Pornichet’s harbours, where maritime heritage meets life by the sea
There is the soft clinking of halyards against masts when the wind begins to rise. There is the scent of warm crêpes drifting from Square Hervo on a spring afternoon. There is that fisherman standing patiently on the pier, his square fishing net suspended above the water, waiting without hurry. Pornichet’s harbours are far more than pontoons and marina basins. People stroll here, dine here, set sail here — and always come back. For more than a century, this is where the town has looked out to sea.
A harbour born from the desire to face the ocean
Pleasure boating began developing along Pornichet’s coastline in the late 19th century. Early recreational sailors, sharing the shoreline with fishermen, needed shelter to protect their boats from rough weather. In 1924, a 179-metre pier extended by a 100-metre footbridge was inaugurated at the harbour entrance. Locals were proud. Just months later, violent storms destroyed part of the wooden deck and guardrails. Repairs were carried out, reinforcements added. By 1925, the pier stood firm, and traditional square fishing platforms began appearing along the walkway.
But by the 1930s, the harbour could no longer meet demand. Bold projects were considered: closing off the bay entirely, building a bridge to the island of Les Évens, even creating an artificial island. Eventually, Pointe du Bé was selected in 1968. After years of studies and planning approvals, construction began in 1976. One million tonnes of rock were transported, a 250-metre viaduct rose above the water, and within just eighteen months the coastline had been completely reshaped.
On July 1st 1978, the deep-water marina officially opened: 1,150 berths, including 150 reserved for visiting boats. Combined with the tidal harbour, Pornichet became the third largest marina on France’s Atlantic coast — a town now fully turned toward the open sea.
Life along the quays, from sunrise to sunset
The marina reveals two distinct sides. Around the basins, it's the starting point for regattas and days out at sea. Here you'll find Aquajet, Mouette & Sea and La Baule Nautic, offering everything from boat hire and sailing trips to introductory sessions for beginners. The APCC (Association for the Promotion of Offshore Racing and Cruising) keeps the nautical spirit alive all year round, from Sunday outings to flotilla gatherings.
Along the quays, people settle onto the terrace at La Galerne, facing the yachts with a drink in hand. As the setting sun paints the sky in shades of pink and orange, the show begins. You stay a little longer. Listen to the rigging softly clinking in the breeze. Watch the sun slip beyond the horizon.
The tidal harbour, more discreet, has a charm entirely of its own. This is where boats rest on the sand at low tide, where kayak excursions depart with CKPCA, and where Jul Surf School introduces beginners to their first waves. The atmosphere feels saltier here, closer to the raw rhythm of the ocean.
Then there is the pier itself, the century-old one. People walk to its very end, facing the wind, rewarded with panoramic views over the bay. Traditional square fishing nets line the walkway, suspended above the water and lifted slowly by hand. To experience this traditional style of fishing, reservations can be made through the Tourist Office. It is a simple, patient ritual that reconnects visitors with Pornichet’s maritime roots.
At the far end of the seafront boulevard, Square Hervo shifts the mood entirely. Children launch miniature boats in the basin, climb aboard a vintage carousel inspired by the world of Jules Verne, run between playgrounds or race toward the swings installed directly on the beach. After the excitement comes a well-deserved break: artisan ice cream, waffles or warm doughnuts enjoyed with feet almost in the sand.
Here, the harbour is also about family moments, laughter and sea spray.
Setting sail from Pornichet harbours
Pornichet harbours are the starting point for countless adventures on the water and along the coast.
Marina
Just a 5-minute walk from Pornichet town center, the marina invites you to stop off at one of the most welcoming ports on the Côte d'Amour, open all year round and accessible 24 hours a day, whatever the weather.
The APCC Voile Sportive de Pornichet transmits the passion of sailing, from discovery to top level. A demanding yet friendly approach, supported by an exceptional sailing environment.
Aqua Jet Pornichet offers a wide range of water sports activities. Sensations, gliding and discoveries at sea, for all publics, from April to the end of October.
From the port of Pornichet, Félix from Mouette and Sea offers sailing trips aboard a catamaran. An invitation to take to the open sea and discover the coastline at a different pace.
In the Pornichet marina, La Baule Nautic invites you to experience the sea on a daily basis, whether you're planning an outing, outfitting your boat or making a sailing project a reality.
Along the pier
Tidal harbour
Just a 5-minute walk from Pornichet town center, the port d'échouage invites you to call at a human-sized port, ideally located between the town, the beach and the bay.
In Pornichet, Jul Surf School invites you to discover surfing in a family atmosphere. A school open to all, for a gentle or energetic ocean experience, all year round.
Located on Pornichet's beaching port, Canoë Kayak Presqu'Île Côte d'Amour invites you to explore the sea in a different way, to the rhythm of the paddle and in a direct relationship with the elements.
Square Hervo
In Square Hervo, just a stone's throw from the harbor, make yourself comfortable at Square Gourmand for a sweet endeavour that's as appealing for its sea-view terrace as it is for its irresistible gourmet fragrance.
Facing the ocean and close to Pornichet's beaching harbor, the Square Hervo carousel invites young and old alike to journey into the world of Jules Verne. An enchanted interlude for the whole family.