Stay at a campsite near Saint-Nazaire, the maritime capital of Loire-Atlantique

Stroll to the rhythm of the waves along Saint-Nazaire’s waterfront and venture into the water activities on offer. Discover street art as you stroll through the streets of Saint-Nazaire and enjoy a number of unique tours.

From the eco-museum on history, to a visit to the wind farm, to the amazing life of submarines, and ending with the liner museum or the Tumulus de Dissignac, there’s something for everyone. Finally, enjoy the ports, marshes and beaches that have long been a strong symbol of Saint-Nazaire.

What to do in Saint-Nazaire

To reach Saint-Nazaire from Tharon, you need to cross this giant of concrete and steel that winds its way over the Loire estuary. At 3,356 m long, the Saint-Nazaire bridge is the longest in France. Awe-inspiring!

Then it’s down to the right bank. To your left stretch the shipyards, the first of many stops on your tour of Saint-Nazaire.

Discover Saint-Nazaire’s maritime heritage

The shipyards of Saint-Nazaire are the birthplace of the world’s largest ocean liners. The latest, the Icon of the Seas, set sail in 2024, setting a new world record for length (365 m) and number of passengers (7,600, excluding crew)!

Next door to the shipyards, here’s another place to discover. You’re at the submarine base (Boulevard de la Légion d’honneur). This 301 m-long building, built by the Germans during the Second World War, is now home to Saint-Nazaire’s maritime heritage. Visit Escal’Atlantic, the only museum of its kind in Europe, which traces the history of transatlantic liners. A little further on, you’ll find yourself at LIFE. This 1500 m² space hosts concerts, shows and exhibitions all year round. Don’t leave the base without imagining yourself as a submariner when you see L’Espadon. In 1964, this submersible was the first French Navy vessel to cross the Arctic Circle. It is now open to visitors.

A few steps from the nautical base, discover the ecomuseum (avenue de Saint-Hubert), which traces the history of the town. It’s also a good time to visit EOL, France’s first offshore wind farm open to the public (avenue de la Forme Ecluse).

Embark on a cruise in Saint-Nazaire

A visit or a stay in Saint-Nazaire is also an opportunity to take advantage of discovery cruises aboard the “bateaux promenades”. From a visit to the shipyards to a tour of Noirmoutier, there are a number of daytime, evening and night-time options.

Depending on the program chosen, cruises last from 1 h 30 to a full day. These outings are open from April 1 and are accompanied by a guide. Information, reservations and ticket office: Office de tourisme, Boulevard de la Légion d’honneur, 44600 Saint-Nazaire. Tel: 02 40 22 40 65

What to do near Saint-Nazaire

If you leave Saint-Nazaire to explore the surrounding area. There’s no shortage of points of interest!

To the south of the estuary, you can enjoy the refreshing shade of the Saint-Brévin pine forest, or watch the sand yachts challenge each other on the beach. You’ll be impressed by the height of the waves at Pointe Saint-Gildas. Once in Préfailles, walk along the Sentier des Douaniers before enjoying the beaches of Portmain or Le Porteau.

Just a few kilometers separate you from Pornic and Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer, which have resisted the invasion of concrete by the sea and preserved the charm of villas dating from the early XXᵉ century.

To the north are the seaside resorts of Pornichet, La Baule and its immense beach, Le Pouliguen and Le Croisic. A few kilometers further on, you’ll find yourself in the splendid medieval town of Guérande, surrounded by salt marshes.

At the heart of the Presqu’île, the Parc naturel de Brière covers 55,000 hectares. It embodies the quest for a balance between environmental protection and economic development.

Where to stay at a campsite near Saint-Nazaire?

After a day of sightseeing or water sports, it’s time to head back to the gîte. The Vieux Château campsite in Tharon, in the commune of Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, offers an ideal setting just five minutes from the beach.

Here, you’ll enjoy3-star services and facilities: a swimming pool heated to 29° throughout the season, a snack bar open in July and August and in other months depending on the number of visitors, a children’s playground, a ping-pong table, a pétanque court, laundry facilities, a sanitary block, sheet and towel hire and bicycle hire.

How do I get to Saint-Nazaire from the campsite?

From our campsite in Saint-Michel Chef-Chef, you can reach St Nazaire by car. The journey takes around 28 minutes: take avenue du Maréchal Foch, then avenue de la Convention. Continue along Place de Gaulle, Avenue Pasteur, Rue de Tharon, Rue du Chevecier, D78, then follow Route Bleue (D 213).

To avoid costs, you can also travel to Saint-Nazaire by bus. Take line 315, and you should arrive at your destination in 48 minutes.