Discover our unusual heritage

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Think you know Destination Pornic ?
Why not set off to discover the unusual heritage of Destination Pornic, far from the usual tourist trails?
With its mysterious dolmens, castle overlooking the old port and English cemetery, this charming destination in Loire-Atlantique is brimming with unusual and little-known places.
Through walks, explore the forgotten ruins, megalithic sites and historical curiosities that make this area an ideal destination for a cultural getaway.
Whether you are a history buff, a fan of unusual walks, or simply curious to discover the local heritage in a different way, follow us on this extraordinary tour.

Explorers of culture and know-how

Presentation

1- The Buzay tower, a heritage vestige

Rouans

The Cistercian monk Bernard de Clairvaux founded the abbey of Notre-Dame-de-Buzay in 1135.
It became one of the richest abbeys in France, owning vast tracts of land in the Pays de Rais (a reference to the Lords of Rais).
Its wealth was derived from the salt trade, duties on commercial traffic on the Loire and numerous gifts of land and goods.
However, following various conflicts, a fire and other unfortunate events, all that remains today is the square tower.
Dating from 1755, this 33-metre-high bell tower is the only visible vestige of the former abbey.

Set in magnificent landscaped grounds, the site of the Buzay tower is private and not open to visitors... but you can, exceptionally, discover part of its history during the Heritage Days.

Did you know ?

A new 21 km cycle route, charmingly named ‘Entre Loire Acheneau’ (Between the Loire and Acheneau), was inaugurated in 2025.
It showcases the riches of Rouans and those of the neighbouring commune of Cheix-en-Retz.

The Buzay Tower

2- The Notre-Dame de Gourmalon chapel, an emblematic site

Pornic

The Notre-Dame de Gourmalon chapel in Pornic is much more than just a place of worship

Built in 1909 thanks to the determination of local residents, it bears witness to a strong attachment to the Catholic faith and a desire for independence from religious authority.
The lack of a footbridge linking Gourmalon to the town of Pornic made it very difficult for parishioners to attend mass.
They therefore decided to build their own chapel, despite opposition from the clergy.
The Gourmalon owners' association financed the entire project, making the chapel a symbol of the community spirit and solidarity of the inhabitants.
Inaugurated in 1909, the Notre-Dame de Gourmalon chapel bears witness to the history of Pornic.

Its modest architecture and privileged location make it a popular place of worship for locals and visitors alike.

Would you like to visit the Gourmalon chapel ?

Would you like to know more about the history of this little chapel ?
Pornic's Intercommunal Tourist Office offers a guided walking tour of the chapel and other key sites in the seaside town.

Top guided walking tours to do in Pornic

Immerse yourself in the soul of the destination thanks to the programme created by the tourist office's passionate guides.

Let yourself be carried away for 1½ hours of shared happiness as you discover the rich heritage of the area

Pornic : Medieval and maritime city, City of waters, Seaside resort, Streets and paths, Inside the castle, Artists of yesterday, ...
St-Michel : Walking tour of Tharon
Préfailles : Préfailles in the Belle Époque

3- The Calvary of Chaléons, a place steeped in history

Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons

The monumental calvary at Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons was designed in 1826 by Abbé Viollet.
It pays tribute to the inhabitants of the commune who were victims of the Vendée Wars and the Revolution.
Originally, the mound was topped by a single wooden cross.
In 1835, a chapel was built on the same mound.
In 1854, Easter Day saw the installation of two side crosses, still made of wood, until 1931, when they were erected in concrete.
This is the finished representation of Christ and the two thieves.

After climbing the imposing steps, visitors can walk around the calvary and follow the Way of the Cross. The parish priests are buried here.

A little extra :

Below, admire the huge horseshoe-shaped cemetery surrounded by a circular wall.
Unique in Europe !

I discover

4- The historical treasures of Les Moutiers

Les Moutiers-en-Retz

The commune of les Moutiers-en-Retz, anchored in the Baie de Bourgneuf, has a number of cultural assets that are well worth a visit :

Saint-Pierre church and its huge listed 17th-century altarpiece
the lantern of the dead, still in operation and the only one of its kind in the département
the port of Collet, in the heart of the marshes, nicknamed the Little Chinese Port

And, a little further away, the Prigny chapel, a listed historic monument.
Dating from the 11th century, it honours St Guénolé.
In summer, it is open to visitors and regularly hosts classical music concerts.

The Prigny chapel

5- Château de Briord, from the Revolution to the Roaring Twenties

Port-Saint-Père

‘A Nantes folly in Pays de Retz to be shared without moderation’

Located in Port-Saint-Père, Château de Briord was built in 1770 on the site of an influential medieval seigneury.
Steeped in history, this marvel of neoclassical architecture and the surrounding estate exude a timeless atmosphere.
Its owner, Eric Peters, who has a passion for history, and one of his volunteers nicknamed the ‘Charette Volunteers’, will be unveiling the ‘Terre de Briord’ project.
By taking visitors back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the owner aims to preserve this historic site and restore the soul of the place and its occupants.

When should you visit Château de Briord ?

The site can be visited free of charge every month with the owner of the premises and during Heritage Days.

Château de Briord

6- The Arzelier windmill, preserving traditions

Villeneuve-en-Retz

From the Middle Ages to the 17th century, thirteen windmills operated in Bourgneuf-en-Retz, now Villeneuve-en-Retz.

The Moulin de l'Arzelier, built in 1857 in Saint-Cyr-en-Retz, is the only surviving mill in the town.

Although its wings stopped turning in 1957, the association Les Amis du moulin de l'Arzelier is working to restore and put back into service this heritage symbolising tradition.

Did you know ?

Tourist office guides and members of the association will be on hand to explain the progress of the project during ‘Meetings with our enthusiasts’.
Bookings at our 7 Destination Pornic tourist offices.

The Moulin de l'Arzelier

European Heritage Days

Every year, during the ‘European Heritage Days’, owners, associations and local authorities get together to welcome an enthusiastic public and share their history(s) and know-how.
Some offer tours all year round (find all the information on our website), but others only open their doors on the occasion of this national event...

In Pays de Retz, the programme is organised around the following themes :

Water and natural heritage,
Arts and architecture,
History and memories
Know-how and traditions

So make the most of it !

To know

For further information

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Discover our unusual heritage