Two places to visit in and around Saint-Nazaire!

In Pays de la Loire, Loire-Atlantique is a welcoming and dynamic destination. With two new tours near Saint-Nazaire, the tourist offer is expanding. These immersive, interactive discoveries focus on original aspects of the region: Terre d'Estuaire on the Loire estuary; EOL and wind power.

Terre d'Estuaire, the Loire estuary discovery center

A 40-minute drive from Saint-Nazaire, you're in for a timeless experience at Terre d'Estuaire. This Loire estuary discovery center is located in the port of Cordemais, next to the huge EDF power plant and the region's typical rose gardens.

As you enter the stylish wooden building, an interactive, dreamlike journey awaits you, designed to help you discover and understand the richness of the estuary. This includes the beauty of its ecosystem, its flora and fauna, but also all the activities that have developed here: maritime trade, the power station, piracy, etc.

This is a unique and original tour. Here, there's no need for an audioguide or booklet to explore the permanent exhibition or the room dedicated to the temporary exhibition. The idea is to touch, observe and test everything around you!

A variety of atmospheres, sound sequences, interactive screens, films and acaptive balloon ride are just some of the experiences you can enjoy on your own or with your family, to discover the activities and "visible" and "invisible" life in the Loire estuary. Allow two hours to get the most out of your visit!

To complete your Loire Estuary experience, you can also :

• Take advantage of the unusual "Nuits Imaginaires" duo accommodations;
• Take a "Croisières inédites" river cruise (2 h 30) from Lavau-sur-Loire to Paimboeuf;
• Take part in one of the "Escapades Complices" treasure hunts, combining adventure and enigmas on a given itinerary. The game booklet can be purchased from local tourist offices or directly from Terre d'Estuaire (8 euros).

Practical information: Terre d'Estuaire

EOL: everything you need to know about offshore wind power

How has mankind always harnessed the power of the wind? How does an offshore wind farm work? How has electricity changed our daily lives? To answer the general public's questions about offshore wind power, we decided to create a fun, educational discovery center.

The Pays de la Loire region, and Saint-Nazaire in particular, are true pioneers in the development of marine renewable energies. France's first offshore wind farm will be built in Saint-Nazaire, and a major wind turbine assembly project will get underway in 2020. It was therefore only natural to locate the EOL center here.

With the opening of this information center dedicated to offshore wind power in February 2019, Saint-Nazaire aims to raise public awareness of this technology. EOL is located in the fortified lock of the port of Saint-Nazaire, near the submarine Espadon.

Experiments, virtual reality and interactivity will be at the heart of your journey into the world of Eole. You'll experience 4 discovery sequences:

• The God Aeolus reigns supreme;
• Electricity is modern!
• But how can we produce more and better?
• A 360° view from the roof of the panoramic terrace.

The self-guided immersive tour lasts 45 minutes.

Practical information: EOL