Nearby the Atlantic Ocean
Saint-Nazaire at the Loire estuary in Western France is the fourth largest port in France. The important aerospace center on the Atlantic coast is the main seat of many aerospace suppliers and aircraft builders e.g. an Airbus factory with more than 2000 employees is based here.
FIRST AID City tip
Saint-Nazaire, with its 20 beaches, is a favorite national but also European holiday destination. The Saint-Marc-sur-Mer beach, known from the movie "Mr Hulot's Holiday“, is not only a frequently used motif for postcards but also a must for those in search of big waves.
In the past, Ocean steamers docked in Saint-Nazaire. The "Escal' Atlantic" is a reminder of the past: The faithful replica of a luxury cruise liner is an adventure museum and has already welcomed more than 1 million visitors. For those who like to examine things from above, the lighthouse Kerlédé, 800 m inland, offers a unique view over the landscape and the city.
Events and celebrations
France's national holiday on the 14th of July is celebrated in Saint-Nazaire with a big street festival and fireworks and in early August the city is captured by "music and dance": the entire city and tourists celebrate the worldwide known music festival "Les Escales" with dozens of concerts and shows. Most bars and cafés have live music during the summer months and entry is free of charge. Saint-Nazaire has many culinary highlights, too: For example "Les Blés D'Or" is a favorite for those with a sweet tooth and those who love crepes. The Moroccan cuisine of the modern restaurant Couscous Assya entices with its many fresh oriental delicacies.