Camping Holidays in Loire-Atlantique: Between Beaches and Heritage

Let yourself be transported by the tumultuous history of this city, once a haunt of fearsome corsairs like Gilles de Rais, known as Bluebeard. Climb to the top of the castle, proudly overlooking the Loire estuary, and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city and its surroundings. Delve into the heart of the medieval city and discover its hidden treasures: the Clock Tower, the keep, the ramparts, and the Saint-Michel Gate. Visit the Museum of Prehistory and Archeology to retrace the history of the region from Prehistory to the present day.

La Baule, a multifaceted seaside resort

La Baule, Pornic’s neighbor, is a Belle Époque seaside resort. Stroll along the famous avenue de l’Atlantique, lined with sumptuous villas and luxury hotels. Admire the striped facade of the Hôtel Royal, a witness to the golden age of seaside tourism. Take a gourmet break in one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the avenue. La Baule invites you to enjoy its kilometers of fine sandy beaches. Relaxing, swimming, water sports: there is something for everyone! The more athletic can go sand yachting, kitesurfing, or windsurfing. Families will appreciate the many children’s playgrounds and beach clubs.

Fancy a nature getaway? Embark on a boat cruise on the Loire estuary and admire the wild landscapes of the Breton marshes. Rent a bike and explore the coastal trails that connect Pornic to La Baule.

Need a gourmet break?

Imagine yourself savoring fresh sardines caught in the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic, grilled to perfection or delicately preserved for a timeless gustatory pleasure. Guérande salt, carefully harvested in the salt marshes, will perfume your dishes with an incomparable finesse. And for a sweet and gourmet touch, let yourself be tempted by salted butter caramels, a local specialty that melts on the tongue, releasing an explosion of sunny flavors.

But the Loire-Atlantique is not just about these delicacies. The seafood, caught with passion by the region’s fishermen, invites you on a real gastronomic journey. Oysters, mussels, cockles, langoustines… Taste them fresh, plain, or cooked with refinement, for an explosion of marine flavors. Also try the far breton, a soft and vanilla-flavored pastry flan, a typical Breton dessert that warms the heart and soul. Or let yourself be tempted by the kouign-amann, a Breton pastry made with butter and sugar, a crispy and melting delight that will delight your taste buds!

Whether you are passionate about history, a nature lover or looking for relaxing family moments, Pornic and La Baule have something to offer you. Don’t wait any longer to discover these two jewels of the Atlantic coast and let yourself be charmed by their beauty and authenticity.

Imagine strolling through the cobbled streets of the medieval city, dominated by its imposing ramparts, and let yourself be charmed by the unique atmosphere of this city with a thousand treasures.

Discover the salt marshes, a true jewel of Guérande’s heritage. Stretching as far as the eye can see, these extraordinary landscapes, shaped by human hands for centuries, will offer you a breathtaking spectacle. Observe the salt workers, these artisans of salt, busy harvesting Guérande’s white gold, an exceptional product with a unique taste. You can even take a guided tour to discover the secrets of making this precious salt, passed down from generation to generation.

Climb the ramparts of the medieval city and admire the exceptional panorama of the city and its surroundings. Imagine the knights and princesses who once populated these places and let yourself be transported by the eventful history of Guérande. Explore the winding alleys, admire the half-timbered houses, and discover the many historical monuments that mark your route. Do not miss the Saint-Michel Gate, imposing and majestic, which will allow you to enter the heart of the medieval city. For a gourmet break, savor the local specialties, such as salted butter caramels, sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Breton far. Taste these local products in one of the many restaurants or cafes in the city and let yourself be transported by the authentic flavors of Loire-Atlantique.

Guérande also offers you a multitude of activities for young and old. Enjoy the hiking and cycling trails to discover the surrounding landscapes, visit the Océarium du Croisic to admire the marine fauna and flora, or participate in one of the many festivals and events that punctuate the life of the city. In summer, don’t miss the Medieval Festival, an extraordinary journey back in time that will transport you to the heart of the Middle Ages.

Whether you are passionate about history, nature, or gastronomy, Guérande is a place not to be missed. So come and discover this extraordinary city and let yourself be charmed by its authenticity and unique charm.

Imagine stepping back in time and strolling through the inner courtyards of this medieval castle, where knights and ladies-in-waiting once roamed. Let yourself be transported by the unique atmosphere of this place and discover the treasures it holds. Founded in the 13th century by Guy de Thouars, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany for over three centuries. A witness to the great hours of Duchess Anne of Brittany, it also welcomed the Kings of France during their visits to Nantes. Over the centuries, the castle was enlarged and transformed, becoming one of the most imposing castles in France.

Today, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne houses the Nantes History Museum. You can discover a rich collection of objects retracing the history of the city and the region, from Prehistory to the present day. Admire the knights’ armor, the tapestries of the ladies of the court, and the models of the ships that made Nantes famous. Immerse yourself in the world of the Dukes of Brittany and discover their way of life, their battles, and their intrigues. Let yourself be told the story of Duchess Anne, this exceptional woman who marked the history of Brittany.

