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Discover Saint-Nazaire: 10 must-sees

Why not spend a weekend on the French Atlantic coast? Discover the town of Saint-Nazaire, a destination full of surprises!

Known for its industrial life, Saint-Nazaire is also a city open to art, nature and gastronomy. With its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural sites and rich industrial heritage, Saint-Nazaire is now a pleasant destination for a weekend getaway or more if you feel like it!

What to do in Saint-Nazaire? What are the must-see sights and the best places to spend a good time? In this travel guide, you’ll find all the tips and advice you need to prepare your stay.

This travel guide is produced in collaboration with Saint-Nazaire Tourisme. However, I reserve the right to make my own comments, so the opinions and suggestions for activities in this article are entirely sincere.

Saint-Nazaire in short

• When should you go?  Summer is the best time to go for a swim or to enjoy the beaches, but you can also enjoy the region in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and there are far fewer tourists than in July and August!
• Who’s it for?  Everyone: solo, as a couple, with friends or as a family. There are plenty of activities to suit all ages (see the rest of this article).
• How to get to Saint-Nazaire?  Saint-Nazaire is located on the Atlantic coast of France. It’s very easy to get there by train: the journey from Paris takes just 3 hours, with direct TGV services!
• How much does it cost?  A weekend in Saint-Nazaire won’t break the bank! If you plan ahead, you can find return train tickets from Paris for less than €100. Some accommodation is very reasonably priced (€60 for two, see the rest of this article) and many activities can be done free of charge. When it comes to food, you can cut the bill by picnicking by the beach, but you’ll also find plenty of brasseries and fast food outlets at reasonable prices.

Understanding the history of Saint-Nazaire

The town of Saint-Nazaire has witnessed many key events over the centuries. Initially, Saint-Nazaire was a small seafaring village, but its importance grew considerably during the industrial revolution.

It was  in the  19th  century  that a key event occurred: as the port of Nantes, sunken in the estuary, could no longer accommodate the increasingly large ships, it was decided to establish an outer harbour at Saint-Nazaire, which would profoundly develop the town.

In the second half of the century , maritime trade between countries became increasingly important. The aeroplane did not yet exist, and transatlantic lines enabled soldiers, diplomats and ordinary travellers to cross the ocean. One of these lines linked Saint-Nazaire to Central America, making the town a particularly important transport hub. In this context, Saint-Nazaire developed a shipbuilding industry, with the creation of the “Chantiers de l’Atlantique”, which played a crucial role in the construction of famous liners, including the famous “France”, “Normandie” and, more recently, the “Queen Mary 2”.

During the  First World War , the town was the port of debarkation for the first American contingents: almost 200,000 “Sammies” arrived in Saint-Nazaire between 1917 and 1918, and the town lived on American time for those two years.

During the  inter-war  period, the French government encouraged aircraft construction away from the border with Germany. Saint-Nazaire seized this new opportunity and began building aircraft.

The  Second World War  was particularly devastating for the town. Having become one of the strategic ports of the “Atlantic Wall” built by the German army, which installed a submarine base there, Saint-Nazaire was the target of numerous bombardments and one of the very last French towns to be liberated, 85% destroyed.

Today , Saint-Nazaire is a modern and dynamic city, with a diversified economy that still includes shipbuilding, but also the aeronautical industry, renewable energy and tourism. The town is also known for its beaches, its deep-water port and its role as France’s maritime transport hub.

Since the early 2000s, Saint-Nazaire has capitalised on its history to offer a rich cultural and heritage offering, while preserving its natural beauty spots and offering top-class gastronomy.

Visiting Saint-Nazaire: 10 must-do activities

Walking around the port.

To start your discovery of Saint-Nazaire, take the time to stroll around the town centre.

Obviously, in this seaside town, activity revolves around the port. Along the piers you can breathe in the fresh sea air and watch the boats come and go.

Visit the ecomuseum to learn about the town’s history

To really understand how Saint-Nazaire was built, open the door of the ecomuseum. With a host of scale models, you can see how the town developed and admire some of the finest ships and aircraft to have come out of the region’s factories!

It’s a very enjoyable visit for the whole family, thanks in particular to the tour guides designed especially for young visitors.

  Address:  15 avenue Saint-Hubert   Opening Hours:  Daily, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm   Admission:  Adults €5; Concessions €4; children aged 4-17 €2.5; free for children under 4   Tickets at:   saint-nazaire-tourisme.com

Embark on Escal’Atlantic: the interactive museum

Why not take a cruise aboard a legendary ocean liner? That’s – almost! – what Escal’Atlantic has to offer, an immersive museum that will give you the impression of embarking on a transatlantic voyage. On board, you’ll find a wealth of explanations about the ships that made up Saint-Nazaire’s golden age, as well as reconstructions of the cabins using objects from the period. You can go down into the engine room, relax on a deckchair facing the ocean or have a drink in the museum bar.  It’s a must-see!

  Address:  16 boulevard de la Légion d’Honneur   Opening hours:  Daily, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm   Admission:  Adults €15; Concessions €13; children aged 4-17 €7.5; free for children under 4   Tickets at:   saint-nazaire-tourisme.com

Take on the role of a sailor and visit the submarine Espadon

In the submarine base, right next to Escal’Atlantic, discover the submarine Espadon! Built in the late 1950s and commissioned in 1960, it was the first French Navy submarine to dive under the ice pack, and could take on board up to 65 crew members.

You can now visit it with an immersive tour designed for all ages. Equipped with an audio guide, you can follow in the footsteps of a secret mission to the North Pole.

  Address:  2 avenue de la Forme Ecluse   Opening hours:  Daily, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm   Admission:  Adults €12; Concessions €10; children aged 4-17 €6; free for children under 4   Tickets at:   saint-nazaire-tourisme.com

Visit the Airbus and Chantiers de l’Atlantique industrial sites

Saint-Nazaire is now a major industrial town, home to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard and one of the Airbus sites.

You can discover these industries on guided tours organised from the submarine base, which will take you to the assembly sites for aircraft and the biggest ships.

Hunting for street art

Saint-Nazaire is an open-air museum thanks to the many giant murals scattered around the town.

Don’t forget to climb up onto the panoramic terrace of the fortified lock to admire Felice Varini’s series of triangles, a work in anamorphosis that is revealed when you position yourself at a precise point that you’ll have to look for!

Strolling (or sunbathing!) on the beach

There’s more to Saint-Nazaire than its port and industrial life! This seaside town has no fewer than 20 beaches and coves. Right in the centre of town, you can easily put your towel down or take a stroll with your feet in the sand, but I’d advise you to go further afield to discover even more natural areas.

In the Saint-Marc-sur-Mer district, you can admire Monsieur Hulot beach, named after the main character in Jacques Tati’s film “ Les vacances de monsieur Hulot “, which was shot here.

