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
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
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
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
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
Jade Coast
Pornic, a traditional port town with an attrcative harbour, is well placed to explore the Jade Coast See guide
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
La Turballe
Less developed than some resorts here, the centre of activity in La Turballe is the long sandy beach See guide
Le Croisic
One of the nicest fishing harbour towns in the region, Le Croisic is a lovely place to stroll around See guide
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
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
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
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 guidePornic
Pornic is one of the liveliest and most vibrant harbour towns along the Jade Coast See guide
Pornichet
The emphasis in Pornichet, immediately south of La Baule, is most certainly based around the long and sandy beach See 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 See guideFor more information see the Loire-Atlantique guide
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
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