The 6 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Saint-Nazaire, Pays de la Loire

You will understand the high technology and incredible logistics it takes to build the biggest cruise ships in the world… and you will feel quite small, surrounded by gigantic installations.

Inside the former submarine base in the harbour of Saint-Nazaire, a hidden treasure lies in store for you. Escal'Atlantic, the ocean liner experience, is a unique interactive visit for the whole family. Audiovisual displays and hands-on activities, display areas inspired by the interiors of ocean liners, 200 authentic objects which were on board liners built in Saint-Nazaire and much more tell the incredible story of the luxurious giants of the oceans. Guided tour in French at 11 am

The French submarine Espadon ("swordfish" in French) is open to visitors inside the fortified lock of the harbour of Saint-Nazaire. This 78-m long submarine was built in Le Havre and launched in 1958 before taking up service in 1960. During its 25 year long career, the Espadon covered 360,547 nautical miles, i.e. the equivalent of 17 times the circumference of the earth! Welcome for an audioguided tour, available in French, English, German and Spanish.

The Ecomusée, located on the banks of the Loire estuary, is a museum about the historic, industrial and maritime heritage of Saint-Nazaire and its surrounding area. Original documents and collections tell the story of a city which has always opened unto the world. Scale models, paintings, posters, photos, technical objects such as a lighthouse lens, a foghorn or shipbuilding tools, bear witness to the saga of Saint-Nazaire.

EOL is the first visitor centre in France which deals directly with offshore wind energy and the technological, economic and environmental aspects of offshore wind farms. Interactive and hands-on devices make for a very lively experience, designed for children and adults alike. Edutainment at its best! Self-guided tour, approx. 45 minutes. No booking required