Discover Pornic
Its south-westerly exposure and mild oceanic climate are two of Pornic's main assets, making it the second-largest seaside resort in the Loire-Atlantique region, after La Baule.
But Pornic l'Intimiste is not as imposing or modern as La Baule. Here, we're in protected territory and everyone wants to help Pornic retain its discreet side.
Away from the high-rise buildings, the endless queues of cars and the noise of horns, Pornic has managed to keep its summer visitors happy.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Insolite Pornic:
From the Revolution to the Roaring Twenties... Accompany your guide through two centuries of the history of a fascinating town.
Authentic Pornic:
The Fontaine aux Bretons reveals itself... Put on your 7-point boots, follow your guide off the beaten track and discover this site. Curious characters bring these anecdote-filled places to life.
Medieval and maritime Pornic:
Along the quays, discover the fishing industry (the Terre-Neuvas) and maritime trade. Enter the courtyards of the château to recount the legend of Bluebeard, before visiting the fishermen's quarter.
Pornic Castle
Come and discover the magnificent castle in the heart of the town centre.
Pornic Castle is well known as ‘Bluebeard's Castle’, because it belonged to the famous Gilles de Rais. The château is not open to visitors, as it is private. Access to the castle courtyards is available during guided tours organised by the Tourist Office.
With the sea on one side, Pornic castle is built on a defensive site; it was once surrounded on both sides. In the 10th century, Alain Barbe Torte, Duke of Brittany, turned it into a stronghold. It was occupied by a garrison that protected the entrance to Pornic. In the 11th century, it belonged to the Lords of Rais, who built a new stone castle. The most famous of the Lords of Rais was Gilles de Rais in the 15th century. In the 18th century, the castle belonged to the Marquis de Brie Serrant. During the French Revolution, his property was confiscated and the château fell into ruin. At the end of the 19th century, it was the architect Bougouin who gave it its current appearance.
Pornic's heritage
Le Clion church
This is probably the only church in the Pays de Retz where you can admire a real carillon with a mechanism dating from 1857. The bells can ring the full octave, so you can play the Ave Maria and Il est né le Divin Enfant.
The dolmen at La Josseliere
The Joselière dolmen is a funerary monument built around 3500 BC during the Middle Neolithic period. It is located to the south-east of Pornic, in the direction of La Bernerie as far as La Joselière.
The Prédaire dolmen
The Prédaire dolmen is located to the south-east of Pornic in the direction of La Bernerie, on the coast, on the chemin des douaniers, and rests on a rocky outcrop at a place known as ‘le Prédaire’.
The Mousseaux tumulus
The Mousseaux tumulus, a funerary monument built around 3500 BC, consists of a mound with a trapezoidal outline. It is located to the west of Pornic, to the north of the ‘La Noëveillard’ marina.
The Gros Caillou pond
This vast 450,000 m² lake is located to the north-east of the town in the direction of Saint Père en Retz. It's an angler's paradise.
The pond is crossed at 3 different points by recently rebuilt dykes, on which fishing is prohibited.
