A surprising journey by bike between marsh and forest...

BOUCLE N°22 – SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ

With its vast surface area and multitude of natural environments, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is the ideal starting point for cycling outings. To get the festivities off to a good start, loop 22 takes you as close as possible to the Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez forest. You'll follow a wide cycle path along the edge of the forest. A few kilometres further on, the loop takes you into a completely different world, that of the Marais Breton Vendéen. The route takes you along a greenway that cuts right through the heart of the natural environment, offering sweeping views of the forest and wide open spaces. Numerous canals lined with wildlife will pass before your eyes. There's no doubt that the local landscape is alive with different species of bird.

Still in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, the loop then takes you through various districts, including Le Pissot and La Fradinière. This other part of the town is sure to appeal to cyclists. As well as being a particularly peaceful and welcoming place, the area boasts a particularly wooded and well-shaded setting. As part of the Marais Breton Vendéen, it's not unusual to spot typical houses and old farms.

Things to see and do:
- The Bourrinne du Bois Juquaud
- The Mathes battle site
- Sacha and the enchanted tree" treasure hunt
- The forest of Saint Hilaire de Riez

Yours steps

CarteListe

1 From the car park, take the cycle path along the Rue du Château Vieux for 800 m. Once you are opposite the sports hall, cross the road carefully and join the cycle path on the left. Follow this pleasant path along the edge of the forest for 2 km.

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Before entering the Feeling Forest park, turn left onto Chemin de la Parée Préneau for 800m. At the intersection, turn left again. Then cross Avenue Mimosa to join the cycle path. After 500 m, return to the main road, cross the roundabout and turn left into Rue des Loriots. Continue straight ahead along the main road. You will gradually leave the houses behind and enjoy the beautiful expanses of the Marais Doux in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.

3 A few metres further on, take the first turning on the right. The path takes you along the peaceful canals that border the agricultural fields. After 1.6 km, turn left and continue straight ahead for a few metres. At the roundabout, take the second exit on the right.

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At the next junction, cross the dual carriageway and continue straight ahead on the Chemin de Buette aux Rigonneries for 600 m. At the junction, be sure to turn left to avoid shortening the circuit. Follow the Chemin du Bois Rortheau, then the Chemin du Bois Jucaud for 4 km.

5 At the junction, turn left and follow the main road for just over 2 km. Continue straight on for 1 km, then turn left and follow the signs for Chemin de la Belle Etoile. Turn right, then take the first exit on the left, Chemin du Grand Virgourd. At the next crossroads, take the first turning on the right, Chemin les Beaux Pins. Then turn left and return to the Chemin du Bois Jucaud for the last part of the circuit.

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Back at the junction between chemin de Buette aux Rigonneries and chemin du Bois Rortheau, continue your walk (chemin des simples), taking the second exit on your right, along a small path that runs through a small wood, alongside a campsite. At the first intersection, turn right. After 300 m, cross the D83 to join the cycle path. This will take you to the Puits Tarraud roundabout. Make sure you use the cycle lane. Before leaving the roundabout, cross over the pedestrian crossing, then follow the path that will take you to the last two pedestrian crossings (D38) before returning to the starting point.

Points of interest

LES MARAIS SALANTS DE LA VIE

LES MARAIS SALANTS DE LA VIE

ÉGLISE DE SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ

ÉGLISE DE SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ

LE TROU DU DIABLE

LE TROU DU DIABLE

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