Loire-Atlantique Holiday Guide
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Endless possibilities for fun-filled holidays
The coast, towns and countryside of the Loire-Atlantique offer endless possibilities for fun-filled holidays, at any time of year. The department, easy to reach from the UK, combines everything that is great about France, with a lovely coast and countryside, great food and wine, sunny weather and beautiful towns filled with art and architecture.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Loire-Atlantique
1. Enjoy the seaside
The coast and beaches of the Loire-Atlantique are perfect for enjoying long, sunny days on sandy beaches, and having fun in traditional seaside resorts. La Baule is said to have the most beautiful beach in Europe.
2. Explore the Guérande salt marshes
The Guérande salt marshes are fascinating to see, with a wealth of birdlife in addition to a wild and beautiful terrain, and a glimpse into the age old method of harvesting sea salt. You can learn more at the Batz sur Mer Salt Museum.
3. The Nantes Brest Canal
Taking a boat trip along the Nantes Brest Canal is a wonderfully relaxing way of enjoying the countryside and passing towns of the Loire-Atlantique.
4. Visit the vineyards of Nantes
The vineyards of Nantes and the Vineyard Museum in Le Pallet are open to visitors, and offer an intriguing insight into this product that is so important to the department. Taste the Muscadet and buy a bottle or two to take home.
5. The Machines de l'Ile
More than a puppet show (so much more!), the Machines de l'Ile in Nantes defies description. Massive puppets - almost robots - move in articulated fashion so that they seem alive, while the history of the city also comes vividly to life. Interactive displays and workshops are part of the experience. Prepare to be enchanted, whatever your age.
Top 5 towns and cities in the Loire-Atlantique
1. Nantes
Capital of the Loire-Atlantique, and once capital of old Brittany, Nantes is simply a city not to be missed. Combining ancient and modern, the city offers a wealth of history, culture and architecture, coupled with much entertainment and activities for all the family. A beautiful cathedral, a stunning chateau, gorgeous gardens and fountains, museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants to dream about are all here, packed into one delicious city.
2. La Baule
Said to possess the most beautiful and perfect sandy beach in Europe, La Baule is a seaside town par excellence. The town behind the beach is also well equipped to supply your every need, with restaurants, cafés, shops, hotels, sports and activities and even a casino.
3. Piriac sur Mer
Piriac sur Mer is just a little town, but it is one to charm the socks off anyone who loves the ambience of an old French fishing town. A colourful marina and harbour are home to an array of small fishing boats and pleasure craft, while the picturesque town has attractive timber-framed houses, narrow streets and bags of atmosphere.
4. Guérande
Fans of mediaeval towns will love Guérande. Walled and atmospheric, the old town is lovely and offers much to see and do. Typically mediaeval cobbled streets add even more period charm, supported by the original architecture. The town is also a good base for further exploration, lying just on the edge of the famous Guérande salt marshes, where the traditions of collecting sea salt can be discovered in action.
5. Pornic
Pornic is a stunning harbour town, complete with pretty coves and beaches, a vibrant fishing harbour, marina, castle and a mediaeval quarter. The town has a lively ambience, in season, and offers all facilities for holidaymakers.
Food and drink in Loire-Atlantique
The taste of the sea is always prevalent in the gastronomy of Loire-Atlantique, so enjoy oysters, sea salt and other fish and shellfish. From Nantes you will find carrots and almond cakes, while the excellent Muscadet wines are another popular pleasure to be found in the department.
How to get to the Loire-Atlantique
To arrive by air, you can fly to Nantes (Air France, Ryanair, easyJet) or to Rennes (Flybe). Angers and Nantes meanwhile both offer TGV services linking to Paris. Ferry fans should consider heading for St Malo from the UK, as this is the nearest of the ferry ports.
