The Sentier des Cigognes is an out-and-back trail from the plan d’eau de la Côte in Cordemais to the ruins of Château du Goust in Malville. Marsh wildlife can be seen along the way. The Sentier du Bois Renard and the Sentier du Tertre also offer two hiking trails with specified distances, durations and difficulty levels. This makes it possible to discover Malville through three different highlights: a route to a historic destination, an easier and shorter hike, and a longer, moderately difficult trail.
Getting there and finding your way
The RN165 runs through Malville; the town is equidistant from Nantes and Saint-Nazaire. Those planning to travel by road can use both a specific road route and the equal distance from the two cities as a guide. Road conditions and journey times may vary; check current conditions when planning your trip. Once there, hiking trails and culture offer different reasons to stay.
Hiking: two time options
The Sentier du Bois Renard is an easy 6.5 km hiking trail that takes 1 hour 30 minutes. It follows shaded paths and farm tracks, passing cultivated fields and pastures and crossing a small, preserved woodland. Its distance, duration and difficulty rating provide a concrete framework for planning your day. Route details may change; check local conditions before setting out.
The Sentier du Tertre is a moderately difficult 11.4 km hiking trail that takes 2 hours 50 minutes. Compared with the Bois Renard, it is 4.9 km longer and takes 1 hour 20 minutes longer; it is also rated moderate rather than easy. It starts at the Chaillereaux car park, at the junction of the D17 and D90 in Malville. This makes it easy to compare the two routes’ time and difficulty profiles directly. Allow time for getting there and taking breaks in addition to the stated duration.
Château du Goust
The visible remains of Château du Goust include a drawbridge, a defensive tower, moats, the courtyard of honour, an impluvium and an imposing main building that is still standing. The ruins are listed in the register of historic monuments. They can be discovered at any time of year on a walk through the marshes. Entry inside is not permitted.
Culture at Espace Thalweg
The Café-Théâtre de l’Espace Thalweg hosts music, conferences, film screenings and object theatre performances. The venue hosts four cultural highlights each year; dates and programme details change. If you are planning a particular event as part of your trip, check Malville’s current calendar. While the ruins can be discovered at any time of year on a walk through the marshes, attending a specific cultural event depends on the current programme.
Discover more destinations: Louisfert, Guémené-Penfao, La Chapelle-Basse-Mer, Gétigné, Fercé, Héric, La Baule-Escoublac, Vue.
For the wider travel guide: Loire-Atlantique.
