La Brière
The marshes of the Brière natural park are a short distance from La Baule and are a paradise for bird-watchers.
Hop aboard one of the black flat-bottomed barges and explore the expanse of marshland canals. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Stop off at the neighbouring villages: Breca, Kerhinet and Fedrun.
Guérande, Le Pouliguen, Le Croisic ...
The medieval town of Guérande is steeped in history and lends its name to the famous salt made from the seawater that comes from the bay of La Baule and Le Pouliguen.
All the towns and villages of the rocky coast (côte sauvage) warrant a visit. Hike along the coastal path or cycle the vélocéan route.
Savour the magnificent views from the pointe de Penchâteau in Le Pouliguen, wander along the beaches and cliffs of Batz-sur-Mer, explore the rock pools of Le Croisic and admire its charming fishing port.
The bustling fishing ports of La Turballe and Piriac are also well worth a visit.
Finally, the neighbouring town of Saint Nazaire boasts an unrivalled industrial and military heritage. Many of the world’s cruise ships are built here and it is also home to the Espadon submarine.
From Saint-Nazaire you can cross the magnificent bridge and explore the southern banks of the Loire. In just half a day, you can see plenty. Just the other side of the bridge lays Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. There is a great view of the entrance to the port of Saint Nazaire from the beach there.
Then, carry on southwards to Pornic where you’ll find a fishing port, a castle, coastal paths, a dolmen and a pretty little creek.
Places to visit:
- Brière natural park: www.parc-naturel-briere.com
- Saint André des Eaux: www.keranas.fr
- Guérande: www.terredesel.com; www.maisondespaludiers.fr
- Le Croisic: www.ocearium-croisic.fr, www.espace-escargots.com
- Batz Sur Mer: www.grand-blockhaus.com
- Saint-Nazaire: www.saint-nazaire-tourisme.com/page/2/6
