The enchanted islands

  • The enchanted islands
  • The enchanted islands
  • The enchanted islands
  • The enchanted islands
  • The enchanted islands
  • The enchanted islands
The enchanted islandsThe enchanted islandsThe enchanted islandsThe enchanted islandsThe enchanted islandsThe enchanted islands

Presentation

The Enchanted Islands is the name given to an old Renaissance-style garden located south of the Princé forest in Chaumes-en-Retz.

Enjoy a stroll to discover this site steeped in history, which exudes a mysterious atmosphere and invites you to daydream.
 The site consists of five artificial islands arranged in a cross shape. The largest, square island is in the centre, surrounded by the other four. Canals 10 to 12 metres wide separate them from each other. The passage was made by boat, making for a romantic trip.

 A little history to imagine the place as it once was :
The Gondi family gave the Château de Princé its grandeur and majesty. Albert de Gondi, who came from Italy, married the Baroness of Retz, Claude Catherine de Clermont, in 1565. They demolished the old fortified castle to build a Renaissance-style manor house. Then Henri, Albert's grandson, who truly loved the Château de Princé, decided to stay there year-round. He thus abandoned the more austere Château de Machecoul.
The duke created a magnificent landscaped park around the château. Gardens, orchards and large bodies of water were thus located near the château. Around 1620, he had the enchanted islands built.
A building resembling a small château was located on the central island. Pavilions housing statues of Roman gods were built at the four corners of this islet. These four statues represented the activities on the enchanted islands: Mercury for games, Minerva for reading, Bacchus for wine and Venus for small pleasures.

Today, nature has reclaimed its rights and there are not many signs left of this beautiful era... but this natural site is definitely worth a visit !

 Here are the Destination Pornic team's favourites :
  • In early spring, the vegetation awakens; branches crackle, birds sing.
  • When summer arrives, the shade brings beautiful, cool days. At the end of the path, a small clearing appears, revealing the forest's islands. It's the ideal place to take a break in the shade of a tree.
  • In autumn, the trees are adorned with all colours, and the fleeting nature of this moment makes it even more magical. Follow our guide Andréa, an expert on the destination, on an autumn walk through the enchanted islands.
  • As winter approaches, you won't find any pine or fir trees here; the king of trees here is the oak... the small animals of the forest come here to gather provisions in anticipation of leaner days.

 Practical information and useful tips 
  • Access to the enchanted islands of Chaumes-en-Retz is free of charge.
  • A small car park provides access to the site. Please note that during the winter season, it can be a little damp.
  • Small wooden bridges allow you to cross from one island to another. We advise you to follow the marked path.
Extend your visit by exploring the town of Chaumes-en-Retz.
Information
  • TYPE OF SITE :
    • Forest, pine forest
  • NATURAL HERITAGE CATEGORY :
    • Natural area
Equipment/services
  • FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES :
    • Shaded area

Map

Destination
Les îles enchantées
D66
Chéméré
44680
CHAUMES EN RETZ
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 47.13446
Longitude : -1.90857
See The enchanted islands on GoogleMaps
  • Distance from the center (church ) :
    • 18 km. from the center of Pornic
    • 24 km. from the center of la Plaine sur Mer
    • 26 km. from the center of Préfailles
    • 24 km. from the center of Tharon-Plage
    • 13 km. from the center of La Bernerie
    • 14 km. from the center of Les Moutiers
    • 15 km du centre de Bourgneuf
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Contact details
The enchanted islands
D66
Chéméré
44680
CHAUMES EN RETZ
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