95 km from Nantes to Pornic by bike
The Vélodyssée and La Loire à Vélo share the route to the sea from Nantes. The majestic Loire estuary reveals oxbow lakes, wetlands, channels, a maritime canal, ports and an open-air art gallery with a Contemporary Estuary Exhibition. At Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, the air is filled with the aromatic scent of conifers, dunes and soft sandy beaches.
The Nantes–Saint-Nazaire Estuary: an open-air museum
A selection of 30 works by leading artists, dotted along the 60 km stretch of the Loire Estuary. Each piece leads visitors to an unusual spot or a remarkable site within the estuary, showcasing its natural, maritime and industrial heritage.
By bike, you can explore the artworks up close along this shared section of the Loire à Vélo and the Vélodyssée cycle routes.
The Martinière Canal by bike
The Martinière Canal is a haven of peace in the shade of poplars and willows. This canal was built to facilitate navigation and avoid the hazards of the Loire. However, as the size of boats quickly increased, it became unsuitable and the original project was abandoned. Its towpath has been developed for the great delight of cyclists and anglers!
Colourful villages and fishing huts by the water’s edge
From Nantes to Pornic, you’ll pass through several small villages with colourful facades: the little fishing port of Trentemoult, Indre and its Sunday market, Le Pellerin, and Paimboeuf. Between Paimboeuf and Pornic, the coast is dotted with fishing huts jutting out over the water, giving this route a very special atmosphere.
The port of Pornic
In the heart of the Retz peninsula, you’ll quickly fall under the spell of Pornic. Its castle stands guard over the old harbour, whilst its steep, narrow streets are lined with local shops and small restaurants. The beautiful coves in the surrounding area, overlooked by Belle Époque villas and fishing huts, are perfect for a stroll and/or a swim.
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Map of the cycle route
Map of the cycle route
35 Nantes / Le Pellerin
36 Le Pellerin / Paimboeuf
37 Paimboeuf / St-Brevin-les-Pins
