Just outside Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Viaud is a little-known corner of the Loire-Atlantique region. Clinging to a rocky outcrop overlooking the Loire estuary, this village of 2,800 inhabitants welcomes you in a green and peaceful setting. You can visit two caves where a well-known local hermit once lived.
Mount Scobrit: the historic and spiritual heart of Saint-Viaud
The ancient village of Saint-Viaud is located on a rocky hillside: Mount Scobrit. The site conceals two unusual caves on the northern flank of the mountain, where the village church stands. One is visible from the outside, while the other is exceptionally open to the public on certain dates in spring and summer.
The name Saint-Viaud refers to Saint Vital, a 7th-century Irish monk who is said to have lived as a hermit in the cave beneath the present-day church of Saint-Viaud. The site has long been a major pilgrimage site in the Loire-Atlantique region.
Saint-Viaud church and Saint Vital grotto
The church of Saint-Viaud (rebuilt in the 19th century) is located at the summit of Mount Scobrit. The basement of the church houses a small grotto: the cell of Saint-Vital. It was rediscovered in 1853 during construction of the present church.
The entrance to the grotto was located in the priory garden. Access was via a stone staircase leading down to a crypt housing an altar and a statue of the saint. Later, the entrance was moved to the north chapel of the church.
During the summer, the church and grotto are open to visitors free of charge. From the church, enjoy a superb view of the surrounding countryside, Paimboeuf, Donges, Saint-Nazaire and the mouth of the Loire.
The Lourdes grotto at Saint-Viaud
A replica of the Lourdes grotto coexists with that of Saint Vital. It was built by Abbé Sort, parish priest of Saint-Viaud from 1909 to 1915. The grotto overlooks the valley behind the church.
Lac de Saint-Viaud: fishing, swimming and water sports
Lac de Saint-Viaud is a 4-hectare lake, ideal for a wide range of sporting and family activities. There’s an Aquapark dedicated to wakeboarding, kneeboarding, wakeskating and water skiing.
In addition to the leisure center, there’s a sandy beach for swimming, children’s playground, tennis court, bocce ball court and picnic area.
Part of the lake is reserved for fishing, with a good population of carnivorous fish (carp, pike-perch, pike…).
A 1.5 km circuit takes you around the Saint-Viaud lake. Along the promenade, a permanent exhibition recounts thehistory of the American naval air station built at “La Ville en Bois” during the First World War.
- Address: Base de loisirs, rue du Parc des Sports, 44320 Saint-Viaud.
The Saint-Viaud lake festival: a not-to-be-missed event
At the end of June, discover the Fête du lac de Saint-Viaud with its fireworks display over the lake! On the program: mussels and French fries, barbecues, funfair and concert. Free admission.
Walks and hikes in Saint-Viaud
In the commune of Saint-Viaud, three yellow-marked trails start from the leisure center near the lake. These trails take you through the picturesque village, perched on Mount Scobrit, with its flower-filled streets. The surrounding countryside is dotted with mills, manor houses, dovecotes, chapels and calvaries.
- Circuit des bords de Loire: 14.6 km (3h45 on foot, 1h15 on mountain bike).
- Circuit des Collines: 16.8 km (5h15 on foot, 1h45 on mountain bike).
- Chapelle Saint Vital circuit: 21.5 km (5h15 on foot, 1h45 on mountain bike).
Camping in Saint-Viaud
After exploring the wonders of Saint-Viaud, why not extend your stay by booking at the Paradis Les Rochelets campsite? Located near Saint-Viaud in the Loire-Atlantique region, our seaside campsite with water park, nestled in a forest of pines and oaks, offers comfortable accommodation and plenty of activities for the whole family. Book now by calling 02 40 27 40 25 or visiting our website.
photo : Jibi44 – CC BY-SA 4.0