Between the Atlantic coast, the salt marshes or the vineyards, breathe nature in Pays de la Loire !
Marais du Mès salt marshes
The Marais du Mès salt marshes cover 350 hectares around Mesquer, Saint-Molf and Assérac. For 1,500 years, salt-marsh workers (paludiers) have maintained this rare landscape linked to the tides. Production here respects the environment and contributes to the ecological richness of the site. The Marais du Mès, along with the larger ones around Guérande, have been awarded the label ‘Site remarquable du goût’ since 1994, recognizing their exceptional gastronomic and cultural interest.
Oyster-rearing in Kercabellec Bay
Around 1880, as the natural local oyster banks waned, farming of oysters in Kercabellec Bay took off. The port here, deserted as the transport of sea salt had declined, found new life. From 1900, specialist oyster farmers from the Charentais region (down France’s Atlantic coast) reared oysters here. Today, six oyster farms operate around Mesquer, mainly producing the flat European variety (l’huître creuse in French). Eat them with local butter made with Guérande salt for a boost on your cycling trip!
The Baie de la Baule, one of the most beautiful bays in the world
Rise early to enjoy, almost to yourself, 9km of pale sands stretching in an arc into the distance. In the quiet of the morning, breathe in the sea air and watch the first walkers, joggers, horse-riders and fishermen along the shore. In November 2011, the Baie Le Pouliguen – La Baule – Pornichet joined the very select club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World. This club aims to set an international benchmark in the intelligent development of exceptional coastal areas.
Through the slopes of the Loir Valley vineyard
The vineyards facing south give the best of their grape varieties. Coteaux-du-vendômois, coteaux-du-loir, Jasnières offer wines whose palette ranges from white to red, from "grey" to rosé. From Aunis pineau, the light reds have character and spicy tones. From the Chenin Blanc grape variety, the whites develop an exceptional aroma as soon as they are harvested and often become great wines to keep.
Escapade dans la forêt domaniale de Bercé à vélo
An exceptional natural heritage with endemic animal and plant species, the national forest covers 5400 ha. Whether by its softwoods or by its oaks, the forest of Bercé produces woods of high quality, in particular oaks of more than 200 years. A museum is dedicated to it, Carnuta, house of the Man and the forest, transports you in a world charged with history and legends, playful and educational space.
Panorama on the Mancelles Alps
Listed natural site, The Mancelles Alps are the eastern end of the Armorican Massif and shelters one of the highest points of Western France with a peak at 216 m at Haut Fourché. The rocky escarpments above the meanders of the Sarthe offer many activities and panoramas. One man did a lot for the recognition of this small country, Georges DURAND (the creator of the 24 Hours of Le Mans), president of the Automobile Club de la Sarthe, who knowingly orchestrated its fame.
La Côte sauvage from Le Croisic to the Pouliguen by bike
A protected zone, La Côte Sauvage (‘The Wild Coast’) runs from Le Pouliguen to the tip of Le Croisic’s peninsula. Between Penchâteau and the Grotte des Korrigans, a scenic cycle track runs along the top of this coastline’s series of granite cliffs and rocky outcrops, with creeks and caves accessible at low tide. You can observe many species of birds, including penguins in winter. There are stops laid out for cyclists, encouraging you to discover the coastal path on foot.
Source : fiche 11 Cap Atlantique