GR®8 trail from St-Michel-Chef-Chef to Moutiers-en-Retz

Along the coast, take on the GR®8 and discover the many facets of the Côte de Jade !

This legendary trail, which runs along the Atlantic coast from Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to Sare in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, offers hikers a total maritime experience along 635km of waymarked paths.

In Destination Pornic, the GR®8 follows the same route as the old customs path. Once used to prevent smuggling, this trail has had a second lease of life since the appearance of the famous white and red markers , attracting many walkers in search of picturesque landscapes and historical discoveries.

From Saint-Michel to Les Moutiers, via Préfailles, La Plaine, Pornic and La Bernerie, walk along the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the most beautiful views :

Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef
An extension of Saint-Brévin, Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef boasts long sandy beaches, perfect for relaxing walks and family time.
The intoxicating scents of the maritime pines (and the famous galettes ) accompany your stroll, offering a unique sensory experience.
Children will marvel at the wooden huts built on stilts, so characteristic of the Jade coast, adding a touch of charm to this coastline.
More than fifty fisheries are revealed along the GR8, offering breathtaking panoramas of the ocean and an immersion in the local fishing culture.

From La Plaine-sur-Mer to Préfailles
The trail between La Plaine-sur-Mer and Préfailles takes you past steep sea cliffs, rocky outcrops and small, secluded coves, sure to delight nature lovers.
The changing topography and rocky outcrops of Pointe Saint-Gildas offer a breath of fresh air and impressive panoramic views.
From the estuary to the Baie de Bourgneuf, it's easy to see why this was a strategic location for maritime surveillance and communications.
The varied landscapes and rich history of this section of the trail make it a must for hiking and history buffs.

From Préfailles to La Bernerie-en-Retz
The Pays de Retz has a long history of human settlement, as evidenced by the many megaliths visible along the trail.
The lure of the ocean and the discovery of ferruginous springs encouraged the development of Préfailles, Pornic and La Bernerie-en-Retz.
In the mid-19th century, the fashion for sea bathing and the arrival of the railway brought a certain prosperity to these seaside resorts.
The colourful, ornate and asymmetrical villas compete with each other to catch your eye and bear witness to the seaside architecture of the period.
You'll pass by the magnificent Château de Pornic , the town's landmark. Tours are available for the more curious.

⚠️Please note : due to landslides, some sections between Pornic and La Bernerie are closed at times and rerouted while work is carried out. You are advised to check the condition of the paths before setting off.

Les Moutiers-en-Retz
When you arrive at Les Moutiers-en-Retz, you'll discover vast expanses and countless meadows interspersed with étiers and canals, plunging you into the Marais Breton Vendéen.
Famous for their salt marshes stretching as far as the eye can see, these lands are also a paradise for birds.
You'll be able to spot little egrets, herons, avocets and numerous waders, making this region a favourite with birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
The tranquillity and beauty of these landscapes provide a soothing contrast to the more rugged sections of the trail, making for a varied and rewarding hiking experience.

A detailed document with map and explanations, produced by the FFR, is on sale in our 7 Destination Pornic Tourist Offices (€2.50).

 Did you know ?
There are many routes in France to Santiago de Compostela (Tours; Vézelay in Burgundy; Le Puy-en-Velay, the best known but also the most popular; and Arles). But there are other routes to Santiago de Compostela, in particular the one to Destination Pornic, which runs along the coast following the GR®8.