Loire-Atlantique places to visit and attractions

Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Loire-Atlantique department of Pays de la Loire. See also our Loire-Atlantique travel guide

photo of Batz-sur-Mer

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!
See guide

photo of Briere Regional Natural Parc

Briere Regional Natural Parc

Away from the beaches, Briere Regional Natural Parc is the second largest marsh area in France. Start exploring at Kerhinet.
See guide

photo of Clisson

Clisson

Clisson has a medieval castle, and an interesting architectural style having ben largely re-built in Italian style about 250 years ago
See guide

photo of Guerande

Guerande

Guerande is one of the most interesting towns in Pays-de-la-Loire, with its medieval fortifications intact and an attractive historic centre
See guide

photo of Jade Coast

Jade Coast

Pornic, a traditional port town with an attrcative harbour, is well placed to explore the Jade Coast
See guide

photo of La Baule

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!
See guide

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photo of La Turballe

La Turballe

Less developed than some resorts here, the centre of activity in La Turballe is the long sandy beach
See guide

photo of Le Croisic

Le Croisic

One of the nicest fishing harbour towns in the region, Le Croisic is a lovely place to stroll around
See guide

photo of Le Pouliguen

Le Pouliguen

If you visit the beach resort of Le Pouligueun be sure to follow the path that leads to the coastal caves
See guide

photo of Les Moutiers-en-Retz

Les Moutiers-en-Retz

The small town of Les Moutiers-en-Retz is best known for the nearby beach which attracts many summertime campers
See guide

photo of Nantes

Nantes

One of the largest towns in France, Nantes has many monuments, museums and places of interest to discover including the famous 'elephant' on the island.
See guide

photo of Piriac-sur-Mer

Piriac-sur-Mer

The fishing harbour and traditional granite houses in Piriac-sur-Mer create an interesting diversion from the long sandy beaches nearby
See guide

photo of Pornic

Pornic

Pornic is one of the liveliest and most vibrant harbour towns along the Jade Coast
See guide

photo of Pornichet

Pornichet

The emphasis in Pornichet, immediately south of La Baule, is most certainly based around the long and sandy beach
See guide

photo of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins

Saint-Brevin-les-Pins

The beach at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins is the main attraction and we also enjoyed exploring the dunes and forest
See guide

For more information see the Loire-Atlantique guide

 
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Market towns & days in Loire-Atlantique

all markets in morning unless otherwise stated

Ancenis: Thursday
Batz-sur-Mer: Monday
Batz-sur-Mer: Friday (high season only)
Blain: Tuesday & Saturday
Bouaye: Thursday
Carquefou: Thursday
Clisson: Friday
Coueron: Thursday
Donges: Thursday
Guerande: Wednesday & Saturday
Herbignac: Wednesday
Indre: Sunday
La Baule: every day except Monday
La Bernerie-en-Retz: Friday & Tuesday (high season only)
La Montagne: Wednesday
Le Croisic: Thursday & Saturday
Le Pellerin: Saturday
Le Pouliguen: Friday & Tuesday & Sunday (high season only)
Machecoul: Wednesday
Nantes: Sunday
Nort-sur-Erdre: Friday
Piriac-sur-Mer: Monday (high season only)
Piriac-sur-Mer: Wednesday & Saturday (high season only)
Pontchateau: Monday all day
Pornic: Wednesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday
Pornichet: Wednesday & Saturday
Prefailles: Wednesday & Saturday (high season only)
Reze: Tuesday & Friday
Saint-Brevin-les-Pins: Wednesday

Tourist attractions to visit in Loire-Atlantique

The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...

Zoo or wildlife park

Planète sauvage (parc)

4* Towns in Bloom

Carquefou

La Baule: See tourist guide

Nantes: See tourist guide

Pornichet: See tourist guide

Towns of Art and History

Guerande: See tourist guide

Nantes: See tourist guide

Sites of Natural Beauty

Lac de Grand-Lieu

Loire Estuaire

Marais de Machecoul

Marais Salants de Guérande

Pointe Sainte-Gildas

Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)

Guerande: See tourist guide

Nantes: See tourist guide

Listed 'Remarkable Gardens'

Jardin des plantes

Regional Natural Parcs

Briere: See tourist guide

Towns classified as Recommended Detours

Guerande: See tourist guide

 
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