Saint-Nazaire Harbour Tour

  • Industrial visit near Pornic
  • Industrial visit near Pornic
  • Industrial visit near Pornic
  • Industrial visit near Pornic
Industrial visit near PornicIndustrial visit near PornicIndustrial visit near PornicIndustrial visit near Pornic

Presentation

The journey across the estuary and into its bustling life begins with a visit to the Grand Port Maritime in Saint-Nazaire.
🌍 A gateway to the world
As the leading port on the French Atlantic coast and a gateway to the world, the Nantes–Saint-Nazaire Grand Maritime Port is a major economic player. Nearly 3,000 ships dock here annually, connecting to 400 ports worldwide. Its infrastructure links the region to the global economy and forms a vast industrial-port hub where all modes of transport converge. From the banks of the Loire, the world is already within reach: Africa, Asia, or the Americas.

Before the modern port: the old port of Saint-Nazaire
Before exploring the facilities of the modern major port, the tour immerses you in the heart of the old port of Saint-Nazaire—the birthplace of its 19th-century maritime adventure. Having become the outer port for Nantes, as well as a transatlantic hub and shipbuilding center, Saint-Nazaire experienced rapid growth starting in the mid-19th century. Docks, locks, and port infrastructure were built in tandem with the city's expansion. Your guide shares this incredible story right from the start of the tour.

🚢 Discovering the terminals
The guided tour continues into the heart of the Grand Maritime Port’s terminals, bringing you up close to port facilities—such as cranes and gantry cranes—to understand how they operate. Merchant ships that traverse the world's oceans are within arm's reach. You will gain an insider's look at the agri-food, Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off), and container terminals.

⭐ 3 great reasons to visit the Grand Maritime Port
  • Start the tour in the heart of the old port of Saint-Nazaire, the cradle of local maritime history. 
  • Immerse yourself in port operations and discover the port's vital role in the local, regional, and global economy. 
  • Let your imagination wander as you watch the ships, read their names, and spot flags from all five continents.
Grand Port Maritime tour details:
  • 2-hour guided tour in French. Tour departure point: Submarine Base – Boulevard de la Légion d’Honneur, near the ticket office. Air-conditioned coach. 
  • Reservation required – To book, you must provide the first and last name of each participant. This information must match the details on their official ID exactly. 
  • MANDATORY on the day of the tour: original ID card or passport for each participant aged 16 and over. IMPORTANT: valid original documents only; driver's licenses are not accepted. 
  • Photography and filming are strictly prohibited during the tour of the facility. 
  • Closed-toe shoes strongly recommended.
  • Pets not allowed.
  • The tour route and content may vary depending on the facility's operations. 
  • Please note that the industrial sites visited may expose you to noise and/or odors for short periods. These tours are not recommended for infants or young children.

Special offers and tickets:
  • 💡 Consider our value-priced "Pass Embarquement" packages, which include: a visit to Escal’Atlantic + your choice of one industrial tour (Airbus Atlantic, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, or Grand Port Maritime). An ideal way to discover Saint-Nazaire’s industrial and maritime heritage. 
  • 🎟️ Discounted tickets available at Tourist Offices—in person or by phone—in: Les Moutiers-en-Retz, La Bernerie-en-Retz, Pornic, Préfailles, La Plaine-sur-Mer, Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, and Villeneuve-en-Retz. 
    📅 Find our office opening dates and times here.
Opening day(s)

From Saturday 07 February to Thursday 31 December 2026

Every day

Visits according to timetable

Information
  • SITUATION :
    • Saint Nazaire / Peninsula of Guérande
  • Opening period :
    • Winter holidays
    • Spring holidays
    • Summer holidays
    • All Saints' Day holidays
    • Christmas holidays
  • ACESSIBILITY :
    • No access to mobility impaired persons
  • PETS :
    • Pets not allowed
  • Specific informations :
    • Visits at specific times
    • Online ticket sales

Prices

FaresCategoryMinMax
07/02/2026 - 31/12/2026
Adult Rate à partir de 18 ans21.00€
Children between 4 and 17 years old 10.50€
Reduced rate 19.00€Étudiants et demandeurs d'emploi (sur présentation d'un justificatif)
  • MEANS OF PAYMENT :
    • Cash in Euros
    • Credit card
    • Holiday vouchers (check only valid in France)
    • Bank and post cheques
Download

Map

Destination
Saint-Nazaire Renversante - Grand Port Maritime
Boulevard de la Légion d'Honneur
Base Sous-marine
44600
ST NAZAIRE
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 47.27577
Longitude : -2.20354
See Saint-Nazaire Harbour Tour on GoogleMaps
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Contact details
Boulevard de la Légion d'Honneur
Base Sous-marine
44600
ST NAZAIRE
email / message
Phone : +33 2 28 540 640
Website "Saint-Nazaire Harbour Tour"
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