Pornic, located on the French Jade Coast, is considered by many to be the most beautiful town on the coast of Loire-Atlantique. It is particularly known for its 13th-century château, intimate town center and picturesque harbor. After a visit to Loire-Atlantique, I completely agree. Pornic is picturesque, charming and truly deserves the title of the pearl of the Jade Coast.
History of Pornic
The history of Pornic dates back to the early Middle Ages. In the 13th century, the château of Pornic was built, strategically located above the old harbor to protect the coast from invasions. During the Hundred Years’ War between England and France, Pornic played a role in the struggle for control of the region. The castle was besieged and captured several times. In the 17th century, the salt industry played an important role. The salt from the marshes surrounding Pornic became a valuable trading product. During the 19th century, Pornic began to gain popularity as a seaside resort, particularly among wealthy Parisians. In World War II, Pornic was occupied by German forces. After the war, tourism increased again and Pornic developed into a beloved destination on the French coast.
What to do and see in Pornic?
Today, there’s so much to do and see in Pornic. Relaxation can easily be combined with activities and delicious food. You can wander for hours through the narrow streets of the old town center, along the harbor quays and by the coastline. After a lovely walk, you can sit on one of the many terraces with a view of the harbor. Sounds good, right? Pornic is a perfect place to spend a few days of your vacation in Loire-Atlantique.
Walking through Pornic
There aren’t really any specific tips for walking through Pornic; just start anywhere (for example, at the Office de Tourisme), head to the harbor and explore the streets behind it. Pornic adds a cozy touch to its streets with flags, creating a special atmosphere. A lovely spot where many of these flags come together is Place du Marchix. If you enjoy visiting charming churches, Eglise Saint-Gilles is a must-see. Be sure to walk through the old city gate at the end of Rue des Sables. The small beach Plage du Château is a great place to enjoy the sand and watch boats pass by. This beach is, of course, most beautiful at high tide. From here, you can walk back to the quay along Passerelle piétonne, a boardwalk under the castle.
Visit the Château de Pornic
The Château de Pornic is the most eye-catching building in Pornic. It sits atop a rocky outcrop at the edge of the harbor. The sight is truly captivating and from various angles, it looks like a postcard, it’s that beautiful! After the French Revolution, the château fell into disrepair but was restored at the end of the 19th century. The current appearance of the château still dates from that time. It is inhabited today, but some rooms can be visited with a guided tour.
Cycling in and around Pornic
Exploring a destination by bike is always a great idea, no matter where you are. And Pornic is no exception! An electric bike is a real bonus in this region with its hills and elevation changes. Stay close to Pornic to cycle along the beaches or discover beautiful spots in the wooded surroundings. For a challenge, it’s also recommended to ride a section of La Vélodyssée, the famous 1,300-kilometer-long bike route along the Atlantic coast.
Stand Up Paddle
If you enjoy water activities, then Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is a must-do. At high tide, you can start your paddleboarding adventure in the harbor of Pornic. It’s a lot of fun! If you’re more advanced and the sea is calm, you can venture out of the harbor and head towards open water. If SUP is still new to you, you can stick to a guided tour in the harbor, where there are small beaches to paddle to.
Yoga on the Beach
Yoga enthusiasts will also find their place in Pornic. Yoga classes and workshops are available at various locations, including Plage de la Source. This beach is ideal for a yoga session. It’s peaceful (especially early in the day) and you can enjoy a view of the charming fisherman’s huts along the water.
Get a Strawberry Ice Cream at La Fraiseraie
When you visit Pornic, you can’t miss it: you absolutely must get an ice cream at La Fraiseraie, a local favorite since 1970. It all started with strawberries grown in Pornic. Today, in addition to their delicious ice creams, you can also find other homemade delicacies at La Fraiseraie. Don’t skip this spot when in Pornic!
Eating in Pornic
There are many great places to eat in Pornic. In the center of Pornic, I have lunch at Mow, where delicious vegetarian dishes are on the menu. Near Plage de la Source, having lunch on the terrace of La Crêperie de la Source is highly recommended. They serve truly delicious galettes and crêpes and you also get a view of the sea. What more could you want?
Overnight in Pornic, Hôtel Éco-Domaine La Fontaine
A beautiful place to stay in Pornic is Hôtel Éco-Domaine La Fontaine. Éco-Domaine La Fontaine is housed in an old, restored farmhouse very close to the coast. The place has a rich history. Around the year 1900, boys were trained here to become priests and during World War I, more than 4,000 wounded soldiers were treated here. Today, Éco-Domaine La Fontaine is a lovely eco-residence set on 12 hectares of land. In the gardens surrounding the property, vegetables, fruit and herbs are grown and then used in dishes at the restaurant.
The coastline near Éco-Domaine La Fontaine is fantastic. It’s peaceful and truly a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset in the evening. Small beaches with many rocky outcrops, fishermen’s huts in the background… it’s really special.
More beautiful places in Loire-Atlantique
If you’re staying more than a few days in this region, make sure to visit Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins for a peaceful retreat, where you can enjoy tranquility on the long beaches. In the slightly northern Saint-Nazaire, you can visit museums that provide a lot of insight into World War II in the region. Additionally, Saint-Nazaire boasts beautiful beaches, a lovely promenade and cozy terraces. Loire-Atlantique pairs perfectly with Brittany and if you’re heading that way by car, be sure to explore some beautiful spots in Normandy as well. If you’re heading further south, make sure to visit Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron. These islands have such a lovely atmosphere!
