Saint-Père-En-Retz: Trails, Nature and Cultural Heritage

The options differ in length and theme. This lets you consider whether to include an accessible walk, a longer route or cultural sites in your travel plans.

Circular Trails and Longer Routes

The circular trail around the Étang du Grand Fay is 1.5 km long and fully accessible. It offers families with pushchairs and people with reduced mobility a peaceful, safe walk. The Plan d’eau du Grand Fay is set in green surroundings. There is also a jetty at Grand Fay for people with reduced mobility. Check locally before you travel to find out about accessibility facilities. As accessible facilities may change, also check the jetty’s current status before setting out.

Two routes with different designations are available for longer outings. The 17 km Circuit de la Fontaine is a circular walking route that starts in the town centre. It passes a washhouse built in 1871 and continues towards the Conservatoire des vieux métiers and its bread oven. The 19 km Circuit de la Roche Govi is designated for walking and cycling, and starts and ends in Saint-Père-en-Retz. Based on the stated distances, the Fontaine circuit is 2 km shorter; Roche Govi is explicitly designated as a cycle route as well. The length and course of the Fontaine route may change, so it is advisable to check the latest route details before setting off.

The Circuit de la Roche Govi passes a restored washhouse and continues to the Conservatoire des vieux métiers. The route also goes through the Boivre marshland, with wet meadows and numerous birds. A picnic area lies along the route at the Étang du Pont Neuf. The family information leaflet “Ouvre l'œil” introduces some of the bird species found there and the landscapes the route passes through. A 7 km link connects the Circuit de la Roche Govi to Saint-Brevin and the sea. Before visiting, check the route details and information about the picnic area, as routes and facilities along the way may change.

Cultural Heritage and History

The Conservatoire des vieux métiers displays a total of 3,200 tools across 1,500 m², recalling the work of times gone by; some are animated. Group visits are available throughout the year by prior appointment. If you are planning a group visit, book in advance. Access information may change.

Saint-Père-en-Retz was built on the site of an ancient Roman station, whose port was located on an étier of the Boivre. Local heritage also includes the Menhir de la Roche-Govi: this granite menhir is 4.20 metres high. A permanent heritage trail invites visitors to discover the heritage of Saint-Père-en-Retz.

Landscape and Regional Context

In the wider Pays de Retz travel area, the Circuit de la Fontaine passes through typical bocage countryside alongside the Boivre stream. The Boivre was once navigable. You can round out your itinerary with a look at the landscape and the waterway’s former use in the wider travel area.

Market Under the Covered Market

Les Jeudis des Halles is a weekly market of local producers held under the covered market on Place du Marché. The market started on 17 September 2026. Stalls offer fruit and vegetables, cheese, sourdough bread, eggs and honey. Check before your visit to see whether the market is currently running.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Mars-Du-Désert, Pornichet, Petit-Mars, Montbert, Besné, Ruffigné, Saint-André-Des-Eaux, Fresnay-En-Retz

For the wider travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.