Mouth of the Loire River
We start our journey from the city on the Loire in France.
Pornic
We head to Pornic straight from the airport. This small town on the mouth of the Loire is the entrance to Brittany.
It’s a seaside resort, whose centre clusters around the old harbour, where a great number of sailing boats and trawlers are moored.
If you walk along the promenade, you’ll reach the well-kept 13th century castle; from there, a panoramic path takes you to the new marina of La Noëveillard.
SEE HERE all the activities in Brittany
Pornic (City on the Loire River in France) doesn’t lack either cafés or restaurants – which is ideal if we want to spend our first night at Pornic; but let’s visit the village of Kerhinet first, a 45- minute drive away.
Kerhinet, historic village
The historic village of Kerhinet It’s a nice, picturesque historic village, extensively refurbished in recent years, with thatched-roofed houses.
The village has been acquired by the Parc Naturel Régional de la Brière, of which it hosts “La Maison du Parc” a rather convenient starting point for a visit entirely on foot (both of the village itself and the park). Some shops on the spot.
The Loire River
It is the longest river in France, stretching for about 1,012 kilometres. It originates in the Massif Central, in the Ardèche region, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Nantes, passing through several important cities, including Orléans, Tours, and Angers.
The Loire River basin is known for its picturesque landscapes and its historical and cultural significance. Along its banks, there are numerous castles, known as the Châteaux of the Loire, which mostly date back to the Renaissance period and are testimonies of the region’s rich history.
Historically, the Loire and its estuary have been a vital transportation route for trade and economic development of the surrounding regions. Although river transport has lost importance compared to other modes, tourism along the river is very developed, thanks to river cruises, cycling routes, and historical sites.
The river traverses several famous wine regions, contributing to the production of renowned wines such as Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Muscadet. Additionally, the Loire Valley was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, recognising its scenic beauty and cultural importance.