5 must-see sites in Destination Pornic

5 must-see sites in Destination Pornic

  • port pornic sea a must-see visit - © Mélanie Chaigneau

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Why go far away when France has so many wonderful places to visit ?
For your next trip to Destination Pornic, here are 5 must-see sites to visit when the fine weather arrives !

Presentation

Sémaphore de la Pointe Saint-Gildas (Préfailles)

Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Sémaphore de la Pointe Saint-Gildas offers an exceptional panoramic view of the wild coastline and the islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu.

What's in store for you on this visit?

  • a breathtaking 360° view of the ocean and surrounding countryside from the second floor 
  • discover the history of the semaphore and its role in maritime surveillance
  • a temporary exhibition on the famous pop-pop boats (a small toy boat powered by a rudimentary steam engine, typically heated by a candle).
  • an invigorating walk, accessible to all, along the coastal path leading to the semaphore.
Visit the semaphore
  • semaphore must-see visit prefailles - © Hugo Mouillé

Pornic's little tourist train

Embark on a fun and informative journey aboard Pornic's little tourist train. Let it guide you through the picturesque streets of the town centre, admire the seaside villas and discover the town's must-see sites.

Our favourites for this trip :

  • the entertaining and informative commentary on Pornic's history and treasures
  • the discovery of the town's highlights, such as the Château de Pornic, the port and the Noëveillard beach
  • an original  and relaxing way to visit Pornic as a family.

Find out more about the little tourist train
  • pornic little train tour must-see visit - © Mélanie Chaigneau

Pays de Retz Museum (Villeneuve-en-Retz)

Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Pays de Retz at the Musée de Villeneuve-en-Retz. Explore the various collections tracing the daily life, customs and skills of yesteryear. An enriching experience for all the family!

What this museum has in store for you :

  • discover the ethnographic and maritime heritage of Pays de Retz
  • interactive, fun exhibitions for young and old alike 
  • an area devoted to the history of the town of Villeneuve-en-Retz.

Visit the Pays de Retz Museum
  • must-see museum villeneuve visit - © Mélanie Chaigneau

Pornic Castle 

The Château de Pornic, built in the 13th century, dominates the town and offers breathtaking views over the bay, Pornic's old port and the beautiful villas of Gourmalon. Explore the castle's different rooms and discover its history.

What's in it for you ?

  • privileged access to the château's courtyard and surrounding garden
  • a magnificent wooden library full of history and rare books
  • the answer to the question: did the terrible Bluebeard live in this castle? 

 Visit Pornic Castle
  • castle pornic a must-see visit - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • castle pornic visit must-see - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • castle pornic visit must-see - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • castle pornic visit must-see - © Florence Forni

Visit to the Pointe Saint-Gildas Regional Nature Reserve (Préfailles)

Located in Préfailles in the Loire-Atlantique region, the Pointe Saint-Gildas Regional Nature Reserve (RNR) is a veritable natural gem. This mosaic of habitats, made up of dunes, moors, grasslands and cliffs, is home to an exceptional biodiversity of over 990 plant and animal species. Ludivine, the RNR's curator, offers free tours from March to September. The approach is educational and fun, and accessible to children aged 7 and over.

We love this tour because :

  • the natural site is exceptional!
  • Ludivine shows us little-known species with photos and, sometimes, binoculars
  • we're in the fresh air and the sound of the waves accompanies us throughout the visit... very invigorating!

Visit the Regional Nature Reserve
  • pointe saint gildas prefailles must-see - © Jérémy Jéhanin
So which of our 5 must-see sites will you visit first ?