Farm visits and pick-your-own

Farm visits and pick-your-own : our must-sees from Destination Pornic

  •  - © Mélanie Chaigneau

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Looking for nature, authenticity and good local produce ? 
Would you like to do something other than swimming at the beach, and meet new people away from the crowds ?
Discover our selection of must-see farms and pick-your-own spots around Pornic.
Whether you're a family, a couple or a group of friends, these rural visits will introduce you to the world of local agriculture, market gardening, animal husbandry, edible flowers and aromatic plants.

See you at the farm !
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  • Tribes in search of nature
    Tribes in search of nature

Presentation

1. Les Poulettes du Marais: a committed farm in Villeneuve-en-Retz 

Located in Villeneuve-en-Retz, the Poulettes du Marais farm is a haven of nature nestling in the heart of the Marais Breton.
Marie raises 250 free-range laying hens in a way that respects animal welfare, along with goats, rabbits, a Shetland pony and a donkey - all of which are very popular with families.
The tranquillity of the marshes, ideal for observing the local flora and fauna, adds to the authentic spirit of the farm.

Fun tours and workshops

By prior arrangement (individuals or groups of up to 15 people), Marie offers :
  • Tours to find out about livestock farming, the environment and the biodiversity of the marsh
  • Family photo rallies, country escape-games or treasure hunts to awaken young and old
  •  Practical workshops (butter-making, sensory walks, biodiversity awareness) for children aged 5 and over

Farm products

The farm is also involved in direct sales of extra-fresh eggs from its free-range hens 

Why we love it 

  • An educational, hands-on experience based on animal husbandry, life cycles and local agriculture;
  • An exceptional natural setting, with canals, migratory birds and lush green paths;
  • A variety of activities for all the family, from egg-picking to creative workshops, all organic and eco-responsible.
  •  - © DR

2. Le Sens des Simples: harvesting aromatic and medicinal plants in Pornic

In the Pornic countryside, Le Sens des Simples is an extraordinary farm dedicated to growing and harvesting aromatic and medicinal plants 
Mathilde, an enthusiastic farm manager, cultivates her treasures with a deep respect for the environment, scrupulously following the principles of organic farming.
The plants, hand-picked and carefully sorted, are then dried at low temperatures to preserve their colours, flavours and virtues. Herbal teas with intoxicating scents, savoury bear's garlic pestos, soothing balms and natural cosmetics make up Mathilde's varied range.

In addition to its exceptional products, Le Sens des Simples offers visitors a unique experience.
From mid-June to the end of August, Mathilde opens the doors of her garden for free visits every Thursday morning. This is an invaluable opportunity to discover the secrets of the herbalist's craft, from growing the plants to harvesting and drying them.
It's a great way to combine nature, well-being and education.
 

 The team's favourites

We've tried out "Balade digestive", a blend of verbena, mint and lime blossom, and "Lendemain de fête", an original herbal tea made from nettle, verbena, rosemary, fennel and marigold 
We liked them so much that we've decided to offer them for sale in our offices.

  • farm family visit children fruit vegetables animals plants aromatic plants - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • farm family visit children fruit vegetables animals plants aromatic plants - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • farm family visit children fruit vegetables animals plants aromatic plants - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • farm family visit children fruit vegetables animals plants aromatic plants - © Mélanie Chaigneau

3. The Fresne educational farm in Villeneuve: learning about nature to better protect it

Situated between bocage and marshland, in Villeneuve-en-Retz, the Fresne educational farm is located in a Natura 2000 zone and serves as a refuge certified by the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux - League for the Protection of Birds)... a veritable showcase of biodiversity.

Why visit the Le Fresne educational farm?

  • To experience immersive workshops: explore the virtues of medicinal plants, learn how to preserve ancient seeds, discover the principles of permaculture... Each workshop is an invitation to reconnect with nature and adopt sustainable farming practices that respect the environment.
  •  Discover a sanctuary of biodiversity: recognised as an LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux - League for the Protection of Birds) refuge, the farm is home to many species of migratory birds and plays an active role in preserving local flora and fauna. An ideal place to observe, understand and protect the marsh ecosystems.
  •  If you want to support short circuits and enjoy local produce, make a diversion to the farm shop, where you'll find seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, herbal teas, jams and other farm products prepared on site with care and commitment.

