Our ideas for sustainable holidays in Saint-Nazaire and the Brière

Good news! Everyone can take part in sustainable travel. You just need to know how. That’s why we’ve created this Guide to Sustainable Tourism in Saint-Nazaire and the Brière!

Exploring Saint-Nazaire and its landscapes is a chance to discover a wealth of natural heritage: parks and gardens, lakes, the Loire Estuary, the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches and of course the wonderful Brière wetlands.

  Paths and trails to explore

Make the most of all the signposted walks and discovery trails in Saint-Nazaire and the Brière:  take a stroll along the coastline on the famous coastal path, through the neighbourhoods of Saint-Nazaire, cycle into the heart of the Brière wetlands, or follow the estuary all the way to the ocean! In this resort, you can even follow digital discovery trails that raise awareness of our natural heritage.

Here’s an absolute must to unplug and unwind in an outstanding setting: immerse yourself in the Regional Nature Park of the Brière. The Brière is strongly committed to ecotourism, focussing on the preservation and responsible discovery of nature. Brière Park offers a wide range of activities to discover the local flora and fauna. How about a boat trip on a chaland – a traditional flat-bottomed boat –  to discover this exceptional natural environment?

Something sporty?

Saint-Nazaire has no fewer than 20 beaches along its coastline, and no shortage of lakes, making it an ideal destination for watersports. Whether you’re a complete novice or an expert, you can head to one of our watersports centres and get on the water!

Surfing, paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, catamarans, bodyboards and dinghies. Get the adrenaline rush and know you’re enjoying activities that respect the environment: check out the summer programme at Saint-Nazaire’s beaches.

Would you like to know more about sustainable development while having fun?

An ideal visit for learning all about the wind and offshore turbines: EOL Centre! This immersive visit is totally dedicated to the grand adventure of offshore wind turbines.

Learn about the importance of preserving biodiversity and local culture by visiting Natural Regional Park of Brière! The park has adopted the Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional  label, committing to quality, environmental conservation and preserving local know-how.

Feet in the sand

Here’s something not many people know about Saint-Nazaire: we have 20 different beaches and creeks, all unspoilt and waiting for your visit!

Three of these beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag quality label:

• The beach of Monsieur Hulot
• La Courance beach
• The Jaunais beach

Two beaches have the Handiplage label:

• The Villès-Martin beach
• The beach of Monsieur Hulot

Encouraging interaction between locals and tourists

Sustainable and responsible tourism also means taking part in local life through special moments. Discover the highlights of the events at Saint-Nazaire and the Brière: festivals, shows and annual events are ideal moments for local residents to interact with people passing through – like you!

We have a network of local ambassadors called Greeters, locals who are passionate about their hometown, who volunteer to share it with you and unveil hidden gems and their favourite spots.

• How about alternative modes of transport?

Here, it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. The main sites of interest in Saint-Nazaire have the label ‘Accueil Vélo’ (bikes welcome). This means that they guarantee a high-quality welcome and services for cyclists, and provide bike-repair kits as well as secure bike-storage options. You’ll also be in easy reach of several cycle routes, including Vélocéan, La Loire à Vélo and ‘A modern journey through an old land’, an itinerary that crosses Brittany and leads right up to the Channel.

And if you don’t have a bike with you, it’s no problem! Hire a push bike or an electric-assisted bike thanks to Vélycéo, a service that offers half-day, full-day or week-long options.

•   Local specialities

Make your way to the markets of Stunning Saint-Nazaire and indulge in some treats from local producers.  We have several regular markets offering a broad range of high-quality local products, including seafood, cheeses, honey, fruit and vegetables, as well as decorative and textile items made by artisans from Saint-Nazaire and the Brière.

A great way to practise responsible tourism is to choose quirky, unusual accommodation and get off the beaten track. Not only will you be taking a sustainable approach, but you’ll also get some out-of-the-ordinary experiences! How do you fancy sleeping in a fishing cabin, hiring a gypsy caravan, or gliding along in a small barge?

Many of the restaurants and shopkeepers in our resort will give you the chance to sample local produce – it would almost be rude not to give in to temptation!