Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons

FICHE_INFO_TITRE_ACCESSIBILITE

Discover Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons: an authentic stopover in the heart of Destination Pornic

Halfway between Nantes and the Atlantic coast, Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons is a charming and authentic stopover, nestled in the Pays de Retz region, in the heart of Destination Pornic.
This peaceful village combines heritage, nature, local expertise and original cultural events.
For an unusual weekend, a country walk or a gourmet getaway, Saint-Hilaire offers a warm immersion in a lively region.

Presentation

A unique and original heritage

A monumental calvary, a chapel and a horseshoe-shaped cemetery unique in Europe

The heritage of Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons is surprising for its unique form and local history.
In 1793, the parish priest Viollet helped General Charette fight against the Republicans. In 1805, he decided to erect a calvary, similar to the one in Pontchâteau, in tribute to those killed in the Wars of the Vendée.
Work began in 1826 on a mound of earth. Originally, it was topped by a single wooden cross. In 1835, a chapel was built there. Construction took 10 years. Under the porch, 206 names are engraved on two marble tablets (out of a population of 1,150 inhabitants at the time). In 1854, on Easter Day, two side crosses were installed, still made of wood, until 1931 when they were replaced by concrete ones.
This is the final representation of Christ and the two thieves. The parish priests are buried around the Calvary on the Way of the Cross dating from 1858.

Its horseshoe-shaped cemetery, listed as a historic monument, is one of the few of its kind still visible in France.
This semi-circular ensemble reflects a symbolic vision of death and resurrection.

The church and its carillon sing the heart of the village🔔

In the centre of the village stands the Church of Saint-Hilaire, rebuilt in 1895, whose colourful stained-glass windows diffuse a warm light and invite contemplation.
Beyond its elegant silhouette, it houses a carillon that is rare in Loire-Atlantique.
Every day, its bells ring out the famous melody of La Paimpolaise, paying tribute to Breton sailors and the region's roots.
This unique soundscape gives the town a musical identity, reinforcing its charming and lively character.

Nature and hiking : set off on the Templar trails

Lovers of walking and the great outdoors will be captivated by the Templar trail

This 15.3 km hiking trail crosses wooded countryside, runs alongside wet meadows and winds its way along the small sunken lanes typical of the Pays de Retz region.

Along the way, you will discover farms, country hedges and even a lintel dating from 1653, the remains of a building that no longer exists.

Ideal for immersing yourself in nature, this route is also accessible by bike for a change of pace

Discover this hike

Events that bring Saint-Hilaire to life

Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons is also a festive village where cultural initiatives are the beating heart of the region.

The Farm Culture Festival

In spring, the Farm Culture Festival brings together young and old alike with a rich programme of events :

a local farmers' market where you can find fresh, authentic produce
a sale of organic plants and seeds to beautify your gardens
guided tours of the Ferme à Cultures gardens to learn about sustainable agricultural practices
a tasting at the D'ici l'aurore brewery to savour craft beers
a musical atmosphere for a convivial and festive experience

Les Zendimanchés, the art of outdoor entertainment

A must-see summer event, Les Zendimanchés offers live outdoor entertainment that is often zany and always surprising.
These free, family-friendly events bring together street theatre, music, clowns and contemporary circus acts.
A moment suspended in time to share in good spirits in the heart of the village and in a magnificent setting.
A wonderful way to discover Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons in a different light.

See the full calendar of events in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons

The team's favourite: the St Hill Jazz Festival

Among the gems of the region, our favourite is the St Hil Jazz Festival

Every year, this small festival thinks big: a demanding programme, renowned or promising artists, but always in a relaxed atmosphere and a bucolic setting.

Two days, two atmospheres :

Saturday, sunset atmosphere, fireworks without firecrackers or suits! But don't be fooled by the smell of hay, these are inspired artists who will take you on a journey, some of whom have played in Cuba, New York, Paris, Toulouse, Nantes, etc.
Sunday, relaxed in deckchairs, is a return to the roots of jazz and lunch on the grass.

Jazz resonates between the woods and the countryside, and the acoustic notes caress the ear like a light breeze on a late summer afternoon.
A musical event, taking place in early September, which elegantly combines artistic quality and local roots.
Go on, take a look at the programme in detail, it's worth the detour !

Reservations can be made at our tourist offices.

I'm discovering

Local expertise : a treasure trove to explore

Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons is also a mecca for artisanal expertise, which you can discover during company tours organised by the Destination Pornic Tourist Office.

Rhums Ti Ced, an explosion of flavours on the palate

A local gem, Rhums Ti Ced is a renowned spirits house offering artisanal flavoured rums with creative and exotic flavours.
A visit to the workshop allows you to immerse yourself in the world of fruit, spices and rum blending, all in a warm and passionate atmosphere.

D'Ici l'aurore, a local brewery worth discovering 🍻

A few steps away, the D'ici l'aurore brewery produces craft beers with bold flavours, inspired by the rhythm of the seasons and local produce.
An ideal gourmet stop after a hike or during a bucolic getaway, to discover the richness of local producers.

Discovering Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons means combining encounters, heritage, nature, events and crafts in a resolutely lively and charming commune.

With its hiking trails, musical bell towers, socially conscious festivals and flavoured rums, this village in the Pays de Retz region invites you to explore the warm soul of Destination Pornic.

To know

Also worth discovering

We also suggest...

The countryside in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons

Photo(s) (13)

Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons : the best spot for a beer tour in Loire-Atlantique

Itinéraire Bis: lesser-known lands in familiar territory Nature and walking Gastronomy, local flavours

More info

Photo(s) (9)

Brasserie Ouest Coast Brewery

+33 6 12 89 17 30 ST HILAIRE DE CHALEONS

(Show on map)

Add to my selection

More info