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Loire-Atlantique features diverse landscapes, including the seaside, marshes, and salt marshes.

LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE - EN

What long stretch of water and stand feeds the salt marshes of Guérande? The Traict du Croisic! Recognized as being of European interest, these 1,680 acres of wetlands is uncovered with each low tide to the delight of shore fishermen. The best observation post over this spot is Mont Esprit. Built up during the 18th century by piling up the ballast of trade ships on former marshy areas, this spiral observation post culminates at a height of 85 ft and covers more than seven acres of parkland. In the summer, the verdant amphitheater hosts numerous events. A 19-minute drive from Hotel Mercure La Baule Majestic. ©Istock by Gettyimages

The Traict du Croisic

Every region has its gourmet specialty. In La Baule, it’s called the fondant baulois. This treat was created 40 years ago, and it has become the reference in chocolate lava cake. Its distinctive features are a meringue-tinged crust, an inimitably gooey center, and a hint of salted butter caramel. It is available at the La Baule market and at pastry shops throughout the town, including the eponymous Le Fondant Baulois®. For more information, please consult <https://lefondantbaulois.com/> or call +33 (0)2 40 61 66 73. ©Tamas Pap/Unsplash

Le Fondant Baulois

In Gorges, the Liveau mill continues to churn at the edge of the Sèvre Nantaise, about 19 miles from Nantes. Built in 1407 to produce flour, the facility was converted into a paper mill in 1826. After another conversion and a period of dereliction, the building was restored in 2014 to allow visitors to craft their own paper and learn about printing. Open every day from February 17th to November 3rd (except on August 30th). Four guided tours in the afternoon. Online or telephone reservation strongly recommended. For more information, please consult <https://www.lemoulinapapierduliveau.com/> or call +33 (0)6 16 11 89 50. ©Liann Wé/Wikimedia Commons

Moulin à papier de Liveau

Museums are not the only place where art belongs! The estuary between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire is home to a permanent outdoor exhibition of 33 contemporary works, scattered on both banks of the Loire. One of them is Huang Yong Ping’s impressive “Serpent of the Ocean” whose skeleton appears to emerge from an archaeological dig; or the “Misconceivable” abandoned ship by Erwin Wurm that appears to be melting off a pier. The collection stretches along 37 miles and may be admired all year round, on foot, by bike, or from a boat. For further information, please consult <https://www.levoyageanantes.fr/les-parcours/parcours-estuaire-nantes-saint-nazaire>. ©Istock by Gettyimages

Estuary art circuit between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire

If you’re looking for a 100% Nantes souvenir, look no further than the Bazar Officiel du Voyage. This souvenir shop, located within the Nantes tourist information center, includes a selection of objects by local artisans. Choose from a variety of posters, postcards, mugs, notebooks, tote bags, illustrations, water bottles, dishcloths, and more. These articles are also available from the online boutique. For more information, please consult <https://www.levoyageanantes.fr/lieux/bazar-officiel-du-voyage-a-nantes/>. ©Istock by Gettyimages

Bazar Officiel du Voyage

At Escal'Atlantic, embark upon a Transatlantic ocean liner from the Belle Époque without leaving Saint-Nazaire! This atypical destination, spanning 37,673 ft2, recreates the atmospheres of legendary ocean liners built in Saint-Nazaire: The Ile-de-France (1927), the Normandie (1935), the France (1962), and other, from cabins to a promenade deck to an engine room. The exploration also includes the history of millions of emigrants who traveled while concealed in the cargo hold, and that of Dunand’s lacquer panel, “La Chasse,” which once decorated the Normandie.  For more information, please consult <https://www.saint-nazaire-tourisme.com/les-visites/les-sites-de-visite/escalatlantic>. ©Dr

LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE - EN

Estuary art circuit between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire

Moulin à papier de Liveau

Le Fondant Baulois

Escal'Atlantique

Bazar Officiel du Voyage

The Traict du Croisic