Step inside this immersive centre and discover the secrets of the Loire Estuary!
Situated in the small harbour of Cordemais, 40 minutes from Pornic, between Nantes and the coast, the Terre d’Estuaire discovery centre takes you on an immersive and interactive tour.
A unique venue for fun and discovery in the Loire Estuary. Learn, explore, experiment, travel… A fun and educational two-hour tour for all ages. A fun, educational and captivating tour, ideal for a family day out
🎈The hot-air balloon ride: Terre d’Estuaire’s star attraction:
Soar in a hot-air balloon 25 metres above the ground, follow the migration of the estuary’s wildlife, search for underwater shipwrecks, travel back in time… A unique experience awaits you at Terre d’Estuaire!
A rare experience in the region, perfect for enhancing your stay in Pornic with an original and memorable activity.
FROM 20 JUNE TO 27 SEPTEMBER AT TERRE D’ESTUAIRE IN CORDEMAIS Following the success of the first edition in 2025, the famous Playmobil® figures are back this year – twice as many as before – and are taking over the entire discovery centre… through completely new scenes! We invite you to explore other key moments in the history of the estuary and our region: significant events that have helped shape our area. Through these entirely revamped displays, we continue to explore the links between the river and the ocean: this meeting point where our heritage is enriched by exchanges and long-distance voyages. And there’s plenty more for children to discover on site: a activity booklet to explore the exhibition whilst having fun, a free-play area with Playmobil®, and fun workshops… The Terre d’Estuaire Discovery Centre is open to visitors from February to November and offers a wide range of activities throughout the year! You can enjoy an interactive and immersive tour suitable for all ages, workshops for children aged 3 to 10, as well as temporary exhibitions for everyone. Family activities and shows are also on the programme!
✨To sum up, do go! A modern, interactive visitor experience that the whole family will love
Spanning over 2,000 m², Terre d’Estuaire offers
An immersive journey to explore the history, biodiversity and landscapes of the estuary
Interactive experiences for young and old alike
A hot-air balloon ride 25 metres above the ground, offering an exceptional view of the Loire
Temporary exhibitions, workshops and activities all year round. Find the holiday programme at the bottom of the page by following the pink link
An ideal spot for a family day out during a stay in Pornic – open your 2026 calendar now and book your tickets at one of our seven tourist information centres to enjoy preferential rates.
Let’s plan your day on the other side of the Loire Estuary:
Set off from Pornic towards Le Pellerin (50 mins)
Take the ferry at Le Pellerin: a short crossing… but an absolutely unforgettable experience
If there’s one experience that never fails to surprise visitors, it’s this one.
The Pellerin ferry is a short journey lasting just a few minutes, yet it offers a complete change of scenery, as if you were leaving everyday life behind to enter a different rhythm – that of the river. Here, you cross the Loire just as you would cross a bridge elsewhere.
No need to book, no need to plan ahead: you arrive, you board, you enjoy the ride.
It’s a free, quick and poetic experience that leaves a surprisingly lasting impression.
Tour of Terre d’Estuaire – allow 2 hours
Continue with a visit to La Villa Cheminée: an unusual work of art in Cordemais Perched 15 metres high, the Villa Cheminée by artist Tatzu Nishi is one of the iconic works of the Nantes–Saint-Nazaire Estuary Trail. This little yellow house, perched atop a fake industrial chimney, is as surprising as it is fascinating.
Free to visit, it offers a unique view of the Loire.
Lunch in Lavau-sur-Loire at La Maison du Port: a must-visit spot just 10 minutes from Cordemais. It’s the ideal place for a gourmet break on the banks of the Loire. A charming setting, a warm atmosphere and hearty cuisine: the perfect spot for an authentic lunch in the heart of the estuary.
New for 2026: bike hire
From 6 June until 27 September 2026, the centre is offering a bike hire service accessible to all, to encourage a gentler, freer and more immersive way of exploring the area.
The bike hire includes:
From Saturday 07 February to Sunday 01 November 2026
Every day
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