Loire Atlantique

Discover the wonders of Loire Atlantique, a department rich in natural, historical and culinary treasures. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Loire, France's longest river, this territory reveals itself through its diverse panoramas and exceptional sites. Nantes, the dynamic capital, Saint-Nazaire and its imposing industrial port, and the Guérande peninsula, renowned for its salt marshes, are just some of the nuggets to explore. This guide is designed to help you discover the many tourist and cultural activities available in Loire-Atlantique. Whether you're travelling as a family, with friends or on your own, you'll find a wealth of suggestions for visits, walks and entertainment, as well as opportunities to explore local heritage and traditions. Whether you're a lover of the sea, nature, urban life or history, Loire-Atlantique promises unforgettable moments for all its visitors.

Discovering the must-sees of Loire Atlantique

Explore Loire-Atlantique, a French department rich in architectural, cultural, natural and culinary wonders. Here's an overview of the essential places not to be missed in this department, one of France's Pays de La Loire.

Nantes, a remarkable architectural and cultural heritage

Nantes, capital of the Loire-Atlantique region, boasts an impressive historical heritage. Among its jewels is the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once home to the sovereigns of Brittany, which today houses a fascinating museum retracing the city's history. The city is a mecca for art and culture, offering a variety of events all year round. The Festival des Trois Continents celebrates cinema from Asia, Africa and Latin America, while Les Machines de l'Ile invites visitors on an artistic journey to the heart of an inventive universe inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.

La Baule and the Côte d'Amour, a paradise for sea lovers

Considered one of the world's most beautiful seaside resorts, La Baule boasts a 9 km stretch of fine sandy beach, ideal for relaxation and water sports. It's a jewel of the Côte d'Amour, with its diverse landscapes stretching from Saint-Nazaire to Le Croisic. Between secret coves, impressive cliffs and charming salt marshes, there's something for everyone, not forgetting gourmets who will be delighted by the renowned gastronomic establishments.

Guerande and its salt marshes, a precious heritage

GuerandeGuerande, a medieval town in western Loire-Atlantique, is famous for its exceptional architecture and its 2,000-hectare salt marshes. The latter produce the renowned Guerande salt, prized in the culinary world for its unique taste. The marshes are also a rich ecosystem, home to a multitude of plant and animal species, helping to preserve local biodiversity.

The Brière Regional Nature Park, an escape into the heart of nature

The Brière Regional Nature Park offers an exceptional getaway in the heart of one of France's largest protected areas. With its 40,000 hectares, including 7,000 hectares of wetlands, it invites you to relax and explore by boat, bike or on foot through its canals and meadows. The park is also a place for preserving local heritage and traditions, offering an immersion in rural life with its thatched cottages, ecomuseums and craftsmen.

Activities and leisure for all in Loire-Atlantique

Loire-Atlantique is an ideal destination offering a vast choice of activities and leisure pursuits to suit all tastes and generations. Whether you're looking for relaxation, cultural discovery, sporting adventure or an escape into nature, this département is sure to meet your aspirations.

On the banks of the Loire: walks and cruises

France's longest river, and Europe's last wild river, flows for over 100 km through the Loire-Atlantique region. The route reveals a wide variety of landscapes and exceptional sites. You can explore these settings on foot, by bike or on horseback along its banks, following routes such as the Loire à Vélo or the Vélodyssée. You can also choose to explore the river aboard a toue cabanée, a traditional boat, or a flat-bottomed boat, cruising the islands and sandbanks. This adventure offers a breathtaking view of the architectural and cultural heritage along the Loire, such as the Château de Montsoreau, the Château de Saumur, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the machines on the island, not to mention the river's exceptional flora and fauna.

Cultural festivals: a rich and varied calendar

With a dynamic cultural scene, Loire-Atlantique offers festivals of all kinds and for all audiences. Fans of cinema, music, theater, dance, literature or street arts are sure to find an event to their taste. Some must-sees include Hellfest in Clisson, Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, La Nuit de l'Erdre in Nort-sur-Erdre, Dub Camp Festival in Joué-sur-Erdre, and La Réplique Festival in Nantes, each representing a unique facet of the department's rich cultural spectrum.

Outdoor activities: hiking, biking and water sports

The Loire-Atlantique region is also a prime destination for outdoor activities, offering a wide range of ways to get out into nature and get active at the same time. Whether you're an avid hiker, cyclist or water sports enthusiast, there are plenty of possibilities. Suggestions for immersing yourself in the great outdoors include the greenway from Carquefou to Saint-Mars-la-Jaille, discovering the Brière regional nature park, a sea trip from the port of Le Collet, water sports at Lac de Vioreau, or a moment of relaxation in Nantes' Parc de la Chantrerie.