A few hundred metres away, the Trébézy fisheries reveal a wilder landscape.

Going to Brière

Inland, discover La Brière, a Regional Nature Park and France’s second-largest marshland after the Camargue. Here you’ll be able to admire some 900 different plants as well as numerous birds. A 100% nature walk!

Sitting down at a good restaurant

Saint-Nazaire is no slouch when it comes to gastronomy. There are fine restaurants to suit all budgets. Of course, you’ll find plenty of fish dishes here, but vegetarians and meat lovers will also find something to their liking!

If you feel like doing a bit of shopping before you leave, there are several good places to visit:

• Le Ruban Bleu:  this is an open-air shopping centre where you’ll find major national chains.
• Les Halles:  in this market you’ll find more food shops with regional producers. Perfect for doing a bit of shopping and preparing a picnic! And don’t forget to take in the architecture of these covered market halls, which have been designated a 20th century heritage site.
• Le Garage:  just a stone’s throw from Les Halles, Le Garage is a creative, innovative and cultural venue where you can meet artists and craftspeople who sometimes sell their creations.

Where can you pack your bags in Saint-Nazaire?

There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, including hotels, gites and guest houses. There’s something to suit every budget. Use this map to find the list of available accommodation by entering the dates of your stay:

I particularly recommend ”  La tête sur l’oreiller”,  a bed and breakfast located right in the heart of the city, making it easy to do everything on foot.

Agnès, the lady of the house, has turned it into a warm, lively and welcoming place. Rooms start from just €60, including breakfast.

Map of good addresses in Saint-Nazaire

Don’t lose your way! Use this interactive map to find all the addresses mentioned in this article.

Tip:  use the menu on the right to filter addresses according to your points of interest.

Article produced in partnership with Saint-Nazaire Tourisme Many thanks to Jérôme, Arnaud, Aurélie, Tiphaine, Mathieu, Agnès and everyone I met during my stay for their warm welcome.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Saint-Nazaire (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Saint-Nazaire (France)

On the Loire Estuary, Saint-Nazaire makes no apologies for not being the prettiest city in France .

Because this is a place where things get done, and it attracts people on exactly those terms.

For big machinery, ambitious engineering works and military history there are few places that can hold a torch to Saint-Nazaire.

The shipbuilding industry took off in the 1800s and aviation followed a century later, and supermachines continue to be assembled here today.

Saint-Nazaire is summed up by the submarine pens in the harbour: Ugly concrete hulks that couldn’t be destroyed but are now crammed with days out.

Lets explore the best things to do in Saint-Nazaire :

1. Submarine Base

Before the Second World War Saint-Nazaire had been the embarkation point for transatlantic cruises to Mexico, Cuba and Panama.

But after 1941 a 19th-century lock by the harbour entrance was chosen for an indomitable submarine pen, with nine metres of reinforced concrete that no bomb could penetrate.

This was where many U-boats fighting in the Battle of the Atlantic were stationed, and you’ll see, the base came through the war without suffering much damage.

The bays have exciting things to see like the Espadon and the Ecal’ Atlantic, which we’ll visit next.

2. Escal’ Atlantic

Tapping into the romance of the cruise liner era is this attraction in the submarine base that shows you the refined decor and awesome inner workings of two historic vessels: The SS Normandie, dating to 1935, and the SS France, launched in 1960. The walking tour will bring your through 20 different rooms and areas, including a dining room, piano bar and both steerage and plush cabins for passengers.

But you can also see what went on behind the scenes in the engine room and on the bridge.

Kids will be entertained by the multimedia and interactive games, while grown-ups will be wowed by more than 200 authentic artefacts from these legendary ocean liners.

3. French Submarine Espadon

Meaning “swordfish” in French, the Espadon submarine can be boarded at the Nazi U-Boat base.

The craft was launched in Le Havre in 1957 and was the first French submarine to dive beneath the Polar Ice, going as far north as 70° in the Norwegian Sea.

You’ll have an audio-guide as you explore this diesel-electric submarine, and will get plenty of insights about how the crew of 70 sailors went about their day in the eating areas, bunks and kitchens, which are almost absurdly cramped.

Sound effects on the guide will add a bit of colour, and there’s lots of science if you need the nuts and bolts.

4. Terrasse Panoramique

There’s an elevator, but you can also climb the stairway to the top of the fortified lock for a view to remember from the terrace.

From up here you can see the Penhoët dock, which at 22-hectares is one of the largest in Europe.

But perhaps even cooler is the massive “Suite de Triangles” installation by the Swiss artist Felice Varini, famed for his “perspective-localised art”. So on neighbouring docks the buildings have been covered with triangles, which only line up into a coherent work when you’re standing in exactly the right spot.

5. STX Shipyard Tour

On a two-hour drive around the STX shipyard you’ll have privileged access to a world-leading facility that employs thousands of people and uses the most sophisticated technology available.

These are the very docks that built the MS Harmony of the Seas, the largest passenger ship in the world, which completed its maiden voyage in 2016. The bus departs from the submarine base on a six-kilometre itinerary with regular stops for you to take photos or listen to in-depth explanations from your guide.

The tour takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and there’s one trip a week organised in English during July and August.

6. Airbus Tour

Also departing from the Submarine Base is the bus to tour the high-tech Airbus installation in Saint-Nazaire, setting off every Wednesday and Friday.

Because of the sensitive nature of what you’ll see you have to book your place on the tour at least 48 hours beforehand, and show ID. The Airbus site in Saint-Nazaire assembles and tests front and centre fuselage sections for every single craft made by the brand before they’re shipped by air or water to facilities in Toulouse, Spain or Germany to be completed.

It’s pretty special to see whole chunks of aircraft fuselage being “swallowed” by the gargantuan Beluga cargo planes.

7. Front de Mer

In the last few years Saint-Nazaire has refurbished its waterfront promenade next to the Wilson and Albert 1er Boulevards.

The town has planted trees, laid lawns and widened the walkway to give you an unbeatable place for a stroll.

Idle here on hot summer days when the Atlantic breeze will blow away the cobwebs, and there are a couple of bars with large terraces for Ocean views to go with a cold drink.

As you stroll you’ll pass various memorials, like one for the sinking of HMS Lancastria and another for the American recapture of Saint-Nazaire late in the Second World War.

8. Écomusée de Saint-Nazaire

On the harbour facing the shipyards, the Écomusée is a small permanent exhibition about Sant-Nazaire and its shipbuilding heritage.

The galleries begin with prehistory but quickly get up to speed in the 19th century, explaining the main technological leaps over the last 150 years or so.

You can study some of the mythical craft that have been assembled in Saint-Nazaire.

There are models of the SS Normandie, SS France and the trailblazing Loire seaplanes manufactured here in the 1930s.