  It's a peaceful place where nature and discovery come together to offer visitors an enriching experience.
  •  - © Mélanie Chaigneau

4. The La Fontaine Eco-Domain Farm : a permaculture haven of peace

At the heart of Pornic's Éco-Domaine La Fontaine, the Farm is a haven for permaculture and sustainable agricultural know-how.
Surrounded by 12 hectares of lush greenery, it invites you to immerse yourself in the secrets of healthy, environmentally-friendly production.

An educational and nourishing farm

The vegetable gardens are a breathtaking sight of permaculture in action. The team will be delighted to guide you through the many different vegetable combinations and growing techniques 

A space for discovery and awareness-raising

The La Fontaine Eco-Domaine Farm is also a place for discovery and education, open to all. Guided tours, workshops for children and adults : 
  •  using wild plants, learning how to prune your fruit trees,
  •  sowing successfully,
  •  and much more...

  For the little ones, the discovery begins gently with a visit to the ‘mini farm’: in the farmyard, sheep, pigs, geese, hens and rabbits frolic about, bringing this place to life in the style of farms of yesteryear 
 
  • farm family visit children fruit vegetables animals plants - © Le photographe du dimanche

5. Les Fleurs de la Fontaine: an organic flower farm overlooking the ocean

Located on the iconic site of the Fontaine aux Bretons, in the heart of the La Fontaine Eco-Domain in Pornic, this farm is an oasis dedicated to growing local, seasonal flowers.
Nolwenn grows over 60 species and 80 varieties of cut flowers, all in season and grown without chemical inputs.
It's a place where every gesture in the garden is guided by a desire to respect biodiversity: no pesticides, minimal tillage and protection of underground life...
You can help pick fresh flowers and compose your own country bouquets, learn more about eco-responsible floriculture or take part in :

  • Guided tours : a sensory and educational immersion to discover the farm, talk to Nolwenn about her floral ethic, and enjoy a sensory experience - colours, fragrances, natural growing techniques
  •  Creative workshops : picking & floral creation


  Each of these workshops allows you to pick, compose and leave with a floral creation, in a friendly atmosphere accessible to all.
 

Find out more

 
  •  - © DR

Where can you pick your own fruit and vegetables?

Want to savour the freshness of local produce while enjoying a great natural experience?
Here are three not-to-be-missed addresses for authentic, environmentally-friendly picking.

1. Les Petits Fruits de la Baie (La Bernerie-en-Retz)

Come and pick strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, bilberries and blackberries, as well as rarer berries such as kiwai and aronia (from mid-May to the end of July) 
After picking, enjoy delicious homemade syrups (over 40% juice, no additives), jams and smoothies
The little extra: children will love meeting the ewes and hens on the farm 

2. La Cueillette à l'étang du Gros Caillou (Pornic)

This organic market-garden farm is open from mid-May to mid-October: pick your own seasonal fruit and vegetables (tomatoes, squash, lettuce, etc.)
Parents and children love this friendly activity: ‘Fresh, quality produce... an unforgettable experience’
The little extras: no worries, equipment is provided (basket, wheelbarrow), a map of the farm is supplied and weighing by the kilo is done in the shop 

3. Le Verger des Arômes (Chauvé)

In this permaculture orchard, pick as much fruit, berries and aromatic herbs as you like.
Baskets, buckets and secateurs are provided, so you can make up your own pickings straight away.
Bonus : some strawberries are old and little-known varieties such as Rubis des Jardins, Ciflorette, Favette or Cigaline 

4. La ferme du moulin de Bellevue (Les Moutiers-en-Retz)

This is a farm shop where you can find the flavours of yesteryear, grown in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way.
You can take part in the picking, order baskets and baskets of fruit, and find anti-waste fruit and vegetables. 
A little extra : make pretty fruit baskets 

  •  - © Pexels - Pixabay