This seaside town on France's Atlantic coast has a medieval castle, a thalassotherapy center, and beaches lined with 19th-century villas. Its harbor fills and empties with tides.
Pornic sits on the Jade Coast of western France, where fishing boats fill a harbor watched over by a medieval castle. Walk past 1930s seaside villas to reach beaches edged by pine forests, a 15km shoreline walking trail, and pottery studios decorating ceramics with Breton patterns. This town combines maritime history with things to do outside, like sailing lessons near wooden fishing huts and cycling the Vélodyssée route. Local markets display Curé Nantais cheese, and restaurants prepare mussels with Muscadet wine as ocean waves hit rust-colored coves.
Visit the Old Port and Castle
Begin at Pornic’s harbor, where boats in bright colors dock below the Château de Pornic. The castle started as a 13th-century fortress, rebuilt in the 1800s, once owned by Gilles de Rais—the knight who inspired the Bluebeard legend. Walk the stone path around its walls to see the jetty and beaches that appear at low tide, such as Plage de la Source. Join a guided tour from the Tourist Office to enter the castle courtyard, or come in September during Heritage Days when some rooms become accessible. Return after sunset to see the castle lit up at night.
Hike or Bike Along Shoreline Paths
The Sentier des Douaniers walking trail runs 15km past Pornic’s cliffs, linking beaches like Plage de la Boutinardière with its wooden fishing huts on stilts. Extend your walk north to Pierre Attelée forest, where sandy dunes mix with pine trees, or head south toward Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. Cyclists can follow parts of the Vélodyssée, a 1,200km bike path along France’s western coast. Rent a kayak near the port to paddle into small coves, or join a boat tour to islands such as Noirmoutier.
Discover Beaches and Plant Gardens
Twelve beaches border Pornic’s coast, from the easily accessible Plage des Sablais to quieter spots like Plage de l’Etang. Botanic Park de la Ria grows rice paddies and camellias beside the river, and Jardin de Gourmalon has trees framing views of the harbor. Walk ten minutes north from the marina to find the Tumulus des Mousseaux, a 5,500-year-old burial mound.
Eat Fresh Seafood and Create Pottery
Markets open Thursday and Sunday mornings on Place de la Birochère, with stalls offering Curé Nantais cheese and oysters unloaded that day. Reserve a seat at L’ana’gram to eat mussels and fries on a deck above the water. At Faïencerie de Pornic, watch workers paint detailed patterns on pottery or sign up for a class to make your own piece. Brasserie de la Côte de Jade makes beer with herbs and plants from nearby shores.
Take Short Trips to Parks and Villages
Drive 30 minutes north to Planète Sauvage, where you can see giraffes and zebras from your car on a 10km safari route. Trains from Pornic reach Nantes in one hour, but closer options include Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef’s cookie bakery and the metal Sea Serpent sculpture in Saint-Brévin. Head inland to see the Dolmen de la Joselière, a stone tomb built 5,500 years ago.
Plan Your Visit
Pornic’s train station has regular 45-minute rides to Nantes, with extra trains added in summer. Book a room at Hôtel Beau Soleil by the harbor for views of sunsets over boats, or choose Westotel Pornic for its spa and pool on the roof. Beaches have lifeguards from July to August, and Alliance Pornic’s therapy center uses seawater treatments daily. Check the Tourist Office site for updated times of walking tours and boat trips.
