The GR®34 coastal hiking trail runs for nearly four kilometres through Pornichet, between Pointe du Bé and Pointe de la Lande. Along the way are wild coves, sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and protected natural areas. Local access conditions can change, so check them before setting out.
Coastal Path, Beaches and Dune
Pornichet’s three beaches each have a different character: Les Libraires is lively and family-friendly, Bonne-Source is wilder, and Sainte-Marguerite is quiet and secluded. You can choose a beach according to the atmosphere you’re looking for. A distinctive landscape feature is the grey dune of Bonne Source. It covers four hectares and is home to, among other species, sea pink, sea daffodil, spider orchid and dune grasshopper. Access may be managed to protect this natural area.
Nature at the Parc paysager
Another natural highlight is the nine-hectare Parc paysager. Its conservation garden includes fruit trees; the park also has insect hotels, extensive grazing, beehives and a Miyawaki woodland. Visitors can enjoy a fitness trail, a children’s playground, fitness areas and an interactive visitor trail. The park therefore combines garden and nature features with several opportunities for exercise and relaxation. Individual park facilities may change as projects are updated; if a particular feature is important to you, check in advance.
Excursions from the harbour and nature tours
Pornichet’s harbours offer sea excursions, deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, Flyride, Flyboard and boat hire. Specific operators and seasonal availability may change. Check in advance which activities are available during your travel dates.
In addition, five guided nature tours are offered in Pornichet. Visitors discover, among other things, seaweed and the wildlife of the intertidal zone. These tours offer a different focus from the GR®34: rather than following a coastal route, they centre on nature themes. Specific formats and operators may change.
Villas and local history
Since 2002, Ker Souveraine has been the only villa in Pornichet listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The Maison du Patrimoine focuses on the town’s development: models, old postcards, tools and historical objects illustrate Pornichet’s transformation from a fishing and farming village into a coastal town oriented towards the sea and seaside resorts. Together, one historic villa and the story of the whole town offer two distinct cultural and historical perspectives. The Maison du Patrimoine is open seasonally; check opening hours for your travel dates.
Market and horse racing
Year-round, 22 producers and traders at the Halles de Pornichet sell fish, seafood, seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese and artisan bread. The selection of goods may change.
Horse races are held at the Hippodrome de Pornichet throughout the year; individual race meetings may change. Guided tours of the behind-the-scenes areas are also available. Check availability directly with the Hippodrome.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu, Legé, Ancenis, Monnières, Petit-Mars, Massérac, La Limouzinière, Sainte-Reine-De-Bretagne.
See the regional travel guide: Loire-Atlantique.
