Discover Vertou

Vertou can be explored through several clearly distinct themes: a short cultural and historical loop in the centre, longer routes along the Sèvre and through wine-growing landscapes, and activities centred on water, heritage and Muscadet. If you are looking for a hotel in Vertou, you can plan your stay around whether you have in mind a compact local walk, a longer route or a specific cultural or wine-related visit.

Walking routes with different highlights

The Cœur-de-Ville trail is a 2 km, one-hour cultural and historical walking tour through the centre of Vertou. It takes in monuments and squares and recounts historical anecdotes. Its duration sets it apart from the longer trails: the Mottechaix–Rousselière trail is 13.3 km long and runs on both sides of the Sèvre. Its focus is the river’s former uses and Vertou’s natural heritage.

The Ramée–Ville-au-Blanc loop is 11.9 km long and passes through natural and cultural landscapes between villages, vineyards and the Sèvre. At 10 km, the loop around Portillon is shorter than those two routes, but considerably longer than the walk through the centre. It runs from the village of Portillon via Parc du Loiry to Coteau du Chêne, highlighting Vertou’s plant and river heritage. You can compare the stated distances and highlights when planning your outings.

The river and getting around

The Club de Canoë Kayak de Vertou offers canoeing on the Sèvre nantaise. For active day trips or family outings, the club rents canoes and kayaks for one to four people. Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent at the Base de loisirs du Loiry. Rental periods range from one hour to a full day, and availability varies by season.

Cycling routes also have different points of reference: the municipality has more than 30 km of cycling infrastructure for getting around within its boundaries. The Vélidéale passes along Route de la Ville Bachelier to the former village of Portillon, which has remarkable architectural heritage. When planning, you can therefore choose between water activities, routes within the municipality and a specific section of the Vélidéale.

History at the Chaussée des Moines

The Chaussée des Moines originated as a ford built around the year 1000 by Benedictine monks from Saint-Martin-de-Vertou Abbey. The weir, lock and mills were added later. The weir maintains an upstream water level high enough for navigation as far as Monnières and Château-Thébaud. The Vertou lock is still in operation; if your plans depend on its use, check its current operating status in advance.

Exhibitions and Muscadet

The Moulin Gautron hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists every year. For specific dates, check the current exhibition calendar. At Château de La Frémoire, you can taste the ten municipal Muscadet appellations. Information about wines from the Nantes area and a map of the wine-growing region are also available there. The visitor offer is seasonal; check current opening dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Grandchamps-Des-Fontaines, Marsac-Sur-Don, Saint-Nazaire, Pontchâteau, Mésanger, La Baule-Escoublac, La Chapelle-Launay, Saint-Julien-De-Concelles.

For the overview of the wider area: Loire-Atlantique.