Located at the Loire River mouth, this Atlantic port city has a strategic naval base and shipbuilding industry. A bridge links it to Île de Noirmoutier, and it was once called Portus Namnetum.
Saint-Nazaire sits on France's Atlantic coast, where shipbuilding and maritime activities shape daily life. Walk through the Escal'Atlantic museum's recreation of a 1930s ocean liner dining room, step inside the submarine Espadon, or watch cruise ships under construction at the STX shipyards. Beyond the city's 20 beaches and creeks, the Brière wetlands spread northward, where you'll spot herons and egrets among traditional thatched-roof houses.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
The 3-kilometer seafront promenade begins at Place du Commando, where several cafes and restaurants face the water. The GR34 coastal path leads north to Trébézy cove, sheltered by coastal plants and rocks. At Saint-Marc-sur-Mer beach, you'll recognize scenes from Jacques Tati's 1951 film "Mr Hulot's Holiday," and the Hotel de la Plage still maintains its beachfront terrace.
Maritime Museums and Sites
The Escal'Atlantic museum spans 3,700 square meters inside the former German submarine base, with authentic furniture and decorations from historic ocean liners. Walk through detailed recreations of dining rooms, cabins, and engine rooms from the 1930s passenger ships. Tour the submarine Espadon, which served in the French navy from 1960 to 1985, with English audio guides. The STX shipyards build cruise ships year-round, and guided tours let you see the construction process up close.
Brière Wetlands
The Brière Regional Natural Park covers 136,000 acres north of Saint-Nazaire. Local guides paddle traditional flat-bottomed boats called 'chalands' through the waterways, passing thatched-roof cottages. The wetlands attract many bird species during migration seasons, including herons, spoonbills, and warblers. You can walk the marked trails or join boat tours that depart from village ports throughout the day.
Industrial Tourism
The Airbus factory in Saint-Nazaire assembles fuselage sections for all aircraft models, including the A380. French-speaking visitors can see the assembly halls where these components come together. At the EOL Wind-Turbine Centre, exhibits explain how France's first offshore wind farm works, with its 80 turbines generating power for the region.
Getting Around
The TGV high-speed train connects Saint-Nazaire to Paris in just over 2 hours, with 13 daily departures from Paris-Montparnasse station. Within the city, the Stran bus network connects major sites and residential areas. Rent regular or electric bikes through the Vélycéo service to explore the city and coastal paths. Regional buses and trains link Saint-Nazaire to other parts of Brittany and the Loire region.
