Embark on an unexpected journey to Saint-Nazaire, Loire-Atlantique, through five must-see sites that bear witness to its rich historical and industrial heritage.
1. The Saint-Nazaire Ecomuseum
Located on the banks of the Loire estuary, opposite the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, the Saint-Nazaire Ecomuseum retraces a century of aeronautical and naval history. Its collections invite you to travel back in time, on the sea and in the air. Among the treasures on display are models of legendary liners, including the famous Normandie, as well as paintings, posters, collectors’ items, films and archive photos illustrating the city’s fascinating industrial history.
- Address: avenue de Saint-Hubert 44600 Saint-Nazaire. Self-guided tour, duration approx. 45 minutes.
2. Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Since the creation of the Saint-Nazaire shipyards in 1862, more than a hundred ocean liners have left this historic site, including the Normandie, the France, the Queen Mary 2 and the Wonder of the Seas. A visit to the shipyards plunges you into the heart of an exceptional adventure, up close and personal with the giants of the seas under construction. Discover the workshops and assembly holds, where a fascinating and impressive spectacle unfolds. The site covers more than 100 hectares, and its facilities are among the largest and most innovative in the world.
- 2-hour guided tour, for children aged 4 and over. Reservations required. Consult the schedule of visits and prices.
3. Airbus Saint-Nazaire plant
Beneath the immense assembly aisles, plunge into the heart of the construction of the largest aircraft ever built by European aeronautics giant Airbus. Accompanied by a guide, explore the workshops where the A320, A330 and A350 take shape. Discover the integration of fuselages and aircraft, and the installation of electrical and hydraulic circuits for these cutting-edge aircraft. An impressive experience not to be missed.
- 2-hour guided tour, including a bus tour with stops and a walking tour. Reservations required. See tour calendar and prices.
4. The Swordfish submarine
Come aboard the “Espadon” submarine, the first French submarine to dive under the ice pack on a secret mission to the North Pole in 1964. Commissioned during the Cold War, it is the only submarine afloat open to visitors in France. At 77 meters long, the submersible could carry a crew of 65 and dive for 5 to 6 days. An audio tour allows you to explore the submariners’ living and working areas, the listening post and the torpedo room on your own.
- Access: Submarine Espadon, fortified lock, in the harbor. Tour duration: approx. 45 minutes Reservations at www.saint-nazaire-tourisme.com.
5. Monsieur Hulot’s beach
In addition to its aeronautical and naval heritage, Saint-Nazaire is also known as “The city of 20 beaches”. And there’s one in particular: Monsieur Hulot’s beach! Located in Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, the city’s seaside district, this beach was the setting for Jacques Tati’s 1951 film “Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot”. On the esplanade overlooking the beach, the statue of Monsieur Hulot, with his pipe, hat and too-short pants, watches over the bathers. The Hôtel de la Plage, where the film was shot, still exists. It’s the starting point for a beautiful walk along the customs path (GR34).
- Monsieur Hulot beach is about 7 km from the center of St-Nazaire. Follow the D92 towards Pornichet. At the Océanis traffic circle, turn left towards St-Marc-sur-Mer.
photo@Inglesider/pixabay