But the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is not just a museum. It is also a place of life and animation. Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions, concerts, shows, and events are organized there. You can also enjoy the castle gardens for a relaxing break in the heart of the city. Stroll through these French gardens, admiring the sculptures, fountains, and flowerbeds.

“Enjoy this green oasis to relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the city. »

Before you stand, majestic and fascinating, the Machines de l’Île, an extraordinary bestiary of living machines that transport you to a dreamlike world. Dive into the heart of the Grand Carrousel des Mondes Marins. Climb aboard this giant carousel, where giant fish, fantastical crustaceans, and extraordinary sea creatures come to life before your eyes. Feel the wind in your hair and let yourself be lulled by the sound of imaginary waves. Imagine yourself sailing the waves, discovering the secrets of the ocean.

Continue your exploration with the Atelier des Machines. Go behind the scenes of creation and discover the manufacturing secrets of these giants of iron and steel. Watch the craftsmen busy giving life to these machines, the hammer punctuating the ballet of precise gestures. Feel the heat of the forges and be amazed by their know-how, passed down from generation to generation.

Don’t miss the Jardin des Plantes Extraordinaires either. Stroll among these giant mechanical plants, and let yourself be transported to a place where nature blends with imagination. Admire the giant spiders weaving their aerial webs, the colossal insects buzzing through the air, and the fantastical plants unfolding their multicolored petals. Imagine yourself exploring a lush jungle populated by extraordinary creatures.

Activities for the whole family

Take part in creative workshops, where your children can make their own machine, and let their imaginations run wild. You will have the opportunity to attend giant puppet shows, where colorful characters come to life before your eyes. Embark on a cruise on the Erdre aboard an infernal machine and live an unforgettable adventure on the water.

“The Machines de l’Île is much more than just a place to visit, it’s an immersive experience to be enjoyed with the family.”

Take a stroll through its peaceful paths, discovering a rich and varied botanical collection, where plants from all over the world come together. Let yourself be transported by the beauty of the landscapes and enjoy a moment of relaxation with family or friends.

Founded in 1806, the Jardin des Plantes de Nantes is one of the oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens in France. On its seven hectares of greenery, you will discover more than 10,000 plant species, divided into different greenhouses and thematic collections. Admire the multicolored roses of the Rosarium, the exotic plants of the tropical greenhouses, or the medicinal plants of the Jardin des Simples.

The Jardin des Plantes is an ideal place for a family walk. Children will have fun running on the lawns, observing the animals on the educational farm, or playing in the playgrounds designed for them. You can also enjoy many activities throughout the year, such as gardening workshops, open-air concerts, or puppet shows. It is also a place of discovery and learning, with explanatory panels lining the paths, allowing young and old to learn more about the different plant species present in the garden. Themed guided tours are also offered, to discover the secrets of the garden and its hidden treasures.

Enjoy the lawns for a picnic with family or friends, settle down on a bench to read a book in the shade of a tree, or participate in one of the many workshops organized throughout the year. The Jardin des Plantes has something to offer everyone. And don’t forget to watch the bees buzzing on the flowers, the butterflies fluttering in the air, and the fish swimming in the ponds.

“As you can see, a real spectacle of life awaits you!”

For an interactive experience, participate in one of the educational workshops organized by the museum, where your children can learn artistic techniques and create their own works.

Stroll through the Parc des Oudairies, a true haven of peace in the heart of the city. Admire the centuries-old trees that line the paths and let yourself be lulled by the birdsong. Sit on a bench for a little break in the shade, while your children have fun in the playground designed for them.

If you are looking for a relaxing family moment, the Parc de Pissotte is the ideal place. Your children will have a blast in the outdoor games, while you can enjoy a moment of calm on a sunny terrace. For a unique experience, take your little ones to La Roche-sur-Yon Zoo, where they can observe over 600 animals from around the world. Imagine their eyes lighting up at the majestic lions, the graceful giraffes, and the mischievous monkeys.

Lovers of shows and concerts will be delighted in La Roche-sur-Yon. The Les Nuits du Château festival offers unforgettable evenings every year in the enchanting setting of the Château du Parc. Attend an open-air concert under the stars and let yourself be transported by the magic of music. For a more family-friendly experience, opt for a puppet or children’s theater show, which will delight young and old alike.

La Roche-sur-Yon is also a dynamic and sporty city that will please the whole family. Many hiking and biking trails will allow you to discover the magnificent landscapes of the Vendée bocage with your family. Rent bikes and set off on an adventure on the green paths, enjoying the fresh air and bucolic landscapes. You can also indulge in various water sports on the Yon, such as canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, for moments of laughter and joy shared with the family.

For gourmets, La Roche-sur-Yon is a real paradise. Introduce your children to Vendée culinary specialties, such as préfou, Vendée brioche and Vendée ham, in one of the city’s many restaurants. Also take advantage of the local markets to discover fresh local produce and introduce your children to local flavors. Imagine their taste buds marveling at the savory cheeses, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and gourmet pastries.

La Roche-sur-Yon is a city easily accessible by train, car or bus, making it an ideal destination for a family weekend. The city also has an airport served by regular flights from Paris and other major French cities.