CIRCUIT DE LA FONTAINE

Discover the river the Boivre on this loop of 17 km.

A 17km walking and cycling loop through rural heritage, pretty shady paths and watering holes.

The La Fontaine trail starts in the market town of Saint-Père-en-Retz to discover the washhouse built in 1871, then heads towards the Conservatoire des Vieux Métiers and its bread oven. It then takes you along country lanes to La Grutière, where you will pass by the Lancaster crash stele. On 2 April 1943, a British bomber was shot down here by the Germans, killing seven people.
You will also pass the Coquelinière fountain, from which this walking trail takes its name, and you may catch a glimpse of one of the many manor houses to be found in the surrounding villages (La Giraudais, Le Mottay, La Gruais), testifying to the area's former influence. In this typical Pays de Retz bocage landscape, where nature surrounds you, the Boivre stream, once navigable, is revealed.
At the end of your walk, enjoy the Grand Fay lake, set in a pleasant green setting with picnic tables and children's play areas.

A pleasant route for mountain bikes, suitable all year round.

Don't miss the local producers right next door, who will open their doors to you and treat you to delicious produce sold direct from the farm!
The Goguillais farm shop, organic bread and vegetables at the Mondalin market and cheeses from the Pont Caillaud farm are all just a few minutes' cycle away.