Discover the town center of Pornic (circuit 1)

Discover the  Pornic town centre: staircase lanes and Pornic castle

   An exploration in several stages

• The adventure begins : your exploration starts at the Place de la Gare, just in front of Pornic Tourist Office. This is where you can get all the information you need to make the most of your visit. Ready to discover the hidden treasures of this charming coastal town? Let's set off on a tour that will immerse you in the history and beauty of Pornic!
• Place du Môle: an enchanting panorama. The first stage of your tour takes you to Place du Môle, an ideal spot to admire the entrance to the ria, the river valley invaded by the sea. From here, you can look out over the port of Gourmalon, with the masts of the boats moored in the marina as a backdrop. And opposite you, the emblematic Château de Pornic rises majestically, bearing witness to the town's rich history.
• At the foot of the château: a medieval heritage. As you approach the castle, you'll be struck by the massive tower standing on its rocky base, bathed in water. This monument, which dates back to medieval times, was remodelled in the 19th century. Did you know that it was owned by Gilles de Rais, Joan of Arc's comrade-in-arms, in the 15th century? On the other side of the harbour, the Gourmalon district will charm you with its seaside villas, witnesses to an elegant past.
• Place de la Terrasse: a place to relax. Continue on to Place de la Terrasse, where the statue of Notre-Dame de Recouvrance stands. Here, the defensive architecture of the castle is revealed through its arches, towers and ramparts made of schist, a local rock. This site, once a parade ground, bears witness to the development of sea bathing in Pornic in the 1830s, providing accommodation and entertainment for holidaymakers of the era.
• Les Halles: a beating heart. On your way to Les Halles, you'll discover a historic building constructed in 1609 by Duke Henri de Gondy. Located in the heart of the medieval city, these covered covered market halls were used for fairs and markets, as well as for the administration of justice. Remodelled over the centuries, they now host the market on Thursday and Sunday mornings, a lively place where colours and flavours mingle.
• Escalier du Calvaire: a breathtaking view Built on the site of the old watchtower, the Calvaire de la Douve offers a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Pornic. As you climb the staircase, you can extend your gaze as far as Noirmoutier, an invitation to contemplate and marvel at the beauty of the landscape.
• Escalier Fouquet: between land and sea. Finally, the Escalier Fouquet links you to the upper town and the old port. As you descend this staircase, you'll discover houses built amphitheatrically on the rock, offering a unique charm and a typically maritime atmosphere.

Guided tours: total immersion

To get to know Pornic even better, don't hesitate to take one of the guided walking tours offered by the Tourist Office. Whether it's the medieval and maritime town or the streets and lanes, these tours will immerse you even more in the history and culture of this beautiful region.

The guide can be downloaded below, or is available in paper format from your 7 Tourist Offices.

   45 mins.

   1.5 km

Find out more about the history of the town