Entrance to the Écomusée is included in the ticket for Escal’ Atlantic.

9. Plage les Jaunais

West of Saint-Nazaire nature takes over and the coastline gets wild and craggy.

Backed by granite cliffs is a string of near-perfect sandy beaches on the Côte d’Amour, and the cream of these is Plage les Jaunais.

This beach is 500 metres long, there’s ample parking and it’s patrolled by lifeguards all through July and August.

The water is shallow and sandy in the bay, but the rocks that bookend the beach have little pools where you can climb and go looking for crabs.

Next-door is a small cove, hidden from view and frequented by naturists.

10. Pont de Saint-Nazaire

From the top of the lock and submarine base you can see this epic bridge crossing the estuary.

When work was completed in 1975 this was France’s longest bridge, and it also remained the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world until 1983. Including its viaducts the total length is more than 3.3 kilometres, and the height of almost 60 metres makes it visible from a long distance.

Tour de France fans may already know the Pont de Saint-Nazaire because it has appeared on the course many times down the years, the most recent crossing taking place in 2011.

11. Prehistoric Monuments

The Tumulus de Dissignac is a megalithic barrow a couple of kilometre to the west of the city.

It has been dated to about 4,500 BC, making it the oldest man-made structure in the whole of Loire-Atlantique.

Inside one of the two burial chambers is a stone with strange, indecipherable engravings.

You can tour the barrow in July and August.

In the centre of Saint-Nazaire on the Place du Dolmen, a trilithon dolmen and a menhir from the Neolithic age stand side-by-side.

12. Jardin des Plantes

Next to the oceanfront promenade, Saint-Nazaire’s restorative botanical garden was laid out in 1880. The garden has a languid English design with footpaths bending past perfect lawns, flowerbeds and majestic trees that are both from France’s Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean.

Southern species of pines and palms flourish in this garden because of the mild temperatures and abundance of sunshine in Saint-Nazaire.

You could bring a book for an hour or two of peace, and amble down to the park’s southern boundary which gets superb ocean views.

13. Guérande

Carry on around the coast to this walled medieval city, which needs to be in on the agenda if you’re visiting the Loire-Atlantique coast.

First off, the setting is equally strange and beautiful, as the city is stranded by the salt marshes to the south and the impenetrable swamp of Brière to the north.

The town’s walls went up during a time of regional conflict in the 14th-century War of the Breton Succession.

You can get up and stride along a section of the walls, and one of the gates, Porte Saint-Michel has a museum about these defences.

Unlike Saint-Nazaire, the centre of Guérande is a twee, touristy sort of place, with cute crêperies and artisan shops.

14. Loire à Vélo

Here on the estuary it can be hard to believe you’re next to the same river that curls past those ornate châteaux in Indre-et-Loire.

But the outstanding Loire à Vélo cycle route is still here and Saint-Nazaire is the western trailhead of this 800-kilometre network.

Recently the town has done a lot to improve its infrastructure for people on two wheels, and in 2015 opened up a 10-kilometre loop that lets you visit the Submarine Base and the port or ride along the estuary for a while.

This connects with another 170 kilometres of carless trails, all on light, flat terrain although riding can get dicey on windy days.

15. Ocean Cruises

In a city that relies on the Atlantic it makes perfect sense to set sail on one of the voyages on offer from the harbour.

There are three to pick from: First, you can get an overview of Saint-Nazaire, sailing past the cliffs, coves and beaches to the west, but also getting an eyeful of the town’s big industry.

You could also go a bit further to see the refined resorts of the Côte d’Amour from the water, and to see the Escoublac sand dune, one of the highest in Europe.

Last of all is the night-time cruise “La Route des Phares”, when the many beacons, lighthouses and signals in the region twinkle in the darkness.

15 Best Things to Do in Saint-Nazaire (France):

• Submarine Base
• Escal' Atlantic
• French Submarine Espadon
• Terrasse Panoramique
• STX Shipyard Tour
• Airbus Tour
• Front de Mer
• Écomusée de Saint-Nazaire
• Plage les Jaunais
• Pont de Saint-Nazaire
• Prehistoric Monuments
• Jardin des Plantes
• Loire à Vélo
• Ocean Cruises

Top Things to Do in Saint-Nazaire, France

Places to visit in saint-nazaire, tours near saint-nazaire.

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• Sous-Marin l'Espadon
• Escal'Atlantic
• Pont de Saint-Nazaire
• Front de Mer
• Base Sous-Marine de Saint-Nazaire
• Jardin des Plantes
• Plage De Monsieur Hulot
• Plage Les Jaunais
• Naturist Beach Les Jaunais
• Mini golf Saint Nazaire

Top Things to Do in Saint-Nazaire, France - Saint-Nazaire Must-See Attractions

Things to do in saint-nazaire, tours near saint-nazaire.

One hour quad ride between Nantes and La Baule

Jet-ski session near Nantes

4x4 crossing in a Private Estate in Pays de Loire

Towed buoy session in Loire Atlantique

Nantes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS - Wine & History Tours Brittany (Western France)

Discover Nantes while playing! Escape game - The alchemist

Outdoor escape game | Vikings - The Relic of Odin

Outdoor escape game | Jules Verne - The extraordinary challenge

PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike

Top attractions in saint-nazaire.

Other Top Attractions around Saint-Nazaire

What travellers are saying

• Sous-Marin l'Espadon
• Escal'Atlantic
• Pont de Saint-Nazaire
• Front de Mer
• Base Sous-Marine de Saint-Nazaire
• Jardin des Plantes
• Plage De Monsieur Hulot
• Plage Les Jaunais
• Naturist Beach Les Jaunais
• Mini golf Saint Nazaire

• Destinations
• The 10 destinations
• Brittany Loire Ocean

Saint-Nazaire

While it’s not one of France’s most attractive cities, St-Nazaire makes a fascinating destination for boat and plane enthusiasts as well as fans of World War II history. The beaches along its coastline are some of the best in the Loire-Atlantique department; one was immortalised on film.

An industrial city

Ships of all shapes and sizes.

Saint-Nazaire is best known for its shipbuilding industry, which began in the 19th century. In 1862 the port became the departure and arrival point for France’s first transatlantic crossings to South America thus, Saint-Nazaire became a centre for building ocean liners; the Queen Mary II was built here in 2003. To find out more about this fascinating industry, head to Escal’Atlantic, where you can travel around the world in 90 minutes on board a life-size reconstruction of one of these magnificent ships.

Submerged in history

Escal’Atlantic is housed in the impenetrable German submarine base, which was built during the Occupation and became the French HQ for the German navy, the Kriegsmarine. As a result, Saint-Nazaire became a major target for the Allies who destroyed the shipyards during Operation Chariot in 1942 followed by the rest of the city via a bombing raid in 1943. You can explore a real submarine, L’Espadon, which was used by the French navy from 1960-85; there are audio-guides in English. Guided tours are also available of the shipyards and the port terminals, although English-language tours are only available to groups of 20 or more. Visitors can learn about the history of the city, its port and industries at the Écomusée.

