Saint-Nazaire – Where ocean, ocean liners and maritime heritage come together

Just 55 minutes from L’Esplanade Hôtel · Restaurant · Bar à vin, Saint-Nazaire offers a unique blend of Atlantic coastline, maritime heritage and world-renowned shipbuilding. Located at the mouth of the Loire estuary, the city has transformed itself into one of the most fascinating destinations on France’s Atlantic coast.

Saint-Nazaire is internationally recognised for the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, where some of the world’s largest cruise ships are built. Guided tours provide a rare opportunity to discover this remarkable industrial expertise behind the scenes. 

Inside the former submarine base, Escal’Atlantic recreates the golden age of legendary ocean liners through immersive exhibitions, authentic artefacts and reconstructed interiors inspired by famous ships such as the Normandie and the France. 

Just a short walk away, visitors can board the Espadon Submarine, the first French submarine to sail beneath the Arctic ice. An immersive audio-guided tour reveals the daily life of its crew during a historic mission in 1964. 

Saint-Nazaire also invites visitors to enjoy its seafront promenade, sandy beaches and panoramic viewpoints overlooking both the Loire estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Contemporary artworks from the Estuaire Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire trail complete this unique maritime landscape.

Whether you enjoy history, engineering, architecture or simply relaxing by the sea, Saint-Nazaire offers an unforgettable day out.

Practical information

• Destination: Saint-Nazaire
• Distance from L’Esplanade: 48.2 km
• Travel time: approximately 55 minutes by car
• Highlights: Escal’Atlantic, Chantiers de l’Atlantique guided tours, Espadon Submarine, the seafront, beaches, Estuaire artworks, the Ecomuseum and panoramic viewpoints.
• Perfect for: families, maritime enthusiasts, industrial heritage lovers and seaside walks.
• Tourist information: Saint-Nazaire Tourist Office
• Website: Saint-Nazaire Renversante

Continue your discovery

Continue your journey to Le Croisic, La Baule, the Brière Regional Natural Park or the Guérande Salt Marshesbefore returning to L’Esplanade Hôtel · Restaurant · Bar à vin.

Crédit photo : @Bernard BIGER/ Mer & Marine