Trails in Loire-Atlantique

Between the banks of the Loire, the seaside trails on the Atlantic, the vast forest and salt marsh areas, let's say the 44 is rather well equipped for nature and trail enthusiasts... Once you've explored Nantes and its cultural treasures, especially the island, we suggest you make a detour to the small fishing village of Trentemoult, a timeless place! You won't regret it, we promise. Then follow the Loire to Saint-Nazaire and head towards Morbihan via the Côte d'Amour which truly lives up to its name: welcome to Croisic, Pornichet, La Baule, or even the salt marshes of the bay of Guérande 😍. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its diverse fauna 🦩 and flora 🌻. Also, enjoy the local gastronomic culture: there are quite a few vineyards 🍷 in Loire-Atlantique. Who doesn't know the tasty hillsides of the Loire? In the northwest of the department, the Regional Natural Park of Brière is a prominent natural site 🌳. 270 bird species 🪶 have been recorded around Lac de Grand-Lieu, the largest natural plain lake in France. The surrounding nature reserve is undoubtedly a perfect place for a run 🏃🏼‍♀️! After the Camargue, it's the largest French bird sanctuary 🇫🇷, enough to give you wings... If you decide to head inland following the Loire to its source (located in Ardèche, at Sainte-Eulalie, in the Massif Central), you'll find the Land of Ancenis along the way. And for a runner who loves nature, you'll see it's the perfect place 🥰. Take a break in Oudon and its three castles 🏰. This small village offers magnificent views of the Loire. On the coast, there are other villages worth visiting. Piriac-sur-Mer, La Turballe, or Pornic are renowned among epicureans. Heading towards Vendée, a southern neighboring department, the Baie de Bourgneuf, formerly Baie de Brittany, and its coastline await your impressive strides. Indeed.

So, what's the agenda for trail races in Loire-Atlantique? How about honoring this land of vineyards by participating in the Trail du Vignoble Nantais? Through the vineyards around Vertou, you can enjoy a race that has been maturing like fine wine since 2008! An ultra trail and a night run are notably on the agenda for this event, which promises to be highly festive... The Castle of Clisson is part of the postcard image offered by the Trail des Trois Provinces. Many races are planned during this event, with discovery trails and short trails allowing everyone to participate. Enough to organize a great weekend with family 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 and friends. The Trail from Nantes to Montaigu is clear in its objective: a point-to-point race that's serious business, featuring a high-quality ultra trail. All in support of a charitable cause, your efforts will have meaning... We also like the Trail de Mauves en Vert for its junior race and walk. The course offers another castle to its participants. Apparently, the department hasn't waited until the 20th century to be appreciated... So much culture and monuments to discover in Loire-Atlantique!

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