Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu is a city of Loire-Atlantique in Pays de la Loire, about twenty kilometers south-west of Nantes.
Historically linked to Brittany, the town belongs to Retz and presents a double singularity: it owes its creation to the development of the abbey of Carolingian Deas, established in the ninth century and remains a heritage site and major cultural and also its vast territory of about 59 km² is partly occupied north by Lake St. Location, notably composed of grasses, reed beds, and classified protected natural area.
Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu with more than 9000 inhabitants (a population growing steadily mainly due to the proximity of the Nantes area) has therefore a rich historical and environmental heritage which makes it a major tourist attraction, especially as the cultural and sporting activities there are many. Moreover, the small town is located just twenty kilometers from the Atlantic coast.
We stayed there with pleasure, or at least, we will enter willingly Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, which is also famous for its vineyards as a must in the region.
In the early ninth century abbey built what Deas, who will become Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu under the direction of Abbot Arnulf and his monks based in Noirmoutier and wish to protect the Viking invasions. It remains an example of pre-Romanesque architecture. Over the centuries, all certainly experienced some vicissitudes. Thus, in 1870, the abbey is home for some time a covered market! Between the two world wars, listed building, it becomes a place of worship and pilgrimage (part of the saint's relics are kept there). The church is proving one of the few elements of the site has retained Carolingian remains. The marriage of brick and stone, the majesty of the heavy pillars, arches checkered, make this monument remained in an exceptional state of preservation remarkable transitional work between ancient art and the art of the Middle Ages. At the site of the original buildings of the monastery, the Priory and its rooms (built later) now host temporary exhibitions. The abbey is also famous for its medieval-inspired gardens are presented medicinal plants, aromatic and ornamental maintained with the Yves Rocher Foundation. Panels allow to understand that wealth in terms of herbalism. As for the rooms, they have permanent exhibits (birds naturalized archeology) or temporary, and concerts are regularly scheduled there. Open daily except Mondays from April to September and Wednesday and the weekend from Friday to Sunday from October to March. Simple tour from 2 to 4 euros (guided tours possible, and at night in summer). Information +33 2 40 78 22 34.
Once discovered this gem, other heritage sites can be visited or seen as the parish church (1865) with its high bell tower of 65 m, its stained glass Gruber or organ installed in 1920 which since its restoration, allows organizing concerts.
Several chapels, castles and mansions punctuate also the territory, including the mansion Lottrye rebuilt after the Revolution.
Note also the monumental statue of General Lamoriciere, born in the town, located in the city in 1969 after his repatriation from Constantine (Algeria) where the officer had shown.
Culturally, the town has an associative film, Cinephil, with a varied program: information +33 2 28 25 08 16.
Place next to the many leisure and "nature" sports that can be practiced on Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu.
In the heart of the resort, the Park of Boulogne (small stream which joins the lake) is wide of dozens of hectares of green and a 5-hectare lake is housed there.
It has a swimming beach is monitored in July and August. Free access. The navigation There is however allowed to board small boats. Fishing can be practiced, provided on the Boulogne and the water in ways to respect: information from the local association +33 6 87 17 06 50.
Also in this park, swin-golf course (Golf variant in which a single rod has been in widespread three sides) is available (information at +33 2 40 78 91 26). sports fields (beach volleyball), games for children and picnic areas are also available.
In the city, a skate park and tennis courts are also open to visitors. Contact the Town Hall at +33 2 40 78 88 22.
In any season, the aquatic center covered Grand 9 which has a sports pool, play areas for (slide, river against the current) appears able to meet a family audience. Information +33 2 40 78 70 84.
Management then the north of the town and the shores of Lake Grand-Place. Due to the exceptionally rich biodiversity, access to the site is restricted but observation posts are arranged and marked walking areas.
Next, be it hiking circuit route around the lake and its surroundings, trails dedicated to the discovery vineyard (producing wines of Muscadet appellations and large-plant) or paths criss-crossing the countryside and Heritage elements (manors, crosses etc.), dozens of itineraries dedicated to hikers on foot or mountain biking are available in the territory. Besides wider loops including forays to the beaches, some twenty kilometers to the west. Maps and information +33 2 40 78 73 88 or +33 2 40 78 22 34.
Finally, to understand who prefers this rich environment in horseback riding, join the equestrian center at the Manor +33 2 40 78 85 67.