Saint-Nazaire is home to one of Europe’s Airbus factories; it’s here that the main fuselage sections are assembled and tested for all the company’s planes including the new A380 – the world’s largest civilian aircraft. French-speakers can join a guided visit where they might be lucky enough to see La Beluga, the giant cargo plane.

The coast around Saint-Nazaire has some lovely beaches – take the old customs officer’s path, lined with Mediterranean flora, to Les Jaunais. The resort of Saint-Marc-sur-Mer is where Jacques Tati filmed Mr Hulot’s Holiday in 1951.

The Queen Mary II was built here in 2003

Did you know ?

Of the 611 British soldiers who took part in Operation Chariot, only 224 made it back to Britain.

Information & bookings

Tourist Office Saint-Nazaire

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Getting there

Getting to saint-nazaire.

There are direct flights from Gatwick and Stansted to Nantes-Atlantique Airport, located about 60 km from Saint-Nazaire, with transport from the airport on the TER regional transport network or by bus . By train, Eurostar takes 2 hours and 16 minutes from London to Paris, then there are 13 TGV intercity services each day from Paris-Montparnasse to Saint-Nazaire, taking 2 hours 34 minutes. By car, Saint-Nazaire is 195 km from the ferry port at St Malo, 301 km from Roscoff ferry terminal, 412 km from Bordeaux and 441 km from Paris.

Travelling in and around Saint-Nazaire

It’s very pleasant to stroll through Saint-Nazaire, enjoying the sea front and watching boats and liners sailing out of the port. Saint-Nazaire is also very well served by the Stran bus network. Another way to get around is to use the Vélycéo cycle hire service – classic or electrically-assisted bikes are available to rent by the half-day. The Lila bus network and the TER regional transport network allow you to explore the Loire Ocean area and the rest of Brittany effortlessly.

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10 Reasons to Visit Saint-Nazaire in South Brittany

Saint-Nazaire is a popular seaside town with international connections from the transatlantic ocean liners and ships that set off from its shores to the artists responsible for the incredible art installations, sculptures, and murals that decorate the city. With 15km of spectacular coastline, relaxing sandy beaches, and gorgeous nature reserves, “Little Breton California” is the ideal place to decompress. Here are our top ten reasons to explore the beaches, parks, hikes, and ships of the town – there’s even a submarine to discover.

1. Saint-Nazaire’s beautiful seafront: the perfect place to relax

Sit on one of the many seafront terraces at Place du Commando and sip a lemonade (or something stronger) while watching the tide come in or head to one of the new cafés that come alive once the sun sets. Pathways have been redesigned so pedestrians and cyclists can move about easily. The play area made of driftwood and rope near the Harbour Master’s Office is perfect for children.

If you want to learn more about the pêcheries , the fishing huts that hang over the Loire Estuary, head to the port of Trébézy or Sautron to get a better look. At Sautron , you can even rent a fishing hut if you want to try your hand at fishing or just relax in the peaceful surroundings of the Loire estuary, far away from your office and the demands of work.

Welcome to Saint-Nazaire, the ideal destination to relax by the sea © Arnaud Dréan

2. 20 stunning beaches and coves

Several kilometres of beautiful coastline reveal 20 lovely beaches and coves . The coves around Port Charlotte and Saint-Eugène provide unparalleled peace for those looking to swim or read with no distractions (other than outstanding natural beauty). Head to Le Skate Park water sports centre if you’re looking for an active time or if you have small children, the central beach has beach games made of driftwood to enjoy. There are two designated Handiplage, six with lifeguards in summer, and one that has starred in a famous French film, Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot . Plus, three of Saint-Nazaire’s beaches have Blue Flag status.

Try some windsurfing on Plage Saint-Nazaire © Farid Makhlouf

3. La Havane district

The La Havane district transports you back to the 1900s. Stroll along the seafront and enjoy the sight of beautiful, coloured houses. The names of the streets – “Havane”, “Vera Cruz”, “Santander” – remind visitors of the many destinations of the transatlantic ships built in Saint-Nazaire.

Saint-Nazaire Quartier Havane © A.Klose

4. A town full of art

Stunning street art and murals can be found on the walls across Saint-Nazaire, including a six-storey-high abstract composition by American Ellen Rutt and enigmatic figures painted by Chilean artists Inti and La Robot de Madera in the Petit Maroc Quarter. You can also find sculptures and art installations throughout the seaside town. Saint-Nazaire Tourist Office has a free guide to help you find them all – “Parcours à Saint-Nazaire – l’Art en Ville”! The guide also highlights the unique open-air contemporary art collection, Estuaire , with 34 works to see along 60km of estuary.

At the junction of Rue Henri Gautier and Rue des Frères Pereire, you can find this painting of an Aborigine boy done by Australian Matt Adnate © Arnaud Glize

5. Les Escales Festival

On the last weekend of July, Saint-Nazaire hosts an incredible festival featuring both new and established artists across diverse genres: pop, rock, soul, world and electro. The festival supports various social causes, offering a platform for young designers, promoting local food and having stalls for charitable organisations on-site.

Dance the night away © Hélène Defoy

6. The Customs Officers’ Path

Whether you’re looking for an intense hike or gentle stroll, explore Brittany’s longest waterfront pedestrian path , over 1,240 miles from Mont-Saint-Michel to the Saint-Nazaire Bridge. The GR®34 coastal path stretches 145km and can be covered in five days but there are many shorter walks to enjoy for non-hikers near Saint-Nazaire with its magnificent wild coastline that stretches for 15 km with gorgeous beaches and coves!

Walk along the sentier douaniers coastal path © Alexandre Lamoureux

7. Explore Escal’Atlantic

Enter the world of legendary ocean liners , learning about the history of transatlantic vessels via interactive devices and games. Look at over 200 artefacts from legendary cruise ships including a chandelier from France (1962) and silverware from Normandie (1935).

Explore the world of ocean liners at Escal’Atlantic © Farid Makhlouf

8. Visit the submarine Espadon

Named after swordfish, the Espadon was the first French submarine to sail beyond the Arctic Circle and dive under the ice fields in the 1960s. Experience life underwater in this steel giant complete with sound effects as you head aboard the only floating submarine in France that civilians can visit. Two English audio guides are available – one for adults (Marc the reporter) and one for children over 7 years old (Jean le Bidou)!

