Montoir-de-Bretagne is a town in Loire-Atlantique in Pays de la Loire, east of Saint-Nazaire which it borders.
Its vast territory of 36 square kilometers bordering the right bank of the Loire estuary and includes the north part of the marshes of Brière, large wetland rich biodiversity.
Already busy BC, the remains of a farmhouse dating from the Iron Age have been unearthed, the village form the Middle Ages and became the seat of a lordship.
Until the nineteenth century, the activity is both rural and maritime. inside, the farmers cultivate the reclaimed land and livestock sheep produce lambs deemed (pre-salt) and on the front of the Loire, a river port grows and the number of inhabitants are hired as sailors on merchant ships based In Nantes.
In the twentieth century, the town experienced a transformation with the extension of the airport of Saint-Nazaire and the 1970s, commercial port terminals of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire on the bank of the estuary at Montoir level, facilities are designed to accommodate LNG. Moreover, a unit of Airbus moved about the town.
However, with more than 7200 inhabitants, Montoir-de-Bretagne has preserved a part of its heritage, environment rich north (included in the Regional Natural Park) and offers a leisure offer "nature" and cultural interest.
A discovery of the built and cultural heritage of the town can begin with his church rebuilt in the nineteenth century. The previous, from the Middle Ages, had been struck down in 1698. A tower was then rebuilt with stone from the castle Lorieux (town Crossac). This tower is still visible.
See also, the former lord of the Ormois who reported to the Vicomte de Donges. Some walls of the existing building still date from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and the framework of the seventeenth, very well made, has been preserved. In the early twentieth century, the building was converted into a farm.
To better understand the history of the town, it will then go to the museum of "Wooden Marine Brivet of" run by an association: the Brivet is a tributary of the Loire, which runs through the marshes of Brière and flows into the River on the border of Saint-Nazaire and Montoir-de-Bretagne. Through documents and models, is told the story of sailors Briere, cabotage, but also the rise of the triangular trade (with Africa and the Caribbean), and the first steps of shipbuilding and its growth has led to Saint-Nazaire paramount in this regard. Open daily from late June to early September and the rest of the year by appointment. Free admission. Information at +33 2 40 45 58 22.
Noteworthy yet, animations (exhibitions, workshops, meetings) regularly offered by the Barbara library. Information at +33 2 40 70 11 51.
Between history and enjoy the ride in a central landscaped site, a step in the medieval garden of the Caves, the hamlet of Trégonneau, created in 2014, on the occasion of 500 years of the death of Anne of Brittany, if reveals instructive. The present educational website so crops from the Middle Ages known for their culinary and therapeutic virtues. Combining aesthetics and history, the garden is open from mid-May to late September. Tours can be guided by passionate volunteers and scientists. Talks are also scheduled. Information at +33 2 40 45 58 22.
For athletes, at the Bonne Fontaine complex, a permanent orienteering course is available and tennis courts are accessible to visitors. Information at +33 2 40 45 53 90.
Lovers of hiking or cycling are especially welcome. Since Montoir-de-Bretagne, they can join a network of 170 km of cycle paths including the entire metropolitan area of Saint-Nazaire, the Loire to the Brière marshes. Same for pedestrians and joggers. Maps and information +33 2 40 22 40 65.
Hiking centered on the rich local biodiversity are also offered by the Regional Natural Park of Brière, who also program activities, workshops and exhibitions. Information at +33 2 40 91 68 68.
In a different genre, discover the mysteries of the commercial port, terminals, shipyards, some sites like Airbus can be via guided tours dedicated to "industrial tourism". Program information +33 2 40 22 40 65.
Finally, the airport of Saint-Nazaire-Montoir whose activity is centered on commercial traffic and technical flights for the Airbus account also houses a flying club that offers particular air baptisms and courses piloting. Contact the +33 2 51 10 82 53.
