weekend hiking near Nantes : View of the vineyards and Goulaine marshes from the Butte de la RocheThe day begins at a snail’s pace, on the Circuit des Marches de Vendée loop starting in Vieillevigne. On the edge of the vineyards, this 12km trail links history and nature. Shady woods, sunken lanes, traces of the Vendée’s military past… Each step takes you into a peaceful landscape.
Hiking weekend near Nantes: Les Marches de Vendée loop circuit at VieillevignePut your rucksack down at the Lac des Vallées in Vieillevigne. Set up your picnic on the banks. The water sparkles, the trees dance in the wind and the air is soft. A simple break, in tune with the rhythm of life.
Hiking weekend near Nantes: Les Marches de Vendée loop circuit at VieillevigneThe afternoon will take you to the GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine – Boucle du Vignoble. From Montaigu, you reach Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine. The paths wind through open woodland and ancient vineyards. A gentle itinerary punctuated by views over the valleys of the Maine.
Weekend hiking near Nantes : GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine, vineyard loop, at Aigrefeuille
Hiking weekend near Nantes : GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine, vineyard loop, on the banks of the Maine river
Weekend hiking near Nantes : GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine, vineyard loop, at Aigrefeuille
Hiking weekend near Nantes : GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine, vineyard loop, on the banks of the Maine riverOn arrival, treat yourself to a well-deserved break. A local table, a glass of homemade grape juice or, if you feel like it, a glass of Muscadet* to mark the end of the first day.
*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
The second day begins on the GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine – Boucle du Vignoble, from Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine to Château-Thébaud. The path alternates between sloping vineyards and cool undergrowth. At times, the river approaches, creating small bridges and passageways set between the trees. The light glides through the leaves, illuminating this path through the valleys.
Hiking weekend near Nantes: hiking break with views over the vines and the maine valley at Pont Caffino on the GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine Boucle du Vignoble (vineyard loop)
Hiking weekend near Nantes: hiking break with views over the vines and the maine valley at Pont Caffino on the GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine Boucle du Vignoble (vineyard loop)
Hiking weekend near Nantes: hiking break with views over the vines and the maine valley at Pont Caffino on the GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine Boucle du Vignoble (vineyard loop)
Hiking weekend near Nantes: hiking break with views over the vines and the maine valley at Pont Caffino on the GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine Boucle du Vignoble (vineyard loop)Extend your morning at Domaine Poiron Dabin, where a sensory experience awaits you. The estate’s team offers you a walk among the vines, punctuated by a picnic among the grape varieties. A simple way to combine walking and local flavours.
Last stop: the Moulins and Ouen loop. Along the way, theButte de la Roche offers an unforgettable panorama of the Goulaine marshes and surrounding vineyards. The ground is changing, and so is the air. In the distance, a flock of birds comes to life above the water. A final breath of unspoilt nature, before bringing your stay to a close.
weekend hiking near Nantes : View of the vineyards and Goulaine marshes from the Butte de la Roche
Weekend hike near Nantes : The Ouen bridge over the Goulaine marshes 
Weekend hike near Nantes: view of the vineyards and the Goulaine marshes from the Butte de la Roche
The Goulaine marshesThe weekend draws to a close in the peace and quiet of the marshes. Weather permitting, stay a while on the Butte de la Roche for a sunset over the horizon.
Daylight slowly fades, bathing the mirrored waters in golden light. The wind suspends its breath, the reeds whisper. Time seems to stand still here. You sit down, perhaps silently, to savour this suspended end to the day. In front of you, the sky is ablaze, turning from copper to mauve. It’s a simple moment, but a deeply vibrant one, to close your weekend walking tour of the Vignoble Nantais.
Weekend hike near Nantes: views over the vineyards, the Loire Valley and the city of Nantes
Weekend hike near Nantes: views over the vineyards, the Loire Valley and the city of NantesMagnificent hike! A bit sporty though, so it’s best to be well shod. There are a few natural obstacles to overcome, such as stones and tree trunks. Some steep sections to get your heart pumping. Very little tarmac. A feast for the eyes!
Family hiking weekend: Murmures de Rochers family trail At the gateway to Nantes, the Vignoble Nantais offers a patchwork of trails between vineyards, forests and marshes. The routes of the GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine and our hiking trails provide the ideal backdrop for a weekend of hiking in the fresh air, combining nature, culture and local produce.
Yes, perfectly. The Vignoble Nantais favours gentle walking: well-marked paths, reasonable gradients and regular rest stops. You can also reduce the number of kilometres walked in a weekend by taking advantage of public transport to get from one destination to another. It’s an ideal area for a beginner’s introduction to hiking, while enjoying a peaceful and varied environment. The perfect balance between effort and contemplation.
Yes, and that’s one of the pleasures of the Vignoble Nantais. A number of wine estates offer tasting breaks or visits to the heart of the vineyards. An authentic way to combine walking, local produce and local encounters.
*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