Head underwater in French submarine Espadon © Maelwenn Leduc

9. Visit Saint-Nazaire’s shipyard “Chantiers de l’Atlantique”

Every time a ship leaves the shipyard, an amazing open-air show is held in the Loire Estuary, delighting both locals and visitors. Two-hour guided tours of the shipyard are available in eight languages, including English. Head to the heart of the shipyard to learn all about the incredible ships that have been built at Saint-Nazaire: France, Queen Mary 2, Harmony of the Seas… Discover the secrets of the construction process that keep Harmony of the Seas, the world’s longest cruise ship, and Symphony of the Seas, its sister ship, the world’s largest cruise ship, afloat. Enough to send shivers down your spine!

Learn all about Saint-Nazaire’s shipyard © Farid Makhlouf

10. Near Saint-Nazaire, wander around Briere Regional Natural Park

Since 1970, Saint-Nazaire has been one of the 21 towns and villages that make up the Brière Regional Natural Park . As one of the largest wetlands in France and encompassing France’s second largest marshland, there are tons of opportunities to decompress and get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy exceptional flora and fauna – from Rozé port to Kerhinet village in Saint-Lyphard.

Head out on the water for a boat ride or take a stroll on dry land simply enjoying the sight of the Loire river. The Pierre Constant Regional Nature Reserve in Saint-Malo-de-Guersac is the perfect place for ornithologists, depending on the season, you can see herons and Eurasian spoonbills, bluethroats, wagtails, and swamp sparrows as well as, of course, ducks and geese.

You can also discover the wonderful world of arts and crafts and gastronomic specialities. Brière is known for its thatched houses – you can find over 3,000 in the area. We recommend trying some langouille,  a sausage made with pork tongue that works brilliantly in picnics and aperitifs, or escargots cooked in various ways. Local woodworkers also craft using an unusual wood called ‘ le morta’, fossilised oak that is hard and dark, which is used to make knives, sculptures, and jewellery.

Enjoy a trip on the water at Brière Regional Nature Park © Farid Makhlouf

Find out more: https://www.saint-nazaire-tourisme.uk/

Lead photo credit : Plage Saint-Nazaire © Farid Makhlouf

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Guide to Saint-Nazaire

This guide to Saint-Nazaire will, I hope, inspire you to visit. I went there not knowing what to expect and very rapidly fell in love with this great Atlantic coast city that is re-inventing itself so successfully.

Saint-Nazaire has two sides. If you’re interested in shipbuilding (Saint-Nazaire has one of the world’s biggest shipbuilding yards), World War II history, submarines, ocean liners, wind farms and Airbus it will certainly be on your list.

But Saint-Nazaire has another delightful side: with old buildings, glorious beaches, lovely walks both long and short, picturesque fishing huts, good restaurants and a little naval shopping.

Saint-Nazaire’s Mixed History

Originally just a simple fishing village, Saint-Nazaire became a major port with the coming of the railways in the 19 th century. Vast new docks were built and Saint-Nazaire replaced Nantes as the main harbour on the Loire estuary emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps inevitably it became known as the Liverpool of the West, or if you’re on the other side of the Atlantic, Little Breton California.

By the end of the 19 th century, Saint-Nazaire was the main port building luxury ocean-going liners.

At the start of World War II the port was used to evacuate British troops. A major disaster occurred when the Clyde-built cruise liner SS Lancastria, requisitioned to carry British troops back from France, was sunk by German Junkers bombers in just 15 minutes. Winston Churchill banned all news coverage of the worst disaster in British maritime history (around 4,000 troops were killed) and the incident remained unknown.

In June 1940 France surrendered. The Germans occupied Saint-Nazaire and built the heavily fortified, impregnable U-boat submarine base so vital for destroying the Atlantic supply ships. Saint-Nazaire became a strategic target and in January 1943 the Allies bombed the town, burning it to the ground – though the submarine pens remained.

After the liberation of most of France in 1944, German troops who were holed up in the submarine base refused to surrender but with no supply line they were powerless. General Eisenhower ignored the German bases along the west coast and Saint-Nazaire stayed under German control until after the end of the war in Europe on May 8, 1945.

Saint-Nazaire was rebuilt in the late 1940s so there’s a lot of fairly mundane housing, flats, offices and shops. But is is changing rapidly and the seaside is being developed sympathetically.

Top Attractions in Saint-Nazaire

Start at the Submarine Base

The German submarine base was too strong to demolish without huge cost. Today it’s a major tourist attraction, housing the Escal’Atlantic Museum , a café, a bar and Saint-Nazaire Tourist Office. Get your tickets here for tours of the major industrial sites. It’s also the starting point for the coaches that take you to the shipbuilding yard and to Airbus.

Back to the other Saint-Nazaire Attractions

Make for one of the 20 beaches in and around Saint-Nazaire. There’s plenty of choice. Try the long sandy central beach for watersports, or find yourself a bit of peace and quiet on a cove around Port Charlotte to the west at La Courance or Trébézy.

Walk Beside the Sea

The long promenade beside the sea starts in the east at the Place du Commando by the entrance to the port. Large placards along the walk show the story of Saint-Nazaire; people stroll, cycle or run while others sit on the benches looking out to sea.

Take time for a detour through a small area known as La Havane. Many of the shipbuilders lived in the old houses that line the streets of Santander, La Havane and Veracruz, streets named after the destinations of their cruise liners. 

Look out for ‘Sammy’, built in 1927. The monument commemorates the 198,000 US soldiers stationed in Saint-Nazaire from 1917 to 1919.  

You’ll pass small fishing huts, reached by wobbling little passageways from the shore. Privately owned, the owners use them to fish, lowering the large nets hopefully but usually unsuccessfully into the water. Otherwise they are there just to sit and watch the ever changing seascape. You can hire them; we spent an hour or so in one – a glorious, restful experience. Hire a Fishing Hut

Look out for Tintin

You’re not the first illustrious visitor to Saint-Nazaire. 6 boards and an orientation table mark the places in the comic book Les 7 Boules de Cristal visited by Tintin, Captain Archibald Haddock and Milou. “ Et puis, pensez donc: Saint-Nazaire, le port, les quais, l’océan, le vent du large, les embruns qui vous fouettent le visage…” “ And then, just think: Saint-Nazaire, the port, the quays, the ocean, the offshore wind, the spray that whips your face… “ Pick up the little leaflet at the Tourist Office and set off on your Tintin journey.

Housed in a small building in the old port area, the Éccomusée museum tells the story of Saint-Nazaire’s history and industrial heritage, of the port area and the great ocean liners that were built in the city.

It’s a small museum but with enough models, maps, artefacts and photographs to take you through thousands of years of history in a delightful, digestible way.

There are plans for a new museum, but for the moment, take time for a visit and take the family. Here’s a very good guide to L’écomusée from mechtraveller.com.

Follow the Daring Operation Chariot Raid

Saint-Nazaire was a huge problem for the Allied troops in World War II. The port and the great submarine pen housed the battleships and U boats used by the Germans to destroy the Atlantic convoys that took vital supplies from America to Britain.

