LA FORET DE MACHECOUL

This walk will enable you to discover the Machecoul forest massif, with its characteristic flora and rich forest birdlife, not forgetting many rare or endangered insects.

Discontinuous woodland dominated by acidophilous oak stands, with some reforestation alternating with areas of hedged farmland. Characteristic forest flora including some interesting species that are not very common in our region.
The interest of this forest lies above all in the presence of a rich forest avifauna, including several breeding birds of prey that are rare in Pays de la Loire. It is also home to rare or threatened insects (Coleoptera, Odonata, Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera).
This trail is open from April to October.
Canoe-kayak hire at the leisure centre just after crossing the pontoon.

- From the square, head towards the Salle de la Vallée du tenu. Following the yellow signs, turn left towards the Tenu.
- Use the footbridge to cross the river and turn right into rue des Frênes.
- Carefully cross the Route Départementale 87 and continue straight ahead to join Rue de la Forêt.
- Turn right into Rue de la Forêt
- Once you have reached the left-hand bend, at a place called Les Eronces, continue straight ahead on the path heading towards the Forêt de Machecoul.
- At the crossroads, turn left and continue along the path. Be careful to follow the yellow signs, as the forest is mainly dominated by private roads.
- Turn right onto the D73.
- Turn right and follow the road alongside for around 300 metres. Be careful, even if the road is not very busy!
- Turn right onto the route de la forêt
- Go through Le Bonnet Rouge and continue as far as the next junction.
- Turn right and continue as far as la Héronnière.
- Take the small path on the right and return to the crossroads where you will find the original route back to the town hall car park.