The area around Saint-Brévin-Les-Pins is best known for its long sandy beaches, but when the weather’s not so kind, history museums are a good option for a family or romantic outing. Discover three must-see museums near your Les Rochelets campsite in this article!
The Musée de la Marine de Mindin in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins
Housed in an 1861 stone fort, this fascinating museum presents the region’s maritime history through photos, uniforms and ship models. The permanent exhibition comprises 4 sections, devoted to the following themes: the liner France, the liner Normandie (both built at the Saint-Nazaire shipyards), the royal and national navy and shipbuilding in Saint-Nazaire.
You and your family can discover the fabulous history of the region’s sailors, from the first maritime explorations to the great transatlantic crossings. And as the museum is at the entrance to the Loire estuary, you’ll learn all about the different types of boats that have sailed this river!
You can also learn more about the Battle of Quiberon Bay, which pitted the French and British fleets against each other in 1759. In autumn, the Musée de la Marine de Mindin is open every day except Monday. Admission is free for children under 12, and €7 for children over 12.
The Saint-Nazaire Ecomuseum
The Ecomusée de Saint-Nazaire, less than 15 km from your Les Rochelets campsite in Saint-Brévin-Les-Pins, showcases the incredible industrial heritage of the city where almost 130 liners were built! The museum recounts the city’s heyday and dark periods, through a variety of exhibits featuring giant models, paintings, posters, photographs and technical objects.
A new permanent exhibition is also dedicated to the aeronautical adventure of Nazaire. You can also take advantage of the digital tour entitled “l’itinéraire bis de Mathilde”, which allows you to discover the Ecomuseum independently with the help of a smartphone. And for families, a fun activity takes place every day during the school vacations to discover the town and the museum’s objects.
Tickets cost €5 full price and €2.5 for 4-17 year-olds. By the end of 2023, the museum will be open throughout October, but only on certain days each month in November and December. Consult the calendar of opening days on this link.
The Saint-Père-en-Retz old trades conservatory
The conservatoire des vieux métiers, just 11 minutes from your campsite, invites you to take a trip back in time to the daily life of the workers of yesteryear. Come and discover the trades of yesteryear, such as wheelwright, clog maker, basket maker and blacksmith. In a former wheelwright’s workshop, you’ll be able to admire an exhibition of old objects and tools in action. A fun and instructive visit for young and old, to discover the Pays de Retz craft heritage. Admission is €4 and free for children under 12.
Photo: Musée de la Marine de Saint-Brévin (credit: www.saint-brevin.com)