Top 10 Things to do in Saint- Nazaire

Top 10 Things to do in Saint- Nazaire

Located on the Loire Estuary, where the tide hits the stream, Saint-Nazaire can’t quite be called the nicest looking city in France. It is a place where serious activities take place And people who are interested in seeing magnificent machines, grande engineering works and military history can find a paradise in what Saint-Nazaire has to offer.

In the 1800s, the shipbuilding industry took off and aviation came a century later. Extremely large machines continue to be put together here today.  Sain-Nazaire can be summarized by the submarine pens in the harbor. Huge concrete hulks that couldn’t be destroyed but are now a site to see, regardless of how ugly they look.

Let’s check out the best things to do in Saint-Nazaire:

1. Submarine Base

Submarine Base Saint-Nazaire By Bundesarchiv, Bild

Before the world was plunged in to the second world war, Saint- Nazaire had been the boarding point for cruises to Mexico, Panama, and Cuba. But after 1941  the port was chosen to be an impenetrable submarine pen with 9 meters of concrete that no bomb could destroy.

Because it was such a strong base,  St. Nazaire got through the war without suffering extensive damage. You will see many U-boats as they were used during the Battle of the Atlantic.

2. Escal’ Atlantic

The SS. Normandie by Vick the Vikingderivative

The cruise liner era was one of romanticism and curious wonder as people for to go across the seas in magnificent vessels. Within this submarine base is an attraction that gives you a glimpse into the fine decor and intricate interior workings of two historic vessels: The SS Normandie, dating to 1935, and the SS France, launched in 1960.  The walking tour will take you through the different parts of the cruise liners, like the dining room, piano bar, steerage and the plush cabins for passengers. Also explore what took place behind the scenes in the engine room and on the bridge.

3. French Submarine Espadon

French Submarine Espadon by Rama

Espadon submarine means “swordfish” in French and it can be boarded at the Nazi U-Boat base. In 1957 The craft was launched in Le Havreand, making it the first French submarine to dive beneath the Polar Ice. It went as far north as 70° deep into the Norwegian Sea. An audio-guide will take you through as you explore this diesel-electric submarine, and you will learn about how the crew of 70 sailors went about their day in the bunks, kitchens and eating areas. Special sound effects on the audio guide will add a bit of pomp and flare, and there alot of scientific details that will blow your mind.

4. Terrasse Panoramique

Suites de Triangles
by NicolasDumoulin

For a memorable view of the terrace, you can either take an elevator or climb the stairway to the top of the fortified lock. From this angle you can be able to see the Penhoët dock which is one of the largest in Europe.

The Swiss artist Felice Varini is famed for his “perspective-localized art”. One of his gigantic pieces of work, “Suites de Triangles”, is very exciting to see at this site. On neighbouring docks the buildings have been covered with huge triangles, which only line up into something understandable when you’re standing in exactly the right spot.

5. STX Shipyard Tour

MSC Preziosa docked at the STX shipyard by Loïc LLH

Take a two hour drive around the STX Shipyard and enjoy privileged access to a top world facility that uses the most advanced technology and has thousands of employees. The largest passenger ship in the world,MS Harmony of the Seas was built on this very dock. It completed its maiden voyage in 2016. The tour bus departs from the submarine base on a six-kilometre itinerary with regular stops for you to take photos or listen to in-depth explanations from your guide.

The tour takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

6. Airbus Tour

Every Wednesday and Friday, be sure to catch the bus to tour the hightech Airbus installation in Saint- Nazaire. It departs from the submarine base.

The Airbus site in Saint-Nazaire assembles and tests front and centre fuselage sections for every single craft made by the brand before they’re shipped by air or water to facilities in Toulouse, Spain or Germany to be completed.Make sure you carry your ID and book you tour 48 hours in advance because of the sensitive nature of the tour.

7. Waterfront

Next to the Wilson and Albert 1er Boulevards, Saint- Nazaire has in the last few years put in a lot of work to bring its waterfront back to life. The town has planted various trees, maintained manicured lawas and made the walk way wider to make it easy for you to enjoy a stroll. Spend some time here when the weather is nice outside and feel the Atlantic breeze on your skin. There are several bars where you can enjoy a cold drink as you look out at the Ocean.

There are various memorials that you will pass during your stroll. Look out for  one for the sinking of HMS Lancastria and another for the American recapture of Saint-Nazaire late in the Second World War.

8. Écomusée de Saint-Nazaire

the Écomusée is a small permanent exhibition about Sant-Nazaire and its shipbuilding heritage. It is located on the harbour facing the shipyards, 

The displays start with prehistory and go up to the 19th century, explaining the main technological achievements over the last 150 years or so.

There are models of the old SS Normandie, SS France and the pioneer Loire seaplanes that were manufactured here in the 1930s.

Entrance to the Écomusée is included in the ticket for Escal’ Atlantic.