Unique cultural experiences and local know-how

Discover the rich cultural and artisanal heritage of Loire-Atlantique. Whether you're a lover of history, art, gastronomy or innovation, Loire-Atlantique has much to offer through unique cultural experiences and the discovery of exceptional local know-how.

Discovering the castles of Loire-Atlantique

The Loire-Atlantique region, with its many châteaux, tells a story of battles and elegance. Visit historic fortresses such as Château de Clisson, Château de la Groulais and Château de Ranrouët, witness to the conflicts between the Dukes of Brittany and the Kings of France. Admire pleasure castles such as de la Bretesche, de la Bourgonnière and de Goulaine, home to such illustrious figures as François I and Anne de Bretagne. Don't miss emblematic ones such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, home to a captivating history museum, or the Château d'Ancenis, offering spectacular views over the Loire.

Not-to-be-missed museums and exhibition spaces

Explore Loire-Atlantique's museums and exhibition spaces, which celebrate its cultural heritage and identity. Visit themed museums such as the Musée du Vignoble Nantais, discover the secrets of salt production at the Musée des Marais Salants, or explore the art of printing at the Musée de l'Imprimerie. Immerse yourself in the fantastic world of Jules Verne or in history at the Musée le Grand Blockhaus. Let yourself be intrigued by innovative venues such as the Machines de l'île, the Mémorial de l'abolition de l'esclavage, and the FRAC des Pays de la Loire for a contemporary art experience.

Handicrafts and local produce: a journey of taste

Get a taste of Loire-Atlantique through its local specialties and crafts. Savor dishes such as gâteau nantais, curé nantais and berlingots nantais. Discover exceptional products such as muscadet, Guérande salt and spirulina, testimony to traditional know-how. Craftsmanship is also revealed through unique creations, offering an insight into the department's culinary and artisanal heritage.

Themed tours: between history and innovation

Take part in themed guided tours for an enriching discovery of the Loire-Atlantique region. Explore local history with visits to the Saline in Guérande, the Château de la Groulais, or the Musée de la Résistance in Châteaubriant. Have fun in Nantes with an urban escape game, an electric bike ride or a guided tour by a local. Discover innovative initiatives such as the Ecomusée de Saint-Nazaire, the FRAC des Pays de la Loire, or the Centre d'Art de Montrelais for an immersion in contemporary art and industrial heritage.

Loire Atlantique- Conclusion

Loire-Atlantique is a true full of surprisesoffering a range of activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for peace and quiet, cultural enrichment, sporting adventure or close contact with nature, this department is sure to meet your expectations. Discover a wide variety of landscapes, from the banks of the Loire to the vast expanses of the Atlantic Ocean, not forgetting the salt marshes and enriching wetlands. There's no shortage of exceptional sites, including majestic châteaux, captivating museums, the island's impressive machinery and the poignant memorial to the abolition of slavery. You'll also have the opportunity to sample authentic local specialties such as muscadet, the famous Guérande salt, or the delicious gâteau nantais. There's a wide range of leisure activities to choose from: invigorating strolls, relaxing cruises, lively festivals, or even water sports for the more adventurous. Loire-Atlantique is also a place where culture is part of everyday life, allowing you to explore monastic craft traditions, contemporary art or the unusual farming of snails. Don't delay, come and experience the Loire-Atlantique, a multi-faceted department that promises unforgettable discoveries and enchanting moments. An invitation to travel you won't want to refuse!

Loire Atlantique - FAQ

What are the main towns in Loire Atlantique?

Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Herblain, Rezé, Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire, Orvault, Vertou, Couëron, Carquefou and Bouguenais are among the main towns in Loire-Atlantique. Ranked according to their 2024 demographics by INSEE, they represent some of the 207 communes in this département, which covers 6,886 km².

Why is 44 no longer part of Brittany?

Loire-Atlantique, département 44, became part of the Pays de la Loire region in 1956, when France's administrative regions were created. This move, dictated by economic and tourism objectives, gave rise to debates and movements calling for a return to a united Brittany.

Which department is number 44?

Loire-Atlantique is number 44. This département in the Pays de la Loire region is named after the Loire River that flows through it, and the Atlantic Ocean that runs along its west coast.

What is the name of the inhabitants of Loire Atlantique?

Although the names of the inhabitants of Loire-Atlantique have not been officially established, several appellations exist. Ligériens or Ligériennes echo the Loire and the Pays de la Loire region; Marins or Marines underline the department's maritime roots. Other terms such as Loirains or Loiraines, Nantais or Nantaises, and Atlantiques are also in use.