This stage marks the return to the ocean after the inland crossing. Starting from Nantes, the route follows the Loire toward its estuary before turning onto the Vendée coastline, passing through the Nantes vineyard area and its well-known appellations along the way.
Once on the coast, it’s due south along the Vendée beaches, with stretches through coastal forest that shelter you effectively from the wind — a real contrast with the wide-open spaces of the estuary.
Saint-Jean-de-Monts, a long family-friendly seaside resort, offers a good choice of accommodation for the night before continuing on to Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Distance shown is indicative for this leg.