The lake of Grand-Lieu, located south-west of Nantes in Loire-Atlantique, is characterized by its very fluctuating surface during the year. In winter, the lake doubles in size. It then becomes the largest natural plain lake in France, sometimes exceeding 6,500 hectares. Due to its lush vegetation, its fluctuating water level and its classification as a nature reserve, it is often difficult to find access to the lake. In this article, we offer two unmissable viewpoints with free access to admire it and take a walk nearby.
La Chevrolière
The former fishing village, Passay, offers walking access to Lake Grand Lieu in all seasons. In winter, it is in the immediate vicinity of the Place des Pêcheurs that the breathtaking view of the lake is offered to you. If you wish, continue your way by a short and very pleasant walk alternating a wooded part and small streets of the fishing village.
If you are passing through on a sunny afternoon, do not hesitate to stay until sunset. At that time, the birds are more active, and the reflections and lights of the end of the day offer a marvelous view.
Do not hesitate to visit la Maison des pécheur with its panoramic tower which gives you a magnificent view of the lake.
L'Observatoire Ornithologique à Passay
En été, profitez de l’Observatoire Ornithologique de Passay, installé de mai à octobre au coeur de la réserve naturelle, est un lieu privilégié pour observer la variété d’espèces qui y séjournent. En tant que deuxième réserve ornithologique de France après la Camargue, de nombreux oiseaux migrateurs viennent s’y installer. Une visite à réaliser à deux moments de l’année : au printemps pour observer les oiseaux nicheurs et à l’automne pour les hivernants.
Saint Lumine de Coutais
In winter, the town of Saint Lumine de Coutais, to the south-west of the lake, offers magnificent and wide views over the flooded marshes of Lake Grand Lieu. When the lake reaches its maximum surface (generally from January to April), it can be approached by following the road from "the Grand Port canal" to the village of "La Tuilerie", then "Salette" to the place called “Malsaine”.
To see the lake and all of its landscapes from above, it is also possible to climb to the top of the bell tower of the Saint-Léobin church (in Saint Lumine de Coutais). Once the 158 steps have been climbed, you arrive at 40 meters above the ground, the highest point of view on the protected nature reserve.