10 good reasons to enjoy winter in Pornic

10 good reasons to enjoy winter in Pornic

  • Birochère Beach, Pornic - © Jérémy Jéhanin

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Imagine strolling along a deserted beach, lulled by the sound of the waves. Admire the sunset over the ocean, in a flamboyant setting. And why not enjoy a delicious seafood meal in a cosy restaurant?

Here are 10 good reasons to discover the charms of the sea in winter in Pornic and its surroundings.

  • Tribes in search of nature
    Tribes in search of nature
  • A getaway with friends
    A getaway with friends
  • A romantic getaway
    A romantic getaway

Presentation

1) Fill your lungs with sea air

There is nothing more invigorating than a lovely walk by the sea, on the beach at the foot of the fishing grounds, to fill your lungs with sea air.

Wrapped up in a thick jumper, hat and gloves, the expanse of our deserted beaches and the intimacy of our coves are yours to enjoy in the heart of winter.

With your hair blowing in the wind, the fresh air caressing your face, the sound of the waves lulling you into the rhythm of your walk and the magnificent shades of blue of the ocean soothing you...
You feel alive on the Atlantic coast !

Our most beautiful beaches in winter

  • Birochère Beach, Pornic - © Jérémy Jéhanin

2) Immerse yourself in nature

Fancy some fresh air? Destination Pornic offers many natural areas to discover in winter. Pointe Saint-Gildas, Marais de Lyarne and the Collet dunes are just some of the places where you can recharge your batteries in the heart of nature... a complete change of scenery guaranteed!

Pointe Saint-Gildas / Préfailles

With views of the Loire estuary on one side and Bourgneuf Bay on the other, you are now in the Pointe Saint-Gildas Regional Nature Reserve. The panorama is magnificent in all weathers, and the extreme force of nature puts on its most spectacular show when the waves are raging.

The Lyarne Marsh / Les Moutiers-en-Retz

A mosaic of natural environments recognised as being of international importance. Discover this winding landscape of marshes stretching to the ocean horizon. You are in the countryside by the sea. What more could you want to enjoy Mother Nature?

The Collet Dunes / Les Moutiers-en-Retz

The Collet dune cordon invites walkers to daydream... with a picture-postcard landscape: around thirty fishing huts in a row, stone and wooden groynes bordering the bay, wild beaches occupied by birds. From Lancastria beach to the port of Collet, a beautiful walk awaits you with breathtaking views of Bourgneuf Bay and the island of Noirmoutier!

Discover all our natural sites

  • Saint-Gildas Point Préfailles - © Jérémy Jéhanin
  • Saint-Gildas Point in Préfailles - © Vincent Ducarne
  • Lyarne Marshes by bike - © Hugo Mouillé
  • Collet les Moutiers en Retz dune - © Ypov.agency

3) Cycling facing the ocean

Grab a warm coat, gloves, scarf, hat... and a bike! Let's go for a good dose of escape, freedom, silence and vitamin D! All with a view of the ocean  

Choose the section of the Vélodyssée or Vélocéan cycle route that takes your fancy and set off to discover our most beautiful coastal landscapes: small coves with red sand, large beaches with fine sand, salt marshes, dunes, rows of fishing huts or isolated fishing villages...

You'll see, the sea in winter is full of magic, nature will always surprise and move you! A dopamine rush guaranteed !

Where to hire bicycles

  • Lyarne Marshes by bike - © Hugo Mouillé

4) Exercise... yes, but gently

Coastal walking or "aquatic coastal walking" is a fun sport that gently works all parts of the body. It combines walking, active walking with rhythmic arm and leg movements, abdominal, thigh and back exercises, deep muscle training, core strengthening, and fun sports games.

The benefits of exercising in the water combined with the pleasure of being in the ocean is the perfect combination for taking care of yourself, facing the beautiful coast of Tharon, at the foot of the fisheries, or facing the golden rocks of La Bernerie-en-Retz.

More information on coastal walking  

  • Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef coastal path - © Mélanie Chaigneau

5) Enjoy a warm snack

Winter is often a season of small pleasures to help us cope with the cold and grey weather. The days are short and the temperatures are low. So it's important to warm up and recharge your batteries. Tea time is the perfect moment for this! It's an opportunity to treat yourself to a warm snack that comforts you and gives you energy after braving the cold.

