Between land and sea, just a stone's throw from our open-air hotel in Pornic, the Haute-Perche canal meanders quietly through a wild landscape. This 14 km-long canal, unlike any other, hides many surprises. Whether on foot, by bike or in a kayak, it's the perfect place to slow down and breathe.
You'll come across traditional fisheries, admire changing reflections, walk along shady paths and discover soothing landscapes. Whether on foot, by bike or in the water, the canal invites you to unwind and marvel.
Here, we breathe. We slow down. We get closer to what makes us feel alive.e. A philosophy in total harmony with that of the Slow Village open-air hotels !
In the heart of the Loire-Atlantique region, this peaceful waterway has linked the land to the ocean for centuries. Along its trails, each circuit becomes a journey in itself, through discreet heritage and nature-lined paths.
The Haute-Perche canal isn't just a straight line. It undulates, it moves, it lives. From Arthon-en-Retz to the port of Pornic, it follows its own rhythm, between marshes, bocage and woods.
Once an essential commercial artery, the river has seen the passage of barges loaded with tiles, wood or wine. When the wind was right, it was sailed, rowed or even pole-axed, the long rod used to push boats through calm, shallow waters. That's where its name comes from: a canal that man has dug, widened and regulated to adapt to navigation.
To walk, cycle or paddle here is to immerse yourself in the history of the area. The history of trade in the past, of the fishermen who have always lived here, of crazy projects like that of the Marquis who dreamed of linking Pornic to Buzay. Since then, the soul of the Haute-Perche canal has remained unchanged: it retains this discreet link with the past, while revealing a deeply soothing present.
To follow the rhythm of the canal is to set off on a peaceful journey to the heart of the Loire-Atlantique region. Each walk or bike ride bike along the waterway becomes a truly soothing moment.
From the very first meters, the Haute-Perche canal reveals a changing landscape. On foot or by bike, the path follows its gentle curves through meadows, undergrowth, market gardens and ancient calvaries. Here, noise fades, landscapes open up, and you let yourself be guided by light shadows and seasonal scents.
From Pornic harbor, a 12 km footpath loops from Pont du Clion to Val Saint Martin, in a peaceful setting.
For a shorter version, the Haute-Perche circuit (5 km), starting from the village of the same name, takes you through sunken lanes and countryside, between hedgerows and bocage. It's a pleasant year-round hiking loop, to be enjoyed at your own pace.
The stabilized paths around the Haute-Perche canal are ideal for cycling, either on your own or with the whole family. From Pornic, you can follow the canal all the way to the village of Haute-Perche in complete peace and quiet. Sea Bike and Sun offers classic or electric rentals for a day of gentle exploration. There's no goal here, just the pleasure of enjoying the scenery.
In the heart of the Loire-Atlantique region, this tranquil waterway is transformed into a floating trail. As you paddle along, each kayak departure invites you to discover the surrounding landscapes from a new angle.
A change of perspective is sometimes all it takes to feel differently. Kayaking on the Haute-Perche canal reveals its true personality. The water carries you slowly through the bocage, the leaves sometimes close around you, sounds become more muffled and details more precise.
As you cruise along the Haute-Perche canal, you may come across glimmering dragonflies, kingfishers, coypu and other shifting reflections. And sometimes there's absolute silence. All you'll hear is the gentle sound of a paddle, the sigh of the wind in the trees and the lapping of a world that lives discreetly.
The kayak trip lasts two hours and is supervised by Florent from Kayak Nomade. It's open to anyone aged 6 and over, and for anyone who can swim. All necessary equipment is provided on board, including a windbreaker if required. On arrival, a few photos, a non-alcoholic aperitif, and that rare feeling of having experienced a true moment of communion with nature and reconnection with oneself!
The Haute-Perche Canal, in the heart of the Loire-Atlantique region, does everything it can to help you slow down. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, and enter a circuit filled with nature, silence and small wonders.
The Haute-Perche Canal is more than just a walking route. It's a different way of being there, more present, slower. It's a space apart, where time seems suspended.
This peaceful, gentle, natural atmosphere is exactly what you'll find at Slow Village open-air hotels. By choosing a stay nearby, you can extend the experience: comfortable accommodation, immersion in the landscape, respect for the environment and a taste for the present moment. Another way to travel, with a clear conscience and no frills.
Walking along the canal, pedaling through the countryside, gliding on the water or simply sitting back and watching: everything becomes an experience. There's no busy schedule here. Just the freedom to really be here. The canal becomes a travelling companion, a breath of fresh air. A place to experience, slowly, with curiosity and lightness.
To make the most of your trip to the Haute-Perche Canal, here are the essentials to remember.
The Haute-Perche canal embodies everything Slow Village stands for: preserved nature, a calmer pace, simple emotions. Here, we walk, paddle, contemplate... and breathe deeply!
During your stay at Slow Village Pornic, take the Douaniers trail and let yourself be seduced by the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast for a unique immersion in the heart of the coastline.
During your vacation at Slow Village Pornic, in northwest France, take time to explore the beautiful beaches of this corner of the Loire-Atlantique region (Pays de la Loire), and in particular the plage des Sablons.
Between secluded coves and lively beaches, Pornic offers a varied coastline where everyone can find a corner of paradise to relax or swim.
Dreaming of an unforgettable seaside getaway? Let yourself be seduced by Pornic, the jewel in the crown of the Côte de Jade, in the Loire Atlantique region, a pleasant town where people take the time to live and relax.
The markets around Pornic are a must for strolling among fresh produce, local crafts and a friendly atmosphere during your vacation.
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