Discover Mesquer through its coastal landscapes and maritime history: trails lead to Pointe de Merquel and along protected natural areas, while the chapel, priory and jetty tell the story of the town. There are also salt marshes, local markets and cultural events—different options to help you plan your stay.
Coastal trails and protected landscapes
Typical salt marshes lie in the Bassin du Mès near Mesquer. Under the influence of tides and wind, Guérande salt crystallizes there. Another natural area is the Traict du Rostu: this 126-hectare site is part of the Natura 2000 network and includes a protected wetland. An observation post there is used for watching wildlife.
There are trails of various lengths and themes for walks and hikes. The municipality offers the 9 km local-history loop “La Vigne – Le Rostu – Mesquer” and the 8.5 km loop “le Toul-Ru – Quimiac – Kerguilloté.” According to their stated lengths, the two municipal loops differ by only 500 metres. From Plage du Cabonnais et du Lannguy, you can reach the 10 km La Pointe de Merquel walking trail. It passes the village and port of Kercabellec and follows the coast along the Sentier des douaniers to Pointe de Merquel and its ornithological observatory. Route details may change; check them before setting out.
Chapel, priory and maritime history
The Notre-Dame de Merquel chapel was destroyed in July 1944, faithfully rebuilt five years later and blessed in 1949. Its choir features a fresco by Canon Pierre Bouchaud. A schooner donated by Joseph Judic recalls the chapel’s maritime orientation.
The Merquel priory also tells of the town’s earlier history: it was built before 1278 and dedicated to Notre-Dame. It was demolished in 1615 by order of Louis XIII. A dated buttress remains and served as a navigation marker for sailors.
Construction work on the Jetée de Merquel began in 1867. It was not until 1920 that a beacon was installed there to secure the entrance to the roadstead. Boats carrying Mesquer salt anchored in this roadstead. The two dates therefore mark different milestones: the start of work on the jetty and the later installation of the beacon.
Local products and cultural programme
In Kercabellec, the recurring “L’Huître en main” event at the Bar à Huîtres features oyster opening. For €7, the offer includes five oysters opened and served for tasting, bread, butter, lemon, shallot vinegar sauce and a glass of Muscadet. The Marché du Terroir et d’Artisanat is held annually on Wednesdays in July and August, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Place de Kercabellec. More than 30 local farmers, producers, craftspeople and artists gather there. Local products can be sampled on site and bought to take away. As seasonal dates may change, check the latest dates before your trip.
L’ArtyMès is a venue with an annual cultural programme featuring comedy, music, theatre, circus and festivals. The events on offer depend on the season, so check the dates for your travel period.
Another activity: golf
Golf de Mesquer is a compact, wooded 9-hole course measuring 1,000 m. It is suitable for beginners and experienced players. As operating arrangements may change, check them when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Corsept, Saint-Père-En-Retz, Missillac, Ligné, Saint-Joachim, Fégréac, Saint-Fiacre-Sur-Maine, La Chevallerais
For the full travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.
