DE NANTES À LA MER À VÉLO PAR LES MARAIS

From Nantes towards Lac de Grand-Lieu

The first part leaves Nantes on the common La Loire à Vélo and La Vélodyssée alignment, passing Trentemoult and Bouguenais before turning towards the countryside. The itinerary continues through Saint-Léger-les-Vignes, Port-Saint-Père, Saint-Mars-de-Coutais and Saint-Même-le-Tenu on its way to Machecoul.

There are several reasons to make the transition from city to countryside a leisurely one. Nantes offers Les Machines de l’Île and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne; Trentemoult is a colourful former fishing village. At Bouaye, the Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu introduces the lake, while the area between Saint-Mars-de-Coutais and Saint-Lumine offers views over its marshes and opportunities for birdwatching.

Machecoul, marshes and the Atlantic

Beyond Machecoul the landscape opens towards the Marais Breton Vendéen. France Vélo Tourisme describes a passage through market-gardening land, then along country roads to Port du Collet. The route passes the villages of Fresnay-en-Retz and Saint-Cyr-en-Retz and reaches the salt marshes before the port.

At Port du Collet, the itinerary meets La Vélodyssée again. Following its signs south leads towards the port des Brochets and Bouin; riders who want to extend their journey can instead follow the coastal route north towards Pornic. La Vélodyssée also identifies this Pays de Retz crossing as a way to reach its coastal alignment at Les Moutiers-en-Retz.

Planning the ride

France Vélo Tourisme divides the route into two sections, Nantes to Machecoul and Machecoul to Bouin, so Machecoul is a useful place to split the trip. The route combines cycle facilities, farm tracks and shared roads. The unpaved forest section near Machecoul can be more technical in winter, and the publisher advises care when crossing villages.

From Nantes, follow La Loire à Vélo and La Vélodyssée signs to Bouguenais. The main route guide then describes green 4402 signs towards Villeneuve-en-Retz and onward to Port du Collet. It notes that the cycle track beside the D751 between Bouguenais and Bouaye is protected but can be an unpleasant stretch, especially with children. Around Port du Collet, allow for shared roads and take extra care in summer when traffic increases.

Regional rail stations listed by France Vélo Tourisme include Machecoul, Villeneuve-en-Retz and Les Moutiers-en-Retz. Check current train schedules and bicycle arrangements before relying on a rail connection.