Do you prefer summer or off-season? Sporty or leisurely? Whatever you prefer… There are some must-see places to visit, all year round, where the Loire flows into the ocean… These little nuggets exist around your Les Rochelets campsite in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins.
Saint-Brévin, seaside resort near the Saint-Nazaire bridge
The Loire estuary is unique in its diversity of landscapes. The Ponton face aux Géants offers a breathtaking view of the Saint-Nazaire bridge and the industrial giants of the estuary’s north shore. A stunning contrast between nature and iron structures. An orientation table is currently being created. It will enable visitors to better discover this multi-faceted estuary.
Have you ever thought of visiting both banks from the Loire and the sea? Right bank: Saint-Nazaire and its dual identity. Its shipyard and impressive port terminals. Then there’s the seaside resort of Saint-Nazaire, with its unspoilt coastline, cliffs and coves… On the left bank, you can see the beaches and town of Saint-Brévin. Day or night, the “Saint-Nazaire sur mer” cruise is well worth the detour!
The Ocean Serpent, by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping, is a cultural must-see in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. But did you know that a monumental ephemeral sculpture stands almost opposite the snake? ” Aurora”, as it’s called, was created by Thomas Monin. This life-size whale, made of a weave of metal rods sheathed in phosphorescent silicone, is illuminated at night by several black-light spotlights. Astonishing!
Carried away by the wind!
Saint-Brévin is without doubt the temple of sailing, wind and speed. With over a kilometer of fine sand, the Plage des Rochelets, close to your campsite, is one of the best places to practice board sports or take a leisurely stroll on the yellow gold.
Sand yachting is a truly unique and picturesque activity on this immense expanse. Did you know that the sailboat on wheels is the only boat that sails only on sand? With the wind for an ally, gliding sports on the sea are not to be outdone. From windsurfing to kite surfing to catamarans, the sails swell and stretch with the wind. That’s when you pick up speed and are carried along by the wind… What a feeling of freedom!
Inflated by the wind, so are kites. A festival is held every summer on the large beach at Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. With competitions, demonstrations and enthusiastic participation, it’s a real feast for the eyes to contemplate these behemoths in the sky. You’ll instantly fall back into childhood…
Or would you prefer to try your hand at kite surfing? Kitesurfing gives you unrivalled sensations. The pleasure of gliding over the water and being lifted by the wind with an inflated sail in the sky.
Crédi Photo© La Vélodyssée/ A. LAMOUREUX