← Abalone Marathon de Nantes·Day trip

Saint-Nazaire: The Port at the Mouth of the Loire

The shipbuilding port where the Loire meets the Atlantic, with a wartime submarine base you can walk across, views over the estuary and a long seafront, thirty-five minutes from Nantes by train.

DurationDay trip
TransitTER regional train, about 35 minutes from Nantes
DepartsNantes

After the Abalone Marathon de Nantes: Saint-Nazaire

The Route: Nantes → Saint-Nazaire → Nantes Logistics: Regional TER trains, about 35 minutes, run many times a day. Marathon Month: April Duration: Day trip

Nantes ──(TER, ≈35 min)──> Saint-Nazaire
  ▲                            │
  └───────(TER, ≈35 min)───────┘

Saint-Nazaire stands where the Loire reaches the Atlantic, about 50 km downstream from Nantes. It is a port and shipbuilding town, rebuilt after heavy wartime damage, and its sights are big and industrial. It is a different day out from the old towns inland, with sea air and wide views, and the train ride is short.

The Submarine Base

The German U-boat base, a vast concrete structure on the harbour built during the Second World War, dominates the waterfront. Its roof has been opened up as a viewpoint over the port, the shipyards and the estuary, reached by stairs or ramps. Inside, the base houses cultural spaces, including Escal'Atlantic, an exhibition about the great ocean liners, many of which were built in Saint-Nazaire. Check opening times before you go.

The Seafront

From the port, the seafront promenade runs west along the beaches, flat and open to the Atlantic. In April it is too cool for swimming, but it is a good place for a slow walk and a seafood lunch.

The Saint-Nazaire Bridge

To the east, the long Saint-Nazaire bridge carries the road across the Loire estuary. It is visible from much of the waterfront, with the shipyards in front of it.

Getting Back

Trains back to Nantes run frequently until the evening. The station is a short walk from the port.