DUNE FOREST MARSH CIRCUIT No. 26

1
Departure from the Grande Plage de Sion
At the end of the Grande Plage de Sion parking lot, climb the small sandy path on the right (with the lifeguard station behind you). On your right, you will see the gray dune of Sion, on which you can take a small additional loop. After 60 meters, when you face the roundabout, turn left and take the sandy path along the dune. 100 meters further, admire a viewpoint over the fine sandy beaches of Saint Hilaire de Riez and the embankment of Saint Jean de Monts. You can also see the Sion bunker that has stood facing the ocean since the years 1942 / 1943. Three benches are available to admire the view. Then continue on the sandy path.

10
Plage de Riez
Arriving opposite the Plage de Riez parking lot (picnic tables available), turn right to follow the path between the dune and the parking lot to bypass the motorhome area. Take a right onto Plage de Riez (Access STHIL 14B) and immediately turn left to continue on the Vendée coastal path (ground surface made of bark). You will then cross part of the wooded dune of the Monts Forest.

11
Return to the Grande Plage de Sion
Turning right, you reach the starting point: the Grande Plage de Sion parking lot.

2
Walk along the Sion campsite
After the steep descent, turn right onto the sandy path that runs along the Sion campsite (as a reference, you have the ocean at your back). Continue straight ahead. When you reach the road, opposite the Parée Verte, cross using the pedestrian crossing and continue in the forest. A few meters further, be careful to leave the "main" trail to follow the path that veers slightly to the left. When you see the road, turn left. A few meters further, follow the blue markings and turn right. Arriving at the roundabout and Parée Verte parking lot, take the blue path on the left, which runs along the Parée Verte stadium. 250 meters further, at the small gate, continue straight ahead. At the end of this path called Chemin des Garennes, when you reach the road, turn left onto Chemin de la Faye (Faye means fairy in Maraichin), heading towards the Faye forestry house. Walk along the houses and go around the municipal garden.

3
Walk along the Le Château campsite
Arriving at the sports complex, use the pedestrian crossing to cross the road and continue to the left. At the small roundabout opposite the sports complex, turn right (with the sports complex behind you) onto Rue du Vieux Château. Walk on the shared path with bicycles, while passing the Le Château ***** campsite, then turn left onto Chemin du Pas du Marais. A few meters further, turn left (towards the sign announcing the end of the town of Saint Hilaire de Riez).

4
The Sweet Marshes
Continue on the path alongside the Le Château ***** campsite. You then arrive in the marshes and continue the trail (parallel to D38 on your right) where you can admire the diverse fauna and flora. You might be lucky enough to see coypus, herons, egrets, and other animals of this natural space.

5
Cour de Baisse
Turn left onto the Cour de Baisse path. Along the way, don’t hesitate to stop to admire the Cour de Baisse located on your left. Then continue the original trail. At the end of the Cour de Baisse path, when you reach the road opposite the Villas des Pins, turn left and follow the road. You will pass in front of Camping du Domaine des Pins, then Camping les Chouans.

6
Avenue de la Faye
At Dino's Park, cross the road using the pedestrian crossing and take the sandy path on the right that goes up above and along Dino's Park. In season, you can take a break at the Dino's Park snack bar (crepes and waffles). Leave the path that seems "main" and turn left onto the uphill path. At the crossroads of the four paths, take the right one that goes up. Stay right and continue on the main axis through the magnificent pine forest. Turn right, then at the crossroads of the four paths, continue straight. At the end of the path when facing the road, take the small alley on the left and follow the road. Slightly turn left to continue on the main axis. 50 meters further, you reach the road and turn right onto Avenue des Mimosas. Continue straight along Avenue des Mimosas.

7
Cross and take the path in the forest
At 38 Avenue des Mimosas, just before the Vent d'Eden hotel restaurant, take the pedestrian crossing and the trail opposite that goes into the forest. After some tough climbs and a staircase, you arrive at a beautiful panoramic viewpoint over the dune. Be careful, when descending, the steps may be dangerous. Continue on the path.

8
The White Dune of Sion
At the end of the path, turn left onto the sandy trail and follow for several kilometers along the foot of the coastal dunes.

9
LA PARÉE PRÉNEAU
Once you reach the beach access of La Parée Préneau STHIL13B, continue straight on the alley crossing the parking lot of the Plage de la Parée Préneau.