Two great battleships occupied Saint-Nazaire: Bismarck and Tirpitz . Bismark was sunk in May 1941 after a fight in which the British ship HMS Hood was also sunk. Tirpitz remained.

Mountbatten came up with an audacious and extremely dangerous plan. Bombing was not possible as Saint-Nazaire was too heavily defended. So the massive Joubert dock, where Tirpitz was stationed, became the target. Or rather the seaward lock gate was the target. The idea of what became known as Operation Chariot? To destroy the gate with a ship packed with explosives rammed into the gate. And, if possible, to wreak more havoc on other sea locks into the basin where the submarine base was located.

The ‘Greatest Raid of All’ was launched by an old destroyer, HMS Campbeltown , loaded with explosives and accompanied by patrol boats carrying commandos whose job it was to go ashore a little further out and attack locks and the German defences.

It was an extraordinary attack, one of those heroic, seemingly hopeless attempts that largely succeeded.

It’s a ripping good yarn, but if you want the full details, go to the excellent Mechtraveller.com story.

The whole point of this rather long introduction is to encourage you to follow the easy Operation Chariot trail. Pick up the leaflet from the Tourist Office to walk around the 7 panels that tell you the story at various times of the raid.

Walk the Coastal Path

The famous coastal path, GR34, starts in Saint-Nazaire and runs north along the Brittany coast for over 2,000 kms/1,240 miles. It finishes at Mont-Saint-Michel. It’s not new; the original trail was created by customs officers in 1664 to intercept smugglers. It takes about 3 hours to walk the Customs Officers’, or Smugglers’ Path as it’s known, from Place du Commando to Plage de Sainte-Marguerite in Pornichet (14 kms/8.6 miles). It’s well worth the effort. Or just go for a few kilometres; the views are stunning.

Where to Stay in Saint-Nazaire

We stayed at the Originals City Hôtel de l’Europe . The 3-star hotel had good rooms, breakfast and friendly staff. There’s a useful (paying) car park opposite.  

Our second night was at a charming chambre d’hôte (bed and breakfast). La Tête sur l’oreiller is in the town centre and run by the helpful and friendly owner, Agnès. There are 5 large rooms including a family room, many looking out onto the peaceful back yard where there’s limited parking. No website, so get in touch directly: [email protected] .

Or try Le Berry , a 3-star hotel near the station. It has smart modern bedrooms and bathrooms, a brasserie and bar. Rooms from €70 in the low season and from €100 high season.

There’s a good selection of budget and chain hotels in Saint-Nazaire.

Where to Eat in Saint-Nazaire

There are plenty of good restaurants in Saint-Nazaire. We ate at La Plage , one of the new restaurants in the Place du Commando. Top seafood dishes, great staff and a wonderful view of the sea.

Also in the Place du Commando, La Fabrik is a good choice for lunch (it closes at 7pm). Go here for waffles, vegetarian dishes, skewers of meat and vegetables, salads and steak and chips as well as ice creams. Tel: +33 2 51 16 96 74.

One of the most enjoyable casual meals was at Le Papillon , a bar/restaurant on the beach with extra tables on the sand. They do excellent plâteaus of charcuterie and cheese plus moules in large pans. It’s at  Plage de Villès, about a 20-minute walk from the Place du Commando. Run by Igor and Melissa, who worked for 10 years in London in restaurants and bars, it’s only open in the summer.

We also had lunch at Le Maharaja , an Indian restaurant a short walk from the submarine base. First-rate tandoori dishes and classic Indian curries with a terrace for summer dining.

For a quick meal, or takeaway, try Basilic&Co . It’s a chain of good pizzerias, centrally located, friendly and good value.

Shopping in Saint-Nazaire

Saint-Nazaire is not known for its shopping. But walking to the submarine base from our bed and breakfast, I came across Comptoir de la Mer . And this sprawling shop was irresistible. Good clothing if you’re sailing, many different fishing rods, but best of all, those wooden lighthouses, birds and boats that place your bathroom right by the sea. I spent a small fortune. 

Markets in Saint-Nazaire

The large main covered market, Les Halles was built in the 1950s. It’s the place for fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, cheeses and more, both French and international. It’s not particularly pretty but it’s a great place to shop for a picnic. Stalls both inside and out. Open Tues, Fri and Sun mornings. Blvd de la Legion d’Honneur. Saint Nazaire Villeport.

To the east you’ll find Penhoët Market in Méan-Penhoët. Built in 1877 it was brought here from the centre in 1936. Open Wed and Sat.

Saint-Nazaire Markets .

Great Places outside Saint-Nazaire

A serpent awaits.

Drive over the impressive Saint-Nazaire bridge then turn off immediately to Brevin-les-Pins. Park in the main car park and walk along the seaside path. It will take you to the 130-metre long Serpent d’océan , best seen at low tide.

Saint-Marc-sur-Mer and Monsieur Hulot

I was brought up on Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday , a hilarious black-and-white and very old-fashioned film starring Jacques Tati. It’s become part of the folklore of France but I had no idea that the village was just a 17 km/10.5 mile drive along the coast from Saint-Nazaire and that the French had taken Monsieur Hulot quite so much to their hearts.

There are various walks and view points, helpfully shown on boards around the village relating to the holidaymaker who creates havoc in the small seaside resort.

Walk along the Smugglers’ Path (part of GR34), take bathing gear, walk down the steps from the path and swim in the blue waters of the sea.

Stay in the excellent 3-star Best Western Hôtel de la Plage , M. Hulot’s hotel. With a room looking out over the beach and the sea, and a view of M. Hulot himself standing on a rampart with exactly the right pose, it makes a great end to a stay in Saint-Nazaire. Good bar, restaurant and terrace dining.

We ate at an excellent Asian style dinner (dishes from €16.50) at Le Centre in the middle of the village. On Sundays there’s live music at 4pm.

Go Further Afield

Just to the north of Saint-Nazaire you’ll come to the Parc naturel regional de Brière . France’s second largest wetland is a glorious area of villages, natural ecosystems, animals and thousands of birds.

Salt Marshes of Guérande

Go north west and you’re in the salt-marshes of Guérande. In this huge low-lying area, the precious (and expensive) salt is produced naturally. The seawater flows through the pans producing brine.

Stop at Terre de Sel , one of the businesses producing salt. There are plenty of food stuffs to buy and they also arrange guided tours of the salt marshes.

Read about the Industrial Heritage of Saint-Nazaire : Shipbuilding, Submarines, Airbus and Wind Farms to visit.

Practical Information

Saint-Nazaire Tourist Office Brittany Tourist Office Atlantique-Loire Valley Tourist Office

How to get to Saint-Nazaire

Saint-Nazaire is in Brittany, in the Loire-Atlantique region.

