Renowned for its historical heritage, culture and exceptional landscape, the Loire Atlantique is a destination not to be missed. Ideally located by the ocean, the department is full of lakes, rivers and forests. Its fauna and flora are varied, and a visit to the Loire Atlantique will be an opportunity to discover breathtaking natural sites.
Whether they are epicureans, history lovers, nature lovers or seasoned sportsmen, the Loire Atlantique makes all travellers agree. Here is our selection of the 5 places to discover during your visit to Loire Atlantique.
Nantes, medieval capital
Discovering the city of Nantes is a must-see during any visit to Loire Atlantique. Former capital of the Duchy of Brittany, Nantes is well known for its castle of the dukes, its cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and its many museums.
Among the places not to be missed, we can mention the Isle of Nantes or the Jardin des Plantes, a sublime botanical garden built in the nineteenth century. Endowed with an impressive biodiversity, this English-style garden covers an area of 7,300 hectares in the heart of Nantes.
But beyond its beauty, the city of Nantes is also renowned for its dynamism. Animations and events are regularly organized there. In addition, the city has no shortage of performance halls and music.
Choosing the city of Nantes for your visit to Loire Atlantique will be an opportunity to stay in one of our charming accommodations: le Lit sur la Loire.
Getaway in the Planète Sauvage Natural Park
Do you like nature and animals? You should know that the Loire Atlantique has one of the most beautiful animal parks in France. This zoological area has about 1,100 animals of 120 different species. It is composed of a safari part that can be discovered by car, as well as a pedestrian part. The latter includes a superb dolphinarium where bottlenose dolphins can be admired.
Some of the land animals to be admired in the park include zebras, wildebeests, lions, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, elephants and cheetahs. In addition to being able to admire many animals in the wild, you will have the opportunity to participate in all kinds of activities. Perfectly adapted to children, Planète Sauvage offers activities for young and old alike. It is the ideal place to visit the Loire Atlantique with your family.
For a visit to the park, the price is €28.50 for an adult and €22 for a child. Admission is free for children under 3 years old. With this rate, all parts of the park are available for a full day of visit. Options are also available, such as a 2-hour tour of the safari in a 4×4. Discover the opening hours directly on the Planète sauvage website.
In the footsteps of the salt workers of Guérande
Guérande salt is renowned throughout the world for its quality. Naturally, this quality is not a matter of chance but of an ancestral know-how. The salt marshes of Guérande are a protected site of about 1,400 hectares. Exploited according to age-old and environmentally friendly techniques, these marshes are accessible to visitors. On site, you can discover how the salt marshes work as well as the way of life of salt workers, from yesterday to today.
After your stopover with the salt craftsmen, you can complete your visit to the Loire Atlantique by passing through the town of Guérande. A city of character, Guérande is also renowned for its historic centre, its many monuments such as the fortified enclosure, the Crémeur mill, the Saint-Aubin collegiate church and the castle of Careil. In the surrounding area, two of our charming accommodations can accommodate you: Entre Sel et Sable, and la Villa La Ruche.
Discover Saint Lyphard
Ideal for concluding your visit to the Loire Atlantique, the town of Saint Lyphard is distinguished by its biodiversity, its many parks and its viewpoints. Indeed, the city is surrounded by an exceptional landscape where hiking opportunities are numerous. Moreover, the GR3 long-distance hiking trail passes through the village, partially following an old Roman road.
The small village of Kerhinet, an example of Breton architecture in all its authenticity, is located in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Lymphard. And to rest and make the most of your stay, why not opt for a traditional thatched cottage?
The Loire Atlantique, land of the lords
Are you passionate about the history of Brittany? Your visit to the Loire Atlantique will allow you to discover one of the greatest riches of the region: its medieval castles. Among the most famous is the Château de Châteaubriant, a sublime fortress built between the eleventh and nineteenth centuries. The gardens can be visited free of charge from 9 am to 6 pm. Several rooms are also accessible to visitors, but there is an entrance fee.
The Château d’Oudon is an impressive building built more than 600 years ago. Its black and white stones contribute to its unique charm. The castle is open to visitors from April to November, from Friday to Sunday (10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.).
