Le Croisic is a coastal town of Loire-Atlantique, in Pays de la Loire region, located on the peninsula of Guérande, about 25 km from Saint-Nazaire.
Until the 9th century, Le Croisic was an island. However, the communal territory is now connected to the continent by a narrow isthmus: apart from this strip of a few hundred meters, its 450 hectares of area are surrounded by the ocean.
If south of the Croisic, the coast is formed of granite cliffs, in the north, it is low and constitutes a gentle slope towards traicts (sea arm feeding the salt marshes). It was there that the port was established.
Already occupied during Prehistory, the commune was appreciated as a strategic point by the Romans before its maritime activity (fishing, surveillance of the coast) does not assure a certain prosperity to him. In 1759, off the Croisic, at the Battle of the Cardinals, the French fleet was defeated by the British during the Seven Years' War.
Surrounded by tourism since the 19th century, protecting its exceptional natural environment and its historical heritage while maintaining an economic activity linked to fishing, Le Croisic (about 4,100 inhabitants) is more than ever a popular seaside resort.
Le Croisic owns some 60 old houses in the old town (notably on the quay facing the port), combining wooden and carved stone, dating for some of the 15th to 17th century and sometimes classified (house Le Bouistre, house André) A historical and architectural heritage to be included in a visit.
This is the case of the menhir of Pierre Longue, moved on the seafront after the second war, the manor of Kervaudu (XVe), the Hotel d'Aiguillon (XVIIe) or the former fort of the Barrière Transformed into a manor house of Pen Castel (XIXth), now transformed into center of stays for children. You will not forget the Vigie de la Romaine or the Fort de l'Océan (converted into a hotel), in neo-Gothic style, which testify to the military installations of yesteryear.
Some mills also remain.
Religiously, the Notre-Dame de Pitié church (15th and 16th century) dominates the port with its 56-meter lantern tower. Inside, in flamboyant Gothic style, one will observe several statues and classified pictures.
Dating from the same period, the chapel of the Crucifix in granite which served as a powder magazine or the picturesque chapel of Saint-Goustan.
Finally, the lighthouse of the Tréhic (1869) and the lighthouse of the Plateau du Four (1816) and the Kurun, a pleasure boat that traveled around the world after the Second World War, is based at the port.
The municipality has set up two hiking trails that allow the majority of these sites to be included, not to mention the important natural protected areas classified for their flora and fauna. Information on +33 2 40 23 00 70.
Other walks possible in a verdant setting: the Chapleau garden (typical of the old closed gardens where orchards and perennials are mixed, open from April to September), the Stéphane Jan garden (temporary exhibitions in the adjoining house), Mount Esprit An artificial hill with a belvedere), Mount Lenigo or the park of Penn Avel (9 hectares, with wooded areas) and the garden of the Town Hall.
Obviously to enjoy the beaches (nautical activities... and idleness). The beach of Port Lin is the main city on the south coast, but one must also mention the beach of Saint-Goustan (supervised in July and August), the Bay of Castouillet (protected by rocks, conducive to fishing On foot), the Crucifix Bay and its fine sand and the Sable Menu Bay, enjoyed by families, on the wild coast.
For sea trips on a boat driven by a professional, please call +33 2 40 23 00 70.
For the kayak or paddle, please call +33 6 15 60 64 92.
As for surfing fans, they should contact the +33 6 83 81 12 07.
An introduction to the joys of diving is also possible: join +33 2 40 62 91 83.
Knowing the joys of fishing at sea on a suitable boat is also an opportunity (group of 4 people minimum). Contact +33 6 23 22 71 14. Attention, if you wish to fish on foot (at low tide), you need to know the legal provisions (on the size of fish and crustaceans). Information on +33 2 40 23 06 56.
For sailing (in all its forms), the club Valentin is impossible to circumvent. Join the +33 2 40 23 85 28.
In a different way, the golf of Le Croisic is renowned for its course and its atmosphere evoking Scotland. Information on +33 2 40 23 14 60.
On holiday, open all year, the Océarium allows to discover hundreds of marine species. To visit with family! For more information, please call +33 2 40 23 02 44.
Focusing on the potential offered by the sea, the salt marshes and the environment in general, the Croisic marine farm is also very popular with young and old. Information on +33 2 40 23 00 70.
For gourmets and gourmets, market on Thursday morning all year long place Dinan. And under the market on Thursday and Saturday morning. Fish market every day except Thursday at Lepré place.
In July and August, market Tuesday and Thursday Place Dinan and Saturday rue des Cordiers (market hall). And on Friday, special market terroir street of Pilori.
At the end of April, the Carnival du Croisic is famous for the richness of its parade (tanks, costumed troops).
From Thursday of the Ascension to the following Sunday, the Tempo Piano Festival offers several classical music concerts on the theme of the piano.
In July and August, on Monday night, street arts shows on the harbor docks.
On August 15th, the celebration of the sea, celebrated for more than a century, is a very popular event where religious tradition and convivial animations (folk shows, nautical procession, concerts, fireworks) mingle.
At the end of September, the book fair Plumes d'Equinoxe brought together numerous authors (readings, dedications).
Lastly, in October, the film festival De la Page à l'Image will feature films adapted from novels.