Some of the most popular winter snacks include hot chocolate, waffles, pancakes, muffins, cookies, cakes...  
These treats are often sweet and comforting. They remind us of our childhood and make us feel good.

The pleasure of enjoying a hot afternoon snack in winter is both gustatory and sensory. It envelops us and warms us up. The sweet taste gives us a feeling of well-being. And the smell of the treat makes our mouths water.

Are you looking for a tea room? With a sea view, a garden view, surrounded by books or comfortably seated in a setting reminiscent of 1930s art deco... all you have to do is choose or try them all ! 

Our tea rooms

  • Café St-Michel afternoon tea - © Jérémy Jéhanin

6) Treat yourself to a comforting and delicious brunch

Winter is the perfect season for brunch. This meal, which combines breakfast and lunch, is ideal for warming up and recharging your batteries.

There are many benefits to brunching in winter.
It provides the nutrients you need to cope with the cold. Eggs, whole grains, fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, which are essential for maintaining good health in winter.
 It helps you warm up. Hot dishes such as soups, scrambled eggs and pancakes are perfect for warming you up in winter.
It's sociable. Brunch is an ideal meal for getting together with family or friends. It's an opportunity to share a moment of pleasure and relaxation.

Would you like to book brunch ? Here are our local addresses for enjoying a delicious winter brunch !

Where to have brunch

  • winter brunch Destination Pornic - © Jérémy Jéhanin
  • Pornic tea room - © Jérémy Jéhanin
  • cheese tour in Pornic - © Le Photographe du Dimanche
  • Afternoon tea St-Michel Café - © Jérémy Jéhanin

7) Stock up on vitamins, micronutrients and minerals

Oysters, whelks, periwinkles, scallops, prawns... what better way to recharge your batteries ! It's no secret that eating seafood in winter is good for your health !

It is rich in micronutrients such as copper, iron, fluoride, phosphorus, selenium and zinc, and its mineral content is also very interesting, particularly calcium, iodine, magnesium and sodium.

And what's more, sharing a seafood platter with friends or family is such a convivial experience !
Lemon, mayonnaise, a pinch of salt... to each their own. We peel the prawns with our fingers, swallow the oysters without making a sound, and toast with a good local wine, without overdoing it !  

A moment of sharing to put on your calendar!

Our favourite seaside spots

  • shellfish Les Moutiers-en-Retz - © Mélanie Chaigneau

8) Playing games

Ah, board games, treasure hunts, escape games with family or friends... unique moments that allow us to refocus and share simple pleasures.
No matter the location or weather, you will always find an original game to try at Destination Pornic!

To play at home

We recommend meeting our board game specialists : Thomas from the Sur la Route du Jeu shop (Sainte-Pazanne) and Juliana and Nicolas from Le Carrousel du Jeu (Pornic).

Playing outdoors

If you prefer outdoor activities, we have two perfect suggestions for you !

  • Walking rallies for children to discover Pornic. There are two possible routes: one for children aged 7 to 12 and another for children aged 13 and over (treasure hunts are available for purchase at our seven tourist offices).
  • Outdoor escape games offered in Pornic by Mission Aventure.

Indoor leisure activities

Surprising settings, intrigue, challenges... head to Exitime, The Paddock or Laser Dream in Pornic. 

  • sainte pazanne games shop - © Mélanie Chaigneau

9) A feast for the eyes and the palate

Make the most of winter to discover local crafts and find unique, handmade gift ideas for Christmas or Valentine's Day.

Take the time to meet our local producers and discover new flavours and delicacies. Eating well is important, but eating locally is even better !
You'll be supporting short supply chains and promoting the work and expertise of the men and women who preserve our natural and cultural heritage on a daily basis.

Our local producers

  • Poiskaï Sud Les Moutiers-en-Retz - © Mélanie Chaigneau

10) Relaxation, unwinding and pampering

Reconnect with nature, water, the sea and all its benefits... take time for yourself, to recharge your batteries and regain your energy... let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves on the beach at La Source while watching the sky turn pink and the sun set on the horizon...

Wow, THE place to be ! 

Enjoy a day, two days, a weekend or a week of thalassotherapy to switch into relaxation mode and unwind !

5 ideas for a stay at the Thalasso de Pornic

  • Thalasso Pornic - © Thalasso Pornic

To know

 Would you like a glimpse of Pornic in winter ?

Here is this wonderful account by Hugo, a videographer and photographer from Pornic who loves our beautiful destination. We'll let you discover it for yourself.