What to do in Saint-Nazaire: the complete guide

Saint-Nazaire is the town of ocean liners. Its shipyards built the Normandie, the France and the largest cruise ships in the world. Destroyed during the war, it has turned its port and submarine base into places to visit.

The submarine base

The concrete block built during the Occupation now houses visitor attractions and performance venues. Go up to its roof terrace, free to access: the view takes in the port, the estuary and the shipyards.

Escal’Atlantic and the Espadon submarine

Inside the base, Escal’Atlantic brings the golden age of transatlantic liners back to life, from the cabins to the promenade deck. Right next door, the Espadon submarine, the first French submarine to sail under the ice pack, can be visited from end to end.

The shipyards

Guided tours take you into the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, where you can see liners under construction. They are booked through the tourist office, and ID is required.

The seafront and the beaches

The seafront runs along the central beach, then the coastal path heads west from cove to cove to Saint-Marc-sur-Mer and its beach, made famous by Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday.

The Saint-Nazaire bridge and Les Escales

More than three kilometres long, the bridge spans the estuary to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins and its ocean serpent, a giant skeleton lying on the beach. In late July, the Les Escales festival livens up the port.

Where to stay in Saint-Nazaire