic or a swim.

Lac de Vioreau

11km • Easy •

The Gâvre forest

Located 40 kilometers from Nantes, the Gâvre national forest is the largest wooded area in Loire-Atlantique with 4,400 hectares. This trail follows its somewhat straight paths, in order to discover the local fauna and flora.

Forêt du Gâvre

11km • Easy •

Between vineyard and Maine

Departing from Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine, this walk allows you to discover the Nantes vineyards and cross the Maine near the Pont Caffino leisure center. The landscapes are varied and have an interesting difference in altitude.

Vineyards and Maine

12km • Medium •

Lac de la Bultière

This walk makes a complete tour of the Bultière reservoir, in Vendée. The path is essentially along the water's edge, between fields and small woods.

Lac de la Bultière

13km • Easy •

The Coisic peninsula

Now, head to the coast with three trails allowing you to make the most of the Atlantic Ocean!

Departing from Le Croisic, this is an easy walk along the sea, with beautiful views of the Guérande salt marshes and the Pen Bron forest. This is particularly enjoyable at sunset.

Presqu'île du Croisic

9km • Easy •

Between Pornic and Préfailles

A little further south, this other coastal path runs along a relatively preserved section of the coastline, overlooking coves and cliffs. The journey can be made in one direction or the other, with the need to retrace your steps.

In Between Pornic and Préfailles

4km • Easy •

The south of the island of Noirmoutier

What better place to close this selection than the enchanting island of Noirmoutier?

Here is a coastal path located to the south of the island, facing the continent. A total immersion between dunes and pine forest, for a guaranteed breath of fresh air.

South of Noirmoutier

11km • Easy •

Want more ideas? It's here: see all trails around Nantes. 🗺