Saint-Mars-De-Coutais has marked hiking trails, historic buildings and destinations for cycling trips. The Tour du Lac de Grand Lieu passes through the commune; the château and chapel are historic buildings. The Ferme de Grand Lieu and the Fromagerie Beillevaire are accessible by bicycle.

Hiking trails and seasonal variations

The four hiking trails registered in Saint-Mars-De-Coutais are consistently marked with standardized signs. This provides consistent guidance along the trails; check individual markers on site. The Tour du Lac de Grand Lieu passes through nine communes, including Saint-Mars-De-Coutais. Its two local sections are each about 13 km long in both the summer and winter versions. This gives both seasonal versions the same approximate local trail length as a point of comparison. Check the seasonal route before setting out. The reference to nine communes describes the course of the entire route; the approximately 13 km, by contrast, applies to each of the two local sections in Saint-Mars-De-Coutais.

A circular trail with app-based clues

The Marais de Grand-Lieu circular trail can be explored as a treasure hunt using the Baludik smartphone app. Clues and content unlocked at individual stops structure the exploration into stages. If you enjoy solving clues along the way and receiving information gradually, this app-based format is an option alongside the trails with standardized signage. Check whether Baludik is available before your trip.

Château and chapel

The Château de Saint-Mars-de-Coutais has been listed as a historic monument since November 23, 1982. The protected features include the façades and roofs. The Chapelle des Couëtis is a small historic building between fields and a forest. It is one of the oldest buildings in the commune and the last chapel in Saint-Mars-De-Coutais. An application to establish a chaplaincy for the chapel dates from 1497. The historical points of reference therefore differ: for the château, the focus is on its protection and listing date; for the chapel, on its location, age and the application relating to a chaplaincy.

Cycling destinations and the Tenu

The Vélo & Fromage route makes it possible to visit the Ferme de Grand Lieu by bicycle. It is about 1.4 km from the town center. The Fromagerie Beillevaire is also accessible by bicycle; it is about 2.9 km from the train station. The distances are measured from different starting points: the town center and the train station. If you are planning a bike ride, make sure to match each distance to its respective starting point. Also check the producers’ visiting arrangements before setting out.

The Parc des Versènes is located on the Tenu in Saint-Mars-De-Coutais.

Discover more destinations: Soulvache, Issé, Vieillevigne, Saint-Colomban, Frossay, Teillé, Trignac, Campbon

For the wider travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.