Les Moutiers-en-Retz : between marshes and ocean, an iodine-flavoured getaway

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Looking for a change of scenery in the heart of nature by the sea ? In Les Moutiers-en-Retz, the salt marshes and the Atlantic Ocean meet in a unique setting, lulled by the enchanting scent of iodine. This easy 5-kilometer trail takes you through a mosaic of wild landscapes, between coastal paths, dunes, beaches, preserved flora and fauna and local heritage. A sensory stroll that's perfect for oxygenating and getting away from it all, for a moment out of time.

Array

Tribes in search of nature
A romantic getaway
Epicureans
Explorers of culture and know-how

Presentation

The charming village of Moutiers-en-Retz : starting point for your hike

Your hike begins in the heart of the picturesque village of Les Moutiers-en-Retz, on the pretty central square, where calm and conviviality reign.
This lively little square, lined with small shops and welcoming cafés, is a popular meeting place for the locals. It's also the perfect place to take a gourmet break or soak up the local atmosphere on your return from your iodine-scented stroll.
Overlooking the square, the church of St. Pierre catches the eye. This imposing building houses a magnificent listed altarpiece, which you can admire up close (allow €1 to light the interior and take some great photos).

Just ahead, a treasure trove of vernacular heritage awaits you : the lantern of the dead, a rare monument in France. Erected in the 11th century, this historic tower is still in operation. Its lantern is lit to mark deaths in the commune and the Day of the Dead (November 2), perpetuating a unique tradition.

In winter, the square hosts a small, intimate market. In summer, it expands and becomes more colorful, with stalls selling local produce, fruit and vegetables, clothing and handcrafted sweets.
It's the perfect place to start the day before putting on your walking shoes !

It's time to start your walk. Join the station stop, then follow the railroad line for about 1.5 km. This safe section, reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, gradually immerses you in the atmosphere of the marshes.
Keep your eyes peeled : the sky is often alive with birds in flight, offering an unforgettable natural spectacle in a subtly iodized atmosphere.

Stage 1 : immersive hike in the heart of the Lyarne marsh, between wildlife and iodine-flavored atmosphere

From the end of the asphalt road, a small path opens up before you, signposted to the ornithological observatory 800 m away. Here, the hike takes on a new dimension: you enter the heart of the Lyarne marsh, in a peaceful, natural atmosphere, charged with a subtle perfume carried by the breeze.
Bring good shoes and pants, as the path winds through tall grasses, where wildlife flourishes with the passing seasons. Whether you're here in spring, summer or autumn, the marsh offers a renewed spectacle of color, sound and movement.

Horses graze peacefully nearby, while sheep graze further afield.

Birdsong accompanies your steps and the wind gently dances through the vegetation.

This suspended moment is an invitation to serenity. Here, far from the hustle and bustle, you feel alone in the world, immersed in unspoilt nature. It's the perfect place for a rejuvenating break during your hike.

At the end of the trail, a rustic wooden hut appears : this is the observatory. Simple yet perfectly integrated into its surroundings, it allows you to admire a wide variety of marsh birds and animals : herons, swans, avocets, ducks, but also butterflies, ladybugs and sometimes even a family of coypu.

Once you've completed your observation, retrace your steps to resume your hike.
The marsh hasn't said its last word : other encounters await you along the way, between water, sky and iodized vegetation.

The inhabitants of the Lyarne marsh

A wetland of international importance, Lyarne is part of the Marais Breton Vendéen, the southernmost part of the area. A unique area for its breathtaking scenery, its natural flora and fauna and its history and heritage, Lyarne is an immense wet meadow, with a network of canals, salt marshes and reed beds that are rich in biological diversity.
To maintain and preserve the environment, sheep, Higland cows, ponies and horses live close together. Robust and majestic, endearing and adapted to the environment, these herds graze with total respect for the protected species (fauna and flora) of this exceptional site, classified Natura 2000 and labelled a RAMSAR zone.

