SENTIER DES DOUANIERS - De Saint-Nazaire à Pornichet

In Saint-Nazaire, the Chemin des douaniers, or coastal path, offers magnificent views and an unsuspected walk between Saint-Nazaire and Pornichet.

Along the way, you'll come across numerous fishing huts, typical of the Atlantic coast and the stuff of many a walker's dreams!

This "balcony overlooking the sea" is pure enchantment, with its scents of resin and broom, its immense maritime pines and holm oaks adding a Mediterranean touch.

Although the official starting point for the GR®34 is the bridge at Saint-Nazaire, close to the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyards, you can also set off from a number of other places, including Place du Commando in Saint-Nazaire, from Villes Martin beach or near Kerlédé beach.

The walk from Place du Commando to Sainte-Marguerite beach in Pornichet takes around 3 hours. For the less sporty, you can also stop off at Monsieur Hulot beach to take the U3 or U2 bus back to Saint-Nazaire town centre (approximately a 1.5-hour walk and a 15-minute bus ride back).

The gradient can be quite steep at times, and there are a few steps along the way. Make sure you wear suitable clothing and good shoes, and why not bring your swimming costume? The route is very shady, and you can even take a dip between two sections!