Nature trail: observe, understand and see the Loire differently The quayside is lined with panels devoted to Paimbœuf’s past, its history and its former port activity. Now, as they walk along the Loire from the end of the pine forest to the lighthouse, walkers from Paimbœuf and further afield can discover a different kind of signpost marking out their stroll, with educational stops on the estuary, its flora and fauna, the environment and the ecosystem. Five panels punctuate the route, with the following themes: the estuary foreshore and mudflats, which are essential nature reserves for many species (birds, shellfish, marine insects, etc.), the history of La Pierre de la Loire and the history of the estuary.); the history of the Pierre à l’Œil, an ancient beacon on the Loire, and the successive shaping of the banks over the last few centuries; the common or remarkable trees that cover the commune; the area of major interest represented by the reedbeds on the north bank for the role they play in preserving the environment and bird migrations; and lastly, the fishing industry in its traditional past and the most common species encountered in the estuary (from shad to lamprey, pike-perch to elver). The clear, educational texts are accompanied by descriptive, entertaining and attractive illustrations, a summary translated into English and games for children and their parents. In addition to these five stations, an orientation table located on the shore, near the Pierre à l’Œil, provides a 180° overview of the panorama stretching from the Saint-Nazaire bridge in the west to the flares of the Donges complex in the east, including an identification of the Montoir plants and the main Loire terminals. A games booklet is available free of charge from the Paimboeuf tourist office. For children aged 5 to 12, it’s a great way to learn while you play.