Our most beautiful autumn walks

Accessibility

Autumn, that magical season when nature is decked out in a thousand shimmering colours, is the perfect time to put on your hiking boots, recharge your batteries and set off on an adventure.

Not sure which walk to choose in Destination Pornic? Here are our top picks!

Presentation

The Bois Roy

Autumn transforms the Bois Roy in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef into a veritable fairytale.

With its tall, lanky trees, a huge carpet of multicoloured leaves, children's games and picnic tables, this park offers the perfect setting for a stroll with family and friends. The autumn sunlight filtering through the branches creates a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Our favourite spot: sit on a bench, book in hand, and listen to the rustling of the leaves beneath your feet.

Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef

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The Gâtineaux and Val Saint Martin ponds

The Gâtineaux and Val Saint-Martin ponds are ideal for walks with family or friends.

In autumn, the atmosphere is particularly conducive to relaxation. Imagine yourself strolling along the banks, camera in hand, capturing the bucolic landscapes.

Which one to choose? If you're hesitating between the Gâtineaux and Val Saint-Martin ponds, know that each has its own charm.
The former, which is wilder, will appeal to lovers of unspoilt nature.
The latter, which is more developed, offers a more convivial setting for a family outing.
But both have in common an enchanting setting in autumn.

You can marvel at the reflection of nature's autumn colours on the pond. The pink skies of early morning dotted with light clouds, the golden vegetation under the midday sun, and the birds enjoying the calm of the late season... a feast for the eyes and ears!

Etang des Gâtineaux in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef / Etang Val Saint-Martin in Pornic

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The Blanche Lake

Why not savour autumn by the water’s edge? Head to the Blanche Lake in Chaumes-en-Retz for a break in the countryside where young and old alike can enjoy the season’s beautiful colours.

In the shade of the tall trees, the leaves take on shades of gold and copper, whilst the lake reflects the changing colours of the foliage. A peaceful setting, ideal for getting some fresh air, strolling and soaking up the last rays of sunshine before winter.

The added bonus? Here, the walk is truly accessible to everyone! The 1.2 km circuit, which is accessible to people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users and pushchairs, makes it easy to enjoy this lovely green space.

🍂 Our favourite tip: extend your walk with a break on the lawns or let the children have a go on the playground. An easy autumn outing to enjoy with family or friends!

Chaumes-en-Retz
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The Lyarne Marsh

Autumn transforms the Lyarne Marsh into a palette of soft, warm colours.

The reeds turn golden, the leaves on the trees turn red and the morning mist envelops the landscape in a mysterious veil. It's the perfect time for a stroll through this multifaceted site, where a diverse range of flora and fauna share the space with the animals that bring this sensitive natural area, certified Natura 2000, to life every day.

Our favourite thing to do is watch the horses grazing or the migratory birds stopping off in this haven of peace before continuing their journey to warmer climes.

Les Moutiers-en-Retz

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The Haute-Perche Canal

Autumn is the ideal season for a stroll along the Haute-Perche Canal in Pornic.
Nature's colour palette changes constantly, offering a unique spectacle as the leaves swirl in a dance of colours before giving way to the sobriety of winter. It is also a quiet time of year, when you can enjoy nature without being disturbed by crowds.

If you are looking for an easy and enjoyable outdoor activity, the 10.5 km cycle ride is an excellent choice.

The route is flat and easy to follow, and you can admire the scenery at your own pace. You can also take a break for a picnic or relax by the canal.

Our favourite spot : the view of the Val Saint-Martin pond. It's a beautiful place where you can see birds and ducks and enjoy the beautiful reflections between the pond and the trees.

Pornic
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Along the banks of the Acheneau

Looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy this autumn ? Head to the banks of the Acheneau !

This river offers a wide range of walking options, whether you are an experienced hiker or just a Sunday stroller. There are three routes to choose from :

the "Les Sables Rouges" walking trail in Port-Saint-Père (6.6 km),
the "Le Grand Chemin" walking, cycling or horse riding trail in Rouans (20.2 km),
the "La Pierre Tremblante" walking trail in Cheix-en-Retz (11.2 km).

Our suggestion : if you enjoy varied routes with plenty to discover, we recommend the Pierre Tremblante route. You won't be disappointed by the landscapes and surprises you'll encounter along the way.

Good to know before setting off on your walk

Here are a few eco-friendly tips from the Destination Pornic team to help you enjoy your walk to the full while preserving the beauty and integrity of the natural environment around you:

Make sure you're well equipped... we explain everything here !
Respect the flora and fauna: during your walk, take care not to disturb wild animals or pick protected plants or mushrooms. Observe them from a distance and leave them in their natural environment.
Make sure you leave no trace of your visit. Pick up all your rubbish, including snack and drink wrappers, and dispose of it in a suitable bin once you get home.
We recommend that you disconnect from the internet so that you are not disturbed and can enjoy this peaceful and rejuvenating environment.
Take souvenir photos, but wait until you get home to share them with us on social media using #destinationpornic.

Follow these simple tips and you can enjoy an enriching experience while helping to protect our environment 😉