Just 10 km from the beaches of the Côte de Jade, in the heart of the Pays de Retz bocage, Saint-Père-en-Retz (Loire-Atlantique) offers the peace and quiet of a quiet, coastal community that exudes history and nature.
A village to visit in Loire-Atlantique
Set between sea and countryside, just 10 minutes from the Saint Brevin les Pins campsite, Saint Père en Retz is often overlooked on tourist circuits. This village in the Loire, once home to a Templar commandery, is well worth a visit, whether you’re a heritage, nature or gastronomy enthusiast. Follow us to find out more about activities, sightseeing and interesting places to visit!
The town of Saint-Père en Retz
Right in the heart of the traditional Pays de Retz region, between marshes and the banks of the Loire, this important ancient Gallo-Roman center is part of the historic Pays Nantais region. Until the end of the 19th century, Saint-Père was one of the most densely populated communes in the Pays de Retz, with fairs renowned throughout the Greater West.
Today, a 1.7 km heritage trail takes you on an hour-long stroll through the village’s landmarks. Here’s an overview of what’s in store:
Église Saint Pierre: built in 1878, this neo-Gothic church boasts the tallest nave in the Retz region. Inside, a relic of the True Cross (the cross on which Jesus is said to have been crucified) was brought back by the Knights Templar, who had a commandery in the village of Biais in Saint-Père.
Square Pommeraye: located in the village of Saint-Père-en-Retz, this peaceful little garden pays tribute to Louis Pommeraye, a local 19th-century figure who designed the famous Passage Pommeraye in Nantes. Works of art decorate the square.
La Butte Sainte Opportune : located on rue du Prieuré, the statue of Sainte Opportune, founder of the Abbey of Almenêches, stands guard over the site of the former church and cemetery. Carved in limestone, the statue dates back to 1861. It is the work of Nantes-based sculptor Pierre Potet.
Dive into local history: museums and traditions
The wash-house and its house
This washhouse, lovingly restored, bears witness to Saint-Père-en-Retz’s past. Transformed into a small museum, “La Maison du Lavoir” houses antiques and recounts thehistory of the village and local life in days gone by. The washhouse is open to visitors free of charge, while the museum charges a fee. Address: rue de Pornic.
The Conservatoire des vieux métiers
With over 3,000 tools, antique objects and machines, this museum immerses visitors in the agricultural and craft life of yesteryear. Don’t miss the Bread Festival, held every August 15. A hundred loaves of bread are baked in the old wood-fired oven for the occasion. Open from July 1 to September 15. Address: 14 Chemin Sainte Opportune.
- The Conservatoire des vieux métiers and the Musée du lavoir are open until September 10. Admission: €6 for both museums, €3 for the museum alone.
Hiking and outdoor activities
On foot or by bike: the Roche Govi circuit
Looking for a fun hike or country bike ride in Saint-Père-en-Retz? The Circuit de la Roche Govi offers a 19 km loop (4h30 on foot, 2h15 by bike) that alternates between heritage sites, country lanes, ponds and forests.
Starting from the Saint-Pierre church, plunge into prehistory and discover the Roche Govi menhir. Along the way, stop off at the Marais de Boivre, an ancient maritime gulf that has become a bird sanctuary. You’ll also pass by the Manoir de la Gruais and the Fontaine des Coquelinières, two of Saint-Père’s landmarks. See details of the itinerary.
The Grand Fay lake (for fishing and walking)
With its 6 hectares, this pond offers the perfect setting for a nature break. With the Parcours Famille label, it attracts anglers and walkers alike. There are picnic tables, a children’s play area, a fitness trail and foot and cycle paths. The tour of the lake is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Saint-Père-en-Retz fairs and markets: “miam, miam!
When you’re on vacation, it’s great to have time to scour the local markets. Don’t leave without taking advantage of Saint-Père-en-Retz’s markets:
- Tuesday mornings: market on the Place du Marché. On the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, the fair takes place. It’s a tradition!
- Sunday morning: producers’ sales on the Place de l’Église (greengrocer, roaster, oysters).
photo – Andre Costargent/Pixabay