Discover the unique maritime heritage of Saint-Nazaire in Loire-Atlantique, famous for its harbour facilities and shipyards! In the city's harbour, the former submarine base invites you to dive head first into this extraordinary world. At the Escal'Atlantic International Ocean Liner Centre, visit the cabins, explore the engine room, the wheelhouse... Climb aboard the Espadon submarine and plunge into the world of abysses, or stand speechless in front of the Chantiers de l'Atlantique, where cruise ships are built. This informative ecomuseum tells the story of the city and its development through the ages. Most importantly, pop up to the submarine base's roof terrace for a panoramic view of the whole harbour. And at sunset, what a light show it offers!
Saint-Nazaire has a beautiful coastline: beaches, sheltered coves, promontories, cliffs, and unspoilt scenery not far from the city centre. Fun fact: Saint-Marc beach was made famous by Jacques Tati, who filmed Mr Hulot's Holiday there. Film buffs will recognise it easily. Also take time to enjoy a pleasant walk along the coastal path or sea front, all the way to the Vieux Môle lighthouse.
Stroll through the city and discover quiet little streets here, old villas there, the covered market, the small harbour of Méan, the "wheelbarrow paths" (the distinctive tiny passages dating from the last century, located in the Méan-Penhoët district)... As you go along, admire the works of street art that decorate some of the buildings in the city.
At the end of July, it's party time in Saint-Nazaire harbour with Les Escales, an event devoted to contemporary music from pop to rock through electro and world music.
In the middle of this city built in the second half of the 19th century, there is no shortage of sites and other monuments to see, recalling the industrial wealth of Saint-Nazaire and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Mainly focused on the sea and the naval industry, tourism in Saint-Nazaire is an opportunity to admire incredible sites, starting with Escal'Atlantic. In the old submarine base of more than 3,700 m², this liner museum is entirely devoted to the era of the great transatlantic liners built in Saint-Nazaire. The visit itself is designed as a transatlantic crossing, with a crew who welcomes you to show you the engine rooms, cabins, tween decks and even the dining room.
The shipyards can also be visited through a coach tour on the Chantiers de l'Atlantique site. The opportunity to observe huge ships under construction, and to learn a little more about how they are made. Likewise, the Airbus site of Saint-Nazaire can also be visited.
The Espadon submarine, recently restored and supported by the Heritage Foundation, offers a whole new experience of visiting a real submarine that served for the French Navy. The Espadon submarine is the first French submarine to have dived under the sea ice and offers audio-guided tours to relive this particular mission during the Cold War. French army submarine now disarmed, the Espadon is located in a fortified lock and can now be visited. We thus discover the life of sailors aboard this building of impressive dimensions.
Facing the estuary, the Saint-Nazaire Ecomuseum is a real mine of information on the city. It retraces its history from Prehistory to the present day, speaking in particular of shipbuilding and the Second World War which devastated the city before being rebuilt in the 1950s.
Beautiful Neolithic site, the tumulus of Dissignac, located on the outskirts of the city, recalls the ancient past of Loire-Atlantique, with its 6000 years of existence.
Saint-Nazaire is bordered by twenty exceptional beaches, four of which have the Blue Flag label for their cleanliness and the purity of their water. Various water sports can be practiced there such as windsurfing or kitesurfing. Not far away, a customs path offers a beautiful hiking trail to admire the view of the Atlantic Ocean.
A true haven of peace, the Océanis gardens allow you to admire, over nearly 14 hectares, the best of the Atlantic and Mediterranean flora. Bamboo, palm trees and lavender rub shoulders with local oaks and poplars.
Known for its industrial wealth, the city of Saint-Nazaire has nevertheless a strong cultural activity, notably thanks to many events and other festivals that mark the entire year.
In January, place at the Folle Journée. Created in 2005, this activity takes place in several towns in the Pays de la Loire and offers classical music concerts for three days. The opportunity to appreciate the talents of great international musicians, and to learn about this musical genre.
Every year in March, the arts school of Saint-Nazaire proposes the festival Croisesments des arts. For two weeks, exhibitions, conferences, performances and shows are held throughout the city. All this is central to digital creation and its various possibilities.
The Grande Marée takes place in June, on the beach of Saint-Nazaire. This giant picnic gives the opportunity to enjoy a friendly and warm moment, opening the ball of the summer festivities. In the streets, concerts, circus shows or even a guinguette, the city is animated.
Festival of world music recognized in Europe, Les Escales places its suitcases at Saint-Nazaire in August. More than 30,000 people flock every year to discover the heads of posters and the discoveries that take place in shows on the harbor.
