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©Jérome Bosger

Discovery cruises An unexpected journey between the estuary and the ocean

There’s nothing like a seaview – or indeed a view from the sea. Here, you can take a boat trip along the coast and see the town from a new angle. For an hour or two, gaze at the coastline, beaches, cliffs, shipyard and quays across the water. From afternoon light to magical sunset, boat trips showcase all that’s stunning in Saint-Nazaire.

 

Embark on discovery cruises

The ideal summer outing

The cruises are definitely a must when you come to Saint-Nazaire in the summer!

  • There could hardly be a nicer way to spend time than aboard a ship sailing along the coast, beaches and cliffs…
  • How many opportunities will you have to sail underneath the huge Saint-Nazaire Bridge or in close proximity to an amazing granite lighthouse?
  • Photographers will have a field day with all the beaches, coves, cliffs, but also the shipyard and harbour terminals…

5 cruises to choose from

Cruises take place on ships having a capacity of 150 seated passengers. You will be accompanied by professional guides. Live commentary in French. According to the tide and the weather, tours can vary slightly.

Duration: 1½ hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, all day (depending on the chosen formula)

Daytime cruise
‘Saint-Nazaire sur Mer’

This tour takes you along the beaches and cliffs which make the coast in Saint-Nazaire so attractive. The ship sails along tiny coves, rocks and cliffs, sandy beaches… and offers unhindered views of a largely unspoilt and wooded coast. After having turned back, the ship sails upstream on the Loire River, past the shipyard and some of the impressive harbour terminals, but also underneath the Saint-Nazaire bridge.

Duration: 2 hours

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Daytime cruise
‘At sea with the wind turbines’

France’s first offshore wind farm is located off the coast of Saint-Nazaire. This cruise gives you the incredible opportunity to venture around the wind turbines, or éoliennes in French, named after the Greek god of wind. This trip will blow you away, and give you a whole new view into offshore wind farms. Spectacular!

Duration: 3 hours

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Daytime cruise
‘To the island of Noirmoutier’

Leaving from Saint-Nazaire, this trip to Noirmoutier island (Herbaudière Port) promises both discovery and relaxation. On the island itself, head for the beach, aquarium, salt marshes, the woodland walks of Bois de la Chaise – whatever appeals to you!

Duration: all day (departure at 10 am from Saint-Nazaire, departure at 5 pm from Noirmoutier)

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Evening cruise
‘Accords maritimes’, musical cruise

Embark on an unexpected journey to Saint-Marc-sur-Mer. Two musicians and a narrator tell you about the multifaceted history of Saint-Nazaire.

Duration: 1½ hours

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Night-time cruise
‘Route des phares’

Step on board and admire the beauty of coastal landscapes in the magic light of sunset. Let yourself dream as you are lulled by the golden waters of the Atlantic Ocean before the sky grows dark. Either at sea or along the shores, lighthouses have shone and guided ships safely to shore for centuries. A very special moment to figure out the art of nighttime navigation.

Duration: 2 hours

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Practical Information

Visitor info:

  • Booking essential
  • Live commentary in French only
  • Meeting point: Avenue de Saint-Hubert –near Écomusée– at least 15 minutes before departure time, with your tickets.
  • See booking terms and conditions for groups of 20 people or more.

 

Prices – Discovery cruises – 1½ hours and 2 hours
Saint-Nazaire sur mer – Accords maritimes – Route des phares

FullReducedChildren aged 4-17
€29€27€14.50

    Prices – Cruise ‘At sea with the wind turbines’ – 3 hours

    FullReducedChildren aged 4-17
    €35€33€17.50

    Prices – Cruise ‘To the island of Noirmoutier’ – All day

    Full ReducedChildren aged 4-17
    €39€37€19.50
          • Reduced price (on presentation of proof): students, job seekers, people with disabilities with one accompanying person, annual PASS holders.
          • Free admission for children under the age of 4.
          • Where can I buy tickets?
            • On this website
            • On site, 3 ticket offices: submarine base, fortified lock and Écomusée
          • Means of payment: cash, credit card (VISA and Mastercard)

      How to get here?

      Meeting point: Avenue de Saint-Hubert –near Écomusée– at least 15 minutes before departure time.

      There are several car parks close by.

      Public transportation:

      • Saint-Nazaire is served by both the TGV and the regional trains.
      • From the railway station, the nearest bus stops to Écomusée are:
        • ‘Rue de la Paix’ (Hélyce line, daily) + 17 minutes walk
        • ‘Ruban Bleu’ (U2 and U4 lines, from Monday to Saturday) + 14 minutes walk

      Accessibility

      • Mobility impairment: the cruises are not wheelchair accessible
      • Deaf and hearing impaired visitors: no specific arrangement
      • Blind and visually impaired visitors: guided sightseeing cruises
      • Mentally impaired visitors: weather-related risks

      For further clarification or information, please call +33 (0)2 28 540 640

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