Notre-Dame-de-Riez: Marshland and Heritage

Notre-Dame-de-Riez brings together the paths and waterways of the Riez marshes with traces of local history. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the area, you can plan around two interests: spending time in the marshland or discovering its menhirs and church.

Walking trails, marshland and waterways

The Sentier des Gruettes is a walking trail through the freshwater marshes of Notre-Dame-de-Riez. It is marked as trail number 22 and features information panels about the marsh’s fauna and flora. The trail therefore highlights not only the landscape but also its animal and plant life.

The Boucle n°18 offers a different way to get around. It follows the Chemin de l'Ile for 1.5 km through the heart of the Riez marshes. Trees and reeds line the route, and numerous canals offer views across open expanses. Compared with the Sentier des Gruettes, the main difference is the mode of travel: the Sentier is designated as a walking trail, while the Boucle is associated with cycling. The natural features described also differ: the Sentier focuses on panels about fauna and flora, while the Boucle highlights reeds, canals and open expanses.

Access to the trail along the Ligneron on the Boucle n°18 can be difficult in winter or on rainy days. Check conditions before setting out if you plan to take this route. A walking path follows the banks of the Ligneron to the Portes Notre Dame. There is also a signposted footpath through the Riez marshes, where you can explore the local plant life.

After the small bridge over the Ligneron, there is a children’s playground and picnic tables. Freshwater fishing is possible on both the Vie and the Ligneron. These details add two more aspects of the local area to the trail options: facilities by the river and an activity on the two waterways.

Water management is also part of the landscape: the Portes Notre Dame lock has regulated sea levels since 1938. Beyond the lock, the marshes extend as far as the Soullandeau peninsula.

Menhirs and church history

The Menhir dit La Pierre-au-Trésor-de-la-Triée is a Neolithic menhir in Notre-Dame-de-Riez. It has been classified as a historic monument since 12 May 1924. A menhir is an upright stone from prehistoric times; its dating places this monument in the Neolithic period. The Menhir du Pré Doux in Notre-Dame-de-Riez is also classified as a historic monument; it was likewise protected on 12 May 1924. Both named menhirs therefore share the same protection date.

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption was built between 1888 and 1889. It has fourteen Stations of the Cross, admired by visitors. Its construction period and the stations offer two specific ways to explore the local church history.

Summer festival in the town

The Sardinade is a summer festival in Notre-Dame-de-Riez. The festivities include a show and fireworks, and end with a folk dance. If you would like to plan your trip around the Sardinade, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Le Boupère, Saint-Vincent-Sur-Jard, La Ferriere, Saint-Vincent-Sterlanges, Poiroux, Mervent, Puyravault, Mouilleron-Le-Captif.

For the broader travel overview: Vendée.