By car: The nearest ferry port from the UK is St-Malo used by Brittany Ferries. It’s around 200 kms/124 miles and takes around 2 hrs 30 mins. We came from Dieppe on DFDS ferries, around 500 kms/310 miles taking around 5 hrs. More about Ferries to France from the UK.

By Train: Take the TGV non-stop train from Paris Montparnasse to Nantes (2hrs 7 mins). Then take the local TER train from Nantes to St Nazaire (47 mins).

By Air: Major European airlines fly to Nantes, as do budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair. They fly from UK and European destinations. Catch the shuttle bus to the railway station.

More about the French Atlantic Coast

French Atlantic Coast Guide from Brittany to the Spanish border. Drive along the Loire Valley from Saumur to Saint-Nazaire

Declaration: I was on a self-driving press trip as a guest of the Saint-Nazaire tourist office.  Apart from the Hotel de l’Europe & meal at Basilic&Co, the tourist office covered all meals, accommodation and entry fees.

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Escal'Atlantic

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Escal'Atlantic - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Sun - Sat 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• (0.07 mi) Holiday Inn Express Saint - Nazaire, an IHG Hotel
• (0.15 mi) "SUITE-HOME" Exceptional apartment T4 classified 4⭐️ near Center & beach.
• (0.37 mi) The Originals City Hotel de l'Europe Saint-Nazaire
• (0.34 mi) La Tete Sur L'Oreiller
• (0.18 mi) Appart'City Classic Saint-Nazaire Centre
• (0.10 mi) Le Rancard
• (0.12 mi) Sushi Kyo
• (0.12 mi) Courtepaille
• (0.18 mi) Le Petit Goinfre à Saint-Nazaire
• (0.29 mi) Le Sabayon

Several possible answers. Please specify a location.

• - F - Loire-Atlantique: Saint-Nazaire (44600)

Saint-Nazaire Tourist attractions

Michelin guide.

• Escal' Atlantic The Green Guide 895 m - Boulevard de la Légion-d’Honneur, 44600 St-Nazaire activities details 
• Espadon submarine The Green Guide 1.09 km - Avenue de la Forme-Écluse, 44600 St-Nazaire activities details 
• St Nazaire's Eco-Museum The Green Guide 1.16 km - Avenue St-Hubert, 44600 St-Nazaire activities details 
• Panoramic terraces of Saint Nazaire The Green Guide 1.16 km - Sur le toit de la base Sous-Marine, 44600 St-Nazaire activities details 
• Shipyards - Le Voyage en Bateau The Green Guide 1.98 km - Boulevard de la Légion-d’Honneur, 44600 St-Nazaire activities details 
• St-Nazaire to St-Brévin road bridge The Green Guide 3.62 km - D 213, 44600 St-Nazaire activities details 
• Airbus - Saint-Nazaire The Green Guide 5.79 km - Boulevard de la Légion-d’Honneur, 44613 St-Nazaire activities details 
• La Grande Brière The Green Guide 11.1 km - 44410 La Chapelle-des-Marais activities details 
• Dryads Park The Green Guide 11.3 km - Allée des Dryades, 44500 La Baule-Escoublac activities details 
• La Baule-les-Pins The Green Guide 11.7 km - La Baule-les-Pins, 44500 La Baule-Escoublac activities details 
• Seafront from Pornichet to Pouliguen The Green Guide 12.3 km - Front de mer, 44500 La Baule-Escoublac activities details 
• Saint‑Gildas Headland The Green Guide 15.8 km - 44770 Préfailles activities details 
• Route from this place
• Directions to this place
• Route via this place
• Nearby hotels
• Nearby restaurants

Keep in contact

My michelin account.

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• Saint-nazaire Tourism
• Saint-nazaire Itineraries
• Saint-nazaire Hotels

Top Tourist Attractions in Saint-nazaire

• Pays De La Loire
• Saint-nazaire
• Things To Do In Saint-nazaire

Best Things To Do in Saint-nazaire, France

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Saint-nazaire.

Saint-nazaire may not be as popular as other cities in France, but don’t let that fool you. Saint-nazaire is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Angers or Rennes. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Saint-nazaire.

If you have plans to visit France and are not sure if Saint-nazaire should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Saint-nazaire and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

• Things to do with Family & Kids in Saint-nazaire
• Leisure Activities in Saint-nazaire
• Entertainment Activities in Saint-nazaire
• Art & Cultural Attractions in Saint-nazaire

Tourist Attractions in Saint-nazaire

Here is the list of things to do in Saint-nazaire and tourist attractions in city.

Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah's Witnesses

Religious Site, Hall

Address: 39 Route de la Côte d'Amour, 44600 Saint-Nazaire, France

Escal'atlantic

Cineville st nazaire, sous-marin espadon, eglise sainte-anne, botanical garden, 3 services., terrasse panoramique base espadon.

• Things to do in Angers
• Things to do in Rennes
• Things to do in Le Mans
• Things to do in Paris
• Things to do in Tours
• Things to do in Reims
• What to do in Saint-nazaire in 1 day
• What to do in Saint-nazaire in 2 days

Discover   The City

• Homepage – Stunning Saint-Nazaire
• Discover The City

Visiting Saint-Nazaire means a journey to the unexpected, exploring a territory with a thousand facets complementing each other: urban and seaside, huge and intimate, historic and innovative, industrial and natural… Our ‘Little Breton California’, where the River Loire meets the Atlantic Ocean, is a trendy destination! Could it have something to do with its 20 beaches, open-minded attitude, varied harbours and renovated city centre? Come with us for a stroll through the city!

Saint-Nazaire   A stunning city

Aperit et nemo claudit.  An open door that no-one shall close. As a true harbour town, Saint-Nazaire is open to the whole world and to all people, showcasing its best features through its cultural and tourist activities, its shops, and indeed its industrial, architectural and natural heritage. With a population of over 70,000 Saint-Nazaire opens its doors to welcome you, too.

Explore Saint-Nazaire   from a different angle

Saint-Nazaire offers a selection box of delights, including the sea, the port, heritage and nature.

• Seminars and congresses

Saint-Nazaire

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the pyrénées-orientales.

Located in Occitania, in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales , the commune of Saint-Nazaire takes place four kilometers from Canet-en-Roussillon , not far from the famous city of Perpignan .

Possession of the bishopric of Elne in the ninth century, Saint-Nazaire was attached to the town of Canet since the 1970s, before taking its autonomy in 1983. Circled by orchards, wine terraces, or ponds, this commune of South of France does not lack charm and scenery to discover.

Quite old, the town still unveils today an interesting architectural heritage that makes its charm. You will appreciate the houses in old stones and the old religious buildings that stand proudly in the heart of the old center. Ideally located, Saint-Nazaire also allows you to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea and its beaches placed close to the places.

