Machecoul / Bouin

Let yourself be swept away by the vast open landscapes of the Marais Breton Vendéen! This stage of your journey to the island of Noirmoutier takes you from the market gardens of Machecoul into the wide, radiant marshlands. After passing the Machecoul pond and the villages of Fresnay-en-Retz and Saint-Cyr-en-Retz, the sea air begins to tease your senses long before you reach the salt marshes and the Port du Collet—the natural boundary between Loire-Atlantique and Vendée. Following the coastline—ideally with a tailwind—after a few kilometres, the port of Les Brochets and the village of Bouin emerge from the marsh.

The Route

From Machecoul, the route first crosses a market gardening area along farm tracks before joining quiet country roads with little traffic, leading to Port du Collet in Les Moutiers-en-Retz. Take extra care during the summer months, when traffic is heavier. The route follows waymarking no. 2 to the entrance of Port du Collet, then continues along La Vélodyssée signage towards Bouin. From here, you’ll be riding mainly on shared roads, with some sections of dedicated greenway. It’s also possible to follow the coastline north towards Pornic by continuing along La Vélodyssée.

Dont' miss

• Nantes – Follow the Green Line art trail and explore a wealth of attractions, including Les Machines de l’Île and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, home to a remarkable museum.

• Rezé – Visit the colourful village of Trentemoult and discover artworks from the Estuaire trail, such as Le Pendule by Roman Signer and, nearby at Port Lavigne, The Settlers by Sarah Sze.

• Bouaye – Enjoy the expansive Parc de la Mévellière and stop by the Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu to learn all about this unique lake.

• Saint-Léger-les-Vignes – Take a walk in the Parc des Rives and visit the Hautes Noëlles wine estate.

• Port-Saint-Père – Explore the Morinière harbour on the banks of the Acheneau (watersports centre) and admire views of the Château de Grandville from the small bridge.

• Saint-Mars-de-Coutais – Take in views over the Tenu river and the château from the bridge.

• From Saint-Mars-de-Coutais to Saint-Lumine – Enjoy sweeping views over the marshes of Lac de Grand-Lieu and go birdwatching in one of France’s largest bird reserves (the second largest in the country).