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Pornic

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Loire-Atlantique

Pornic - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Loire-Atlantique
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Pornic on the Jade Coast is a much-loved seaside resort in Loire-Atlantique. With both a fishing harbour and a marina, it offers a perfect combination of relaxation and discovery, where you will be amazed by the beauty of nature. By the sea, on the river or inland, you can see a wide variety of fauna and flora. On foot, by bike or even on horseback, set off for an outing along the Customs Officers' Path, a coastal path along the coves and rocky cliffs that is full of well-preserved heritage.

A really sea-oriented town, it offers a wide range of activities available to make the most of this generous natural environment: shellfish-gathering, fishing in the sea or lake, carrelet net fishing (enthusiasts will have a field day!), boat trips to Noirmoutier Island or to admire the Jade Coast, swimming at the beautiful beaches of L'Étang, La Boutinardière, La Noëveillard and La Source, leisure activities on the water, sports... Also be sure to go and see the pêcheries, little fishing huts at the water's edge that are full of typical local charm.

In Pornic's medieval town centre, wander the narrow streets and climb the steps that wind their way between the fishermen's houses. Also discover its old harbour, with its fishing boats and traditional sailboats, and its picture postcard 13th-century castle.

Take some time out to be pampered at the thalassotherapy centre, and treat yourself to an artisanal ice cream at La Fraiseraie, a real institution in Pornic! Other local specialities: Le Curé Nantais, a little cheese washed with Muscadet wine, and La Brigantine, a craft beer. Enjoy!

Additional information
Pornic

A seaside resort in Loire-Atlantique, Pornic owes its reputation to its proximity to Nantes, which has made it one of its favorite beaches. Located in the heart of the Pays de la Loire, the town is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, about twenty kilometers from Saint-Nazaire.

The rise of Pornic came in the 19th century with the development of seaside tourism. The arrival of the train in 1875 favored this economic and tourist development. Since that time, many people appreciate the charms of this ancient Breton city, like Gustave Flaubert, Auguste Renoir, or Julien Gracq. In the early 1970s, the seaside resort merged with the neighboring municipalities of Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer and Le Clion-sur-Mer, expanding its territory and its tourist offer.

Today, the town is as much appreciated for its idyllic geographical location as for its important architectural heritage which seduces many visitors every year. Lovers of great gastronomy will also find their happiness with the products of the Fraiseraie (ice cream, jams, pasta...), or the famous Curé Nantais, a cheese produced directly on the town.

Things to see and do

Castle built in the 12th century on the territory of Clion-sur-Mer, the castle Brefs has been rebuilt over time, before taking its current appearance. It became a Louis XIII style pleasure castle and was enlarged in the 18th century, before being restored in the Clissonnais style at the beginning of the 19th century. Owned by the Gallimard family in the following century, the site welcomed writers of international renown such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, or Albert Camus. Today, the castle hosts a center of art and culture, with the organization of plays or exhibitions throughout the year.

Also of great interest, the Pornic castle dates from the 13th century and was heavily modified in the 19th century. In the oldest part, it is still possible to admire a tower surmounted by machicolation. Former property of the famous Gilles de Rais, the castle now belongs to the town.

Classified as an historic monument, the Mousseaux tumulus is the largest megalithic complex in the town of Pornic. On the site, we can discover a cairn with three levels consisting of micaschists covering two tombs.

Several religious buildings are to be discovered on the territory of Pornic, like the Clion church built in the thirteenth century. Remodeled in the nineteenth century, it unveils a mechanical carillon of the same era. One can still admire the remains of St. Mary's Abbey of Pornic, as well as the church of the same name built in the late nineteenth century. The latter presents a beautiful neo-Gothic style. The Saint-Gilles church dates from the same period, while the chapel Notre-Dame de Gourmalon was built in the early twentieth century.

The natural heritage of Pornic attracts every year a large number of tourists. The customs trail allows you to travel the coast for nearly fourteen kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside. Several beaches take place on the town, like those of Birochère, Fontaine aux Bretons, Joselière, Grandes Vallées, Boutinardière, Portmain, Montbeau, Noëveillard, Sablons, La Source, Le Porteau or the pond. Pleasant, they allow to enjoy the sun, as well as practice many water activities. The old port also deserves your attention with its particular charm and its authentic architecture.

An English cemetery welcomes the graves of the victims of the torpedoing of the RMS Lancastria, June 17, 1940.

A casino, that of the Mole, allows you to enjoy slot machines and various shows organized throughout the year, while the golf offers a breathtaking view of the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean.

Activities abound at Pornic, including an adventure trail in the trees, fishing or guided tours of the Tourist Office.

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Natural sites
Transport

Events and festivities

Several markets take place all year round at Pornic. The classic market takes place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, while an organic market takes place on Saturday in the late afternoon. At the end of the year, the town also offers a Christmas market with several seasonal events.

At the end of March, the festival of the song of coffee makes it possible to attend several concerts in the bars of the commune.

Carnival takes place every year at the end of April, including a parade of floats and various other frenzied animations.

At the weekend of the Ascension, the festival La Surferante animates the streets of Pornic. For the occasion, free cultural events take place in nine seaside resorts of Loire-Atlantique and Vendée, such as La Tranche-sur-Mer, Les Sables-d'Olonne or Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.

On Tuesdays and Fridays in July and August, the city offers its Estivales with various shows. At the beginning of July, a concert at the green theater opens the festivities.

At the end of August, the Celtic festival of Saint Gilles makes it possible to discover the traditions of this rich culture in Brittany.

The festival Pornic Classic offers its concerts at the end of October.

Photos

The old port of Pornic and the upper town, church
The old port of Pornic and the upper town, church
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General view
General view
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Beach Pornic
Beach Pornic
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The castle and the old port of Pornic
The castle and the old port of Pornic
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Other beach Pornic
Other beach Pornic
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Casino Pornic
Casino Pornic
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Famous glacier Pornic
Famous glacier Pornic
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A fishery Pornic
A fishery Pornic
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A regatta Pornic
A regatta Pornic
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Wearing Pornic seen uptown
Wearing Pornic seen uptown
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Cairn des Mousseaux (sixth or fifth millennium BC. AD)
Cairn des Mousseaux (sixth or fifth millennium BC. AD)
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The new port, marina Noëveillard
The new port, marina Noëveillard
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Castle Pornic
Castle Pornic
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The coastal footpath that runs along the Côte de Jade
The coastal footpath that runs along the Côte de Jade
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Beach Pornic
Beach Pornic
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Small charming coves Pornic
Small charming coves Pornic
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Little Creek Pornic
Little Creek Pornic
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The harbor and castle
The harbor and castle
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The castle
The castle
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Thalasso Pornic and the range of the Source
Thalasso Pornic and the range of the Source
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Stroll along the old port
Stroll along the old port
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The castle tower
The castle tower
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The 18 hole golf course Pornic
The 18 hole golf course Pornic
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The treetop
The treetop
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The pottery of Pornic, hand painting
The pottery of Pornic, hand painting
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That boat!
That boat!
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In the harbour
In the harbour
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At low tide
At low tide
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In black and white
In black and white
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Castle tower
Castle tower
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Against the light
Against the light
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Harbor
Harbor
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Jade Coast, the song in pictures
Jade Coast, the song in pictures
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Laughs Comedy Festival in Retz
Laughs Comedy Festival in Retz
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Painting on canvas of an old rig
Painting on canvas of an old rig
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The Dolmen Joselière
The Dolmen Joselière
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
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