Stage 2 : In the footsteps of salt, the white gold of the Lyarne marshes

Your hike continues along a small, winding road bordered by a landscape typical of the Atlantic coast : a vast salt marsh, bathed in light and crossed by the Atlantic spray.
You enter the La Tenue du Mareil saltworks, an emblematic site of salt production in Les Moutiers-en-Retz.

Here, the scent of iodine grows stronger, mingling with the saline fragrances emanating from the carnations. Christophe, the passionate salt worker, welcomes you on guided tours organized by the Patrimoine 2MB association. He'll tell you all about the fascinating history of the former Baye de Bretagne (now Baie de Bourgneuf), once prosperous thanks to its salt trade.
Discover the secrets of fleur de sel, coarse salt and mother-of-pearl salt, all the result of an ancestral process handed down from generation to generation. This moment of exchange is a real immersion in a living heritage, rooted in nature and cradled by the sea breezes.

Today, the salt marshes are a key element in the landscape identity of the south of Destination Pornic.
This unique setting, between land and sea, will delight lovers of authentic walks and traditional craftsmanship.

Don't miss : before resuming your hike, stop off to pick up a sachet of fleur de sel “made in Les Moutiers”, available on site or from one of the region's 7 tourist offices. A gourmet souvenir that will prolong the taste of this iodized walk. And if you're a collector, take a look at our pretty collector's salt boxes.

Stage 3 : hiking towards the ocean, between iodine scents and oyster-farming pleasures

The hiking trail now takes you towards the Atlantic Ocean, where the scents of iodine become more intense.

In the distance, on the fine sandy beach, stand the emblematic fisheries, wooden huts on stilts, proud sentinels of the coastline. The sea breeze rises, laden with salty spray, awakening all your senses.

You pass through the Lyarne oyster-farming area, renowned for its tasty oysters, a local treasure. Visitors sample freshly caught seafood. A real invitation to indulge !
Even if you don't stop off this time, it's impossible not to add this experience to your next iodized stroll.

🦪Savoury delights and aperitifs on Lancastria beach

You arrive at Lancastria beach, wild and peaceful. The panorama is breathtaking: sparkling waves, seagulls in flight and the rustle of the wind in the dunes ...
A perfect place to take a break, picnic facing the Atlantic, and enjoy a well-deserved local aperitif.
The moment is convivial, authentic, and always enveloped in the iodine fragrance that accompanies each stage of this sensory hike.
Wine from the Domaine des Moutiers (to be consumed in moderation) enhances this waterside experience.

The team's favorite : the sunset over the ocean from the Lancastria beach is a memory in its own right. A golden light, a blazing sky, and that feeling of absolute freedom.
The walk is almost over. Following the wild coastline, you'll slowly make your way back to the village center.
A word of advice : for your next twilight hike, remember to bring a flashlight ... because here, nature is king, even at night !

🧭Practical information for your iodized walk in Destination Pornic

Before setting off to explore the wild landscapes of Moutiers-en-Retz, here are a few useful pointers to make the most of your iodine-scented stroll between salt marshes, oyster farming area and Atlantic beaches.

Departure and arrival
Moutiers-en-Retz village.
An easy loop that starts and finishes in the heart of this charming coastal village.

Distance and duration

5 km hike
allow around 2 hours (depending on your pace, nature and picnic breaks!)

Accessibilité

all ages, children welcome
not accessible to wheelchair users (unmade natural paths)

Our tips for a successful hike :

Comfortable walking shoes - trails can be uneven

Binoculars - to observe birds and marsh fauna

Flashlight - if you're extending the experience late in the day

Picnic and water - gourmet break recommended facing the ocean

Sun protection and suitable clothing - depending on the day's weather

This iodized walk is much more than a simple hike: it's a sensory immersion between nature, terroir and heritage, to be experienced alone, as a duo or with the family.