The Calvaire de la Douve is the highest point in the town, overlooking Pornic from above the rooftops, with a view that stretches out over the ocean and the countryside. You'll need to get to it first by walking through the narrow streets in the heart of the old town. Then you have to climb a few more steps, but it's well worth the diversions! You can stop there for a few moments in the peace and quiet, as it is not very busy due to its height.
A 17th-century heritage site
The decision to build a calvary in the centre of Pornic was taken in 1679. The inhabitants and their rector set about building a platform using some of the materials found on site, taken from the old earthen fortifications of the Ville Haute (old town). The ground was raised several metres. The monument ends in a rounded plateau surrounded by supporting walls, at the centre of which is a wooden cross, the Mission Cross, placed on Corpus Christi Day in May 1680.
Over time, the earth surrounding the calvary collapsed, and the mound on which it was built was completely rebuilt and consolidated in 1748 following a mission that took place at that time. The old cross on the calvary was replaced and a statue of the Virgin and Child Jesus was placed in a niche at the foot of the cross, which has now disappeared.
Did you know?
The history of the Calvary can be explored with a guide as part of one of the guided walking tours offered by the Intercommunal Tourist Office entitled "Rues et chemins". It's an opportunity to find out a little more about the origins of Pornic, the history of the upper town and its suburbs and the intriguing names of the streets and lanes.
