Halfway between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, Frossay (Loire-Atlantique) invites you to discover the landscapes of the south bank of the Loire estuary. Here’s an overview of the best things to do in Frossay, both on land and on the water.
A little history…
Frossay is located on the south bank of the Loire estuary, 25 km from Saint-Nazaire and 40 km from Nantes. It is one of the oldest parishes in the Pays de Retz. The present-day village replaces the Bourg aux Moines, founded in the 11th century. Frossay boasts a number of calvaries. Near the village, the Fuie calvary is one of the most beautiful.
The best things to do in Frossay
Legendia Parc: animal park, legends and live shows
Looking for a unique experience? Head for Legendia Parc, a 33-hectare wildlife park where tales and legends of the Pays de Retz come to life. Meet wolves, bears, lynxes and many other species among the 500 animals present. Shows, captivating stories and family entertainment await you for a memorable day.
- Address: 4 La Poitevinière, 44320 Frossay. Tel. 02 40 39 75 06, website www.legendiaparc.com
Le Quai Vert de Frossay
Located on the banks of the Canal de la Martinière, Quai Vert is a must for lovers of outdoor leisure activities. Rent a bike, paddle, kayak or pedalo to pedal or sail from the Pont des Carris to the Champs Neufs lock. You can also learn from exhibitions or enjoy summer concerts.
- Access: on the banks of the Canal de la Martinière, Migron village (Frossay). Further information at www.quai-vert.com
Défi Nature, Frossay’s leisure park
For a dose of adventure, head to Défi Nature, the Château de la Rousselière leisure park. On the program: accrobranche (10 courses), Filet course, paintball, laser game, outdoor escape game, orienteering course with map and compass. Something for all tastes and ages!
- Address: Parc du Château de la Rousselière, 44320 Frossay. Tel. : 02 40 39 79 59. Website: www.definature.com
Walks and hikes in Frossay (on foot and by bike)
Between the sea and the countryside, the marshes and the banks of the Loire, the commune of Frossay is a great place for walking and hiking.
- Circuit du Carnet (10 km): lovely walk along the Basse-Loire maritime canal, a paradise for fishing and birdwatching. Leaves from Quai Vert au Migron (loop route).
- Circuit des Landes (12 km) : cross pastures, colorful fields and an ancient Roman road between Frossay, Chaumes-en-Retz and Saint-Viaud. Start from the Legendia Parc parking lot (loop route).
- Île Adet circuit (20 km): discover the Frossay marshes, the forest and take a complete tour of Île Adet, a former island in the Loire. Departure from Place du Général-de-Gaulle, Frossay (looped route, dry season only).
Read also: The Loire à Vélo passes through Frossay!
Microlight baptism in Frossay
Based at Frossay, Randkar has been offering microlight first flights for over twenty years. Fly over the Côte de Jade, the Loire estuary or the Brière marshes for an unforgettable experience. If you’re ready for take-off, you’ll pay €50 for a 15-minute flight, €80 for half an hour and €140 for a one-hour tour.
- Base ULM Randkar: Les Champs Neufs, 44320 Frossay. Tel. : 02 40 64 21 66. More information at www.randkar.fr/
The Massereau and Migron bird sanctuary
The Réserve ornithologique de l’île du Massereau covers 393 hectares of wet meadows belonging to the Conservatoire du Littoral. It includes the Massereau “island”, part of the former Basse-Loire maritime canal and the Migron reserve. Guided tours are organized with naturalist guides to observe the birds and animal and plant species present on the former Loire islands. Find out more HERE!
Frossay’s heritage
La Machinerie du canal maritime de la Basse-Loire
Inaugurated in 1892, the Champs Neufs machinerie in Frossay is located on the Canal Maritime de la Basse-Loire (Canal de la Martinière), which runs along the south bank of the Loire estuary. Discover its history through guided tours with demonstrations, exhibitions and models. Guides will explain how the machinery used to operate the locks and move ships from Frossay to Le Pellerin.
Self-guided tours every Thursday from May to June, guided tours every Thursday in July and August. Further information at www.canal-maritime-basse-loire.fr
The village of Migron
Discover the village of Le Migron, part of the commune of Frossay, an ancient Loire port dedicated to maritime trade. Here you can learn about the history of the canal and the “barges”, very long boats fitted with sails that could carry up to five tons of merchandise. In summer, the old streets and lanes of the village are explored on foot, accompanied by a storyteller.
photo – fotomiyasaka/Pixabay