Lac de Grand-Lieu

  • Lac de Grand-Lieu
  • Trejet La Chevrolière
  • Site de Pierre Aigüe
  • Abbatiale Déas St Philbert de Grand-Lieu
Lac de Grand-LieuTrejet La ChevrolièreSite de Pierre AigüeAbbatiale Déas St Philbert de Grand-Lieu

Presentation

Lac de Grand-Lieu is a hidden gem halfway between Pornic and Nantes. It is a nature destination par excellence, classified as a National Nature Reserve, which surprises visitors with its size: it is the largest lowland lake in France in winter !
Just 15 minutes from Nantes and 30 to 45 minutes from Pornic, Lac de Grand-Lieu is a wild and secret stretch of water, access to which is restricted in order to preserve its exceptional wildlife.
This ‘living’ lake, which doubles in size between summer and winter, offers an almost Amazonian atmosphere with its submerged forests and carpets of water lilies stretching as far as the eye can see.

Lac de Grand-Lieu was formed over 50 million years ago. Covering 35 km² in summer and 65 km² in winter, its surface area practically doubles from one season to the next thanks to the autumn rains.
It inspires mystery and passion. You can glimpse it, guess at it, search for it, and it reveals itself modestly to those who know how to tame it.  

Lac de Grand-Lieu, classified as a Natura 2000 site, is a unique habitat and a remarkable wetland with 10 neighbouring municipalities and 570 animal and plant species living there. In summer, 800 hectares are covered by a stretch of water lilies that is unique in Europe.
Considered the largest lowland lake in France in winter and the second largest bird sanctuary in France after the Camargue, Lake Grand-Lieu is a jewel of the Loire-Atlantique region that deserves to be highlighted for the riches of the territories that comprise it. 

The GR® de Pays hiking trail – Tour du lac de Grand-Lieu – connects the municipalities over a distance of 73 km. This mysterious lake arouses the curiosity of those who dare to approach it.
It can only be observed from a few rare locations that can be imagined as windows onto the lake:
  • at the Pierre Aigüe site in St-Aignan de Grand-Lieu,
  • at the Guerlain pavilion of the Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu in Bouaye,
  • at the observation tower of the Maison des Pêcheurs du Lac de Grand-Lieu, 
  • and the bell tower of the church of Saint-Lumine de Coutais, dedicated to St Léobin, which has been converted into a panoramic tower.
You haven't finished exploring it yet! Discover breathtaking landscapes !


 Three good reasons to discover Lake Grand-Lieu, this giant of water lilies and mysteries:
  1. A leading bird sanctuary: It is one of the richest sites in Europe for bird watching. With more than 270 species recorded (grey herons, white spoonbills, great cormorants, etc.), it is a paradise for naturalists. Head to the Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu in Bouaye for an educational immersion and a breathtaking view from Guerlain's former hunting lodge.
  2. The picturesque charm of Passay: This small fishing village located in La Chevrolière is one of the only direct access points to the lake's shores. Strolling among the traditional houses, discovering the trade of the last professional fishermen of Grand-Lieu and tasting local products facing the water is an experience of great serenity. The observation tower at the Maison des Pêcheurs du Lac de Grand-Lieu.
  3. A fun immersion at the Abbey of Déas: In Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, visit this exceptional 9th-century Carolingian site. In addition to its historic architecture, the site offers a medicinal herb garden and exhibitions that explain the thousand-year-old link between humans and this mysterious lake.

Did you know?
Legend has it that the lost city of Herbauges lies at the bottom of the lake... It is even said that you can still hear the bells of its church ringing on Christmas Eve! 


 
Information
  • SITUATION :
    • Le Pays de Retz Atlantique

Map

Destination
Lac de Grand-Lieu
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 47.11978
Longitude : -1.65890
See Lac de Grand-Lieu on GoogleMaps
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Contact details
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Phone : +33 2 40 78 22 34
Website "Lac de Grand-Lieu"
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