Pornichet is located on the sunny Atlantic coast to the south of Guerande in the Pays de la Loire region. The resort is more or less continuous with La Baule, one of the most popular resorts in this part of France - indeed it is not very clear where one town ends and the next begins.
Explore Pornichet
France This Way review: Pornichet is perfectly pleasant, but very quite and with much less bars and restaurants than in La Baule, so we would probably stay in La Baule and walk along the promenade to visit Pornichet...
The characteristics of Pornichet are also very similar to La Baule, with several kilometres of sandy beach offering all sorts of activities, backed by low-rise apartment blocks and hotels, which are themselves backed by streets of turn of the century villas.
In fact there are three different beaches falling within Pornichet each offering its own characteristics - the Sainte-Marguerite beach was my personal favourite, and the Plage des Libraires is the most central, with access for handicapped people.
There are also two ports in Pornichet, including a substantial pleasure port.
If you are interested by the substantial belle-epoque villas in the town be sure to visit the Pornichet tourist office for a detailed guide to many of the most interesting - although it costs a few euros it is an invaluable way to be sure you appreciate the local history and architecture.
Many visitors perhaps never venture beyond the numerous cafes along the beach, but you will also find more shops and cafes in the town centre. The weekly market is held here every Wednesday and Saturday mornings. In fact, the market in the "halles de Pornichet" is very colourful with a wide range of produce and one of the main attrations of a visit.
When you tire of the beach there are numerous well maintained walks and cycle rides into the surrounding countryside - the section known as the 'hameaux' makes a pleasant excursion from Pornichet. You will also discover the large area called the Parc Paysager de Pornichet which includes various activities such as exercise courses, children play areas and areas of parkland.
Attractions nearby
Of course, you will want to explore elsewhere along the Cote d'Amour - the coast of the Pays de la Loire region north of Saint-Nazaire - while you are near Pornichet. As well as exploring the coast, you will also want to visit the harbour town of Le Croisic, a charming traditional fishing village.
A short distance from the coast, the historic centre of the walled town of Guerande is very picturesque.
See more seaside resorts in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Loire-Atlantique guide and the Pays de la Loire guide.
Photos of Pornichet
Click any picture to start the gallery
Arrange a visit to Pornichet
Hotels in Pornichet
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Pornichet and places nearby
Visit near Pornichet with France This Way reviews
La Baule
La Baule-Escoblac is a very pleasant and popular resort with a long sandy beach - a toch of the French riviera in the north-west!
La Baule guide
Le Pouliguen
If you visit the beach resort of Le Pouligueun be sure to follow the path that leads to the coastal caves
Le Pouliguen guide
Guerande
Guerande is one of the most interesting towns in Pays-de-la-Loire, with its medieval fortifications intact and an attractive historic centre
Guerande guide
Batz-sur-Mer
The resort at Batz-sur-Mer is much quiter and smaller than many nearby, ideal if you prefer to avoid excessive crowds!
Batz-sur-Mer guide
Le Croisic
One of the nicest fishing harbour towns in the region, Le Croisic is a lovely place to stroll around
Le Croisic guide
Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
The beach at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins is the main attraction and we also enjoyed exploring the dunes and forest
Saint-Brevin-les-Pins guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Loire-Atlantique
Tourist classifications for Pornichet
Pornichet is classified as a village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*
Address: Pornichet, Baule-Escoublac, Saint-Nazaire, Pays de la Loire, 44380, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.2775, longitude -2.338889
Plan your visit to Pornichet, Loire-Atlantique
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- La Baule: ville fleurie 4* (4 km)
- Guerande: recommended detour (9 km)
- Briere: regional natural parc (14 km)
- Marais Salants de Guérande: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Loire Estuaire: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Pointe Sainte-Gildas: site of natural beauty (17 km)
- Parc zoologique du château de Branféré: zoo or wildlife park (36 km)
- Marais de Vilaine: site of natural beauty (37 km)
- Presqu'île de Rhuys: site of natural beauty (43 km)
- Passage Saint-Armel: site of natural beauty (45 km)
- Embouchure - Rivière de Noyalo: site of natural beauty (45 km)
- Presqu'île de la Villeneuve: site of natural beauty (46 km)
Market days in Pornichet, France
Regular market(s) are held in Pornichet each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Pornichet (Francais)