Standing 3.20 meters tall, the statue of the Dauphin is an elegant addition to Pornichet's urban landscape. Created in 1989 by animal sculptor Michel Bassompierre, it stands proudly in the station area, welcoming residents and visitors alike as soon as they arrive in town.

Michel Bassompierre is renowned for his unique approach to animal sculpture. Often described as the "sculptor of animal gentleness", he fashions full, soothing and expressive forms that invite