SNAG_0068244_30visite-guidee-grand-port-maritime-saint-nazaire.mp4

Harbour Terminals Gateway to the World

Discover the giant facilities of the top harbour of the French Atlantic coast and how they are organised. Vehicles, natural gas, grain, Airbus parts, tomorrow’s wind turbines and many more go through these terminals. You will see vessels whose names will take you on a tour around the world.


BOOKING IS COMPULSORY

Welcome to the Harbour Terminals

Gateway to the World

Nantes Saint-Nazaire is the biggest harbour on the French Atlantic coast. It plays a major economic role for the whole region, connecting it to the global economy.

We invite you to discover this huge hub of trade where all modes of transport are within close proximity to each other. Without leaving the shores of the Loire Estuary, you will already have one foot in Africa, Asia or America.

A guided discovery tour of the terminals

This journey along the harbour terminals is an opportunity to get a close look at the huge facilities, cranes and gantry cranes, and learn about their operation. The terminals handling coal, multi-bulk, liquefied natural gas, roll-on/roll-off, and containers will hold no secret for you.

Three good reasons to visit Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port:

  • Be caught in a daydream as you watch the cargo ships sailing back and forth… Read their names and try to identify the flags of the world
  • Feel privileged to observe closely the never-ending procession of trucks and loaders amidst the mountains of containers
  • Understand the significance of the harbour and its activities, not only for the local and regional economy but also for our daily life

In July and August, you can also see the terminals by boat from the estuary with our discovery cruises.

Linked to 400 harbours all over the world

More than 3,000 ships call every year at the terminals of Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port, linking the Loire Estuary to 400 harbours all over the world.

During the guided tour, you will discover a series of impressive terminals along the Loire river. These terminals are important hubs not only for the regional economy, but also for everyday life: imported energies go through them (natural gas, coal, crude oil…), so do the goods carried in containers.

Practical Information

Visitor Info:

  • 2-hour guided tour (routes and areas to be visited may vary according to the harbour activities).
  • The tour is in French.
  • Departure by bus: submarine base – boulevard de la Légion d’Honneur, near the ticket office.
  • Booking is compulsory. Booking procedure: personal details (first and last name, nationality, date and place of birth) are required for each visitor.
  • Valid ID/Passport required (driving licence will not be accepted)
  • Photography and filming are strictly forbidden during the tour.
  • Visitors must wear closed shoes that cover the feet.
  • See booking terms and conditions for groups of 20 people or more.
  • Please note that the industrial sites to be visited may expose you to short-term inconvenience resulting from noise and/or smells. Therefore, tours are not recommended for infants and young children.

Prices – Harbour Terminals
2-hour tour

FullReducedChildren aged 4-17
€21€19€10.50

The more you see, the more you save!

#PASS Embarquement
Escal’Atlantic + 1 industrial tour (Shipyard OR Airbus OR Harbour Terminals)
FullReducedChildren aged 4-17
€30€15
  • 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?

Departure by bus from the submarine base, Boulevard de la Légion d’Honneur, Saint-Nazaire – near the ticket office.

There are several car parks close by. Bike stands and lockers are available inside the submarine base.

Public transportation:

  • Saint-Nazaire is served by both the TGV and the regional trains.
  • From the railway station, the nearest bus stops to the submarine base are:
    • ‘Rue de la Paix’ (Hélyce line, daily) + 7 minutes walk
    • ‘Ruban Bleu’ (U2 and U4 lines, from Monday to Saturday) + 4 minutes walk

Accessibility

  • Mobility impairment: the site is not wheelchair accessible
  • Deaf and hearing impaired visitors: no specific arrangement
  • Blind and visually impaired visitors: audio tour
  • Mentally impaired visitors: noisy industrial site

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

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