Geographical information

Nearest cities & towns, things to see and do.

In the old center of the town you can admire many houses built in the 19th century, as well as the vestiges of an old medieval tower now transformed into a fountain.

In Romanesque style, the church Saint-Nazaire was completely rebuilt in the nineteenth century, on the site of an ancient edifice of the ninth century. Do not miss the chapel Notre-Dame-de-l'Arca. Placed not far from a feudal mound, it was flushed to the French Revolution.

For walking or hiking, you can discover the different vineyards of the town, walk around the pond, or enjoy the orchards still in place. The pond, on horseback in the town of Canet, has several leisure facilities.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

Every beginning of June, the town proposes its festival of the pond with different animations.

At Christmas, the city welcomes a Santa Claus to visit the children.

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Leisure activities.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Related articles Saint-Nazaire

Saint-Nazaire tourism and travel guide

Photo is of Bagnols-sur-Ceze at 4 km from Saint-Nazaire

Visit Saint-Nazaire: highlights and tourist information

Saint-Nazaire is situated in the Gard department and Occitanie region.

Below you can see some of the places that we have visited and reviewed and can recommend when you are sightseeing close to Saint-Nazaire in Occitanie.

Popular places to visit nearby include Bagnols-sur-Ceze at 4 km and La Roque-sur-Ceze at 8 km.

Saint-Nazaire, France: places to visit and attractions

Note that all distances below are 'direct' and real driving distances will be greater!

Bagnols-sur-Ceze

La Roque-sur-Ceze

Saint-Victor-la-Coste

Ancient Theatre of Orange

Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres

Naturoptère

Gorges de l'Ardeche

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gard

Arrange a visit to Saint-Nazaire

Book hotels, car hire and flights.

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Hotels in Saint-Nazaire

Booking.com: best prices

For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com

Reserve excursions

Map of places to visit near saint-nazaire, markets in and near saint-nazaire.

• Bagnols-sur-Ceze: market Wednesday (4km)
• Pont-Saint-Esprit: market Saturday (8km)
• Piolenc: market Monday (11km)
• Saint-Martin-d'Ardeche: market Wednesday - seasonal market only (12km)
• Saint-Martin-d'Ardeche: market Sunday (12km)
• Goudargues: market Wednesday (13km)
• Bollene: market Monday (14km)
• Orange: market every day except Sunday (16km)
• Bourg-Saint-Andeol: market Wednesday (20km)
• Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux: market Tuesday (20km)

More information about Saint-Nazaire, Languedoc-Roussillon

Tourist attractions near saint-nazaire, france.

What to do at Saint-Nazaire? Some places with official tourist classifications and other places of interest to visit nearby that should provide inspiration if you are visiting Saint-Nazaire.

Grand sites of France

• Aven d'Orgnac (21km)
• Pont du Gard (29km)
• Gorges de l'Ardeche (29km)
• Gorges du Gardon (48km)

Heritage sites

• Orange Roman Theatre (16km)
• Avignon Centre (31km)

Most beautiful villages in France

(see also beautiful French villages )

• La Roque-sur-Ceze (8km)
• Aigueze (13km)
• Seguret (32km)
• Balazuc (40km)
• Vogue (43km)
• Venasque (47km)

National Monuments

• Fort Saint-Andre (29km)

Recommended detour towns (fr: plus beau détour)

• Pernes-les-Fontaines (41km)
• Beaucaire (43km)
• Nyons (45km)

Churches and religious monuments

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame (Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux) (20km)
• Eglise de Saint Michel (La Garde-Adhemar) (24km)
• Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit et Fenestrelle Tower (Uzes) (27km)
• Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Repos de Montfavet (Avignon) (31km)
• Abbaye d'Aiguebelle (Montjoyer) (36km)
• Cathédrale Notre Dame de Nazareth (Vaison-la-Romaine) (36km)
• Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges (Sorgues) (48km)

Remarkable gardens

• Jardin des herbes (24km)
• Jardin du château de Brantes (29km)
• Jardin aquatique « Aux fleurs de l'eau (40km)
• Jarditrain (44km)
• Jardins de la Fontaine (45km)

Protected historical centre (fr: secteur sauvegardé)

(see also historical French towns )

• Villeneuve-les-Avignon (30km)
• Viviers (32km)
• Avignon (32km)
• Nimes (45km)

Sites of natural beauty

• Cascades du Sautadet (8km)
• Grotte de Saint-Marcel (16km)
• Réserve naturelle nationale des Gorges de l'Ardèche (21km)
• Dentelles de Montmirail (35km)
• Grotte de la Cocaliere (39km)
• Bois de Païolive (40km)

Towns of Art and history

• Uzes (26km)
• Vaison-la-Romaine (36km)
• Carpentras (37km)

Villages in bloom 4* (fr: ville fleurie)

• Ales (44km)

Zoo and/or wildlife park

• La Ferme aux crocodiles (19km)

Geography and distances

Saint-Nazaire is in the south of France at 45 kilometres from Nimes, the department capital (general information: Saint-Nazaire is 546 kilometres from Paris).

Geographical Information

Commune: Saint-Nazaire

Canton: Bagnols-sur-Cèze

Arrondissement: Nîmes

Department: Gard

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

New region: Occitanie

Postcode: 30200

Distance to Saint-Nazaire

from Nimes (prefecture): 45 km

from Paris: 546 km

from Calais: 779 km

from Nice: 219 km

from Bordeaux: 418 km

from Strasbourg: 543 km

Getting here

For driving distances to Saint-Nazaire from anywhere in France see driving distances and route planner .

We have 6 other places listed as being close (less than kilometres from ): Bagnols-sur-Ceze , Carsan , Chusclan , Saint-Alexandre , Saint-Gervais and Venejan .

This page in French: Visiter Saint-Nazaire

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Saint-Nazaire

Things to do in saint-nazaire, tours near saint-nazaire.

One hour quad ride between Nantes and La Baule

Jet-ski session near Nantes

4x4 crossing in a Private Estate in Pays de Loire

Towed buoy session in Loire Atlantique

Nantes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS - Wine & History Tours Brittany (Western France)

Discover Nantes while playing! Escape game - The alchemist

Outdoor escape game | Vikings - The Relic of Odin

Outdoor escape game | Jules Verne - The extraordinary challenge

PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike

Top attractions in saint-nazaire.

Other Top Attractions around Saint-Nazaire

What travellers are saying

• Sous-Marin l'Espadon
• Escal'Atlantic
• Pont de Saint-Nazaire
• Front de Mer
• Base Sous-Marine de Saint-Nazaire
• Jardin des Plantes
• Plage De Monsieur Hulot
• Plage Les Jaunais
• Naturist Beach Les Jaunais
• Mini golf Saint Nazaire