Rocky coves north of the port, long sandy beaches to the south and a rich fishing history give La Turballe several distinct points of interest. There are also different kinds of activities to choose from: the coastal path leads towards Pen-Bron, while sailing trips and activities centred on the port and fishing offer a different perspective on the town. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether you want your stay to focus on the beach landscape, maritime culture or a mix of both.
Coast and paths
The municipality has 11 kilometres of beaches. North of the port, the coastline is rocky and dotted with coves; to the south, long sandy beaches stretch out. You can take this contrast into account when planning your day: would you rather focus on the rocky coast and coves or on long sandy beaches? Beach conditions and seasonal access may vary.
The coastal path connects Ker Elisabeth beach with Pointe de Pen-Bron and its pine forest. If you are looking for a specific destination for a coastal outing, you can head for the point and the pine forest. Trail conditions may change seasonally, so take this into account when planning.
The port and fishing history
The Maison de la Pêche explores the history of La Turballe’s port and the rise of the sardine-canning industry. It also covers modern boats and fishing techniques, as well as the fish’s journey from the sea to the plate. This topic brings together the historical development of the canning industry, current fishing practices and what happens to the fish afterwards.
The restored sardine-fishing boat Au Gré des Vents is moored in the port and is recognised as a “Bateau d’Intérêt Patrimonial”. A guided tour of the boat introduces visitors to the secrets of sardine fishing and the crew’s daily life; unlike the Maison de la Pêche, the focus here is on a single fishing boat.
Near Pen Bron, a German machine-gun emplacement from the Atlantic Wall can be viewed from a public area. Another trace of the region’s heritage is the Moulin de Kerbroué: built in 1746, it has been restored and included in La Turballe’s heritage.
Excursions of different durations
The Petit Train des Marais Salants offers narrated tours lasting about an hour, departing from the port of La Turballe and travelling to the Pen Bron peninsula and through the salt marshes. Operating hours and departure arrangements may vary. Check the latest information if you plan to include the tour in your itinerary.
Le Pied Marin offers full-day or half-day sailing trips from La Turballe. Participants learn how to steer, hoist the sails and manoeuvre, as well as how to read a nautical chart. Compared with the Petit Train’s roughly one-hour tour, sailing takes up considerably more time and focuses more on practical instruction. Whether a trip is available depends on the provider and the weather.
Special tours of the La Turballe fish auction let visitors observe the sale and the clock auction system. If you plan to attend, check the date in advance.
Weekly market and local produce
The weekly market brings together local traders and producers. Items on offer include fish, oysters, agricultural produce, baked goods and dairy products. Alongside seafood, the selection includes goods from local farms, bakeries and dairies, offering another culinary perspective on La Turballe.
Discover more destinations: Rougé, Saffré, Préfailles, La Chapelle-Basse-Mer, Saint-Lumine-De-Clisson, Brains, Monnières, Saint-Molf
Return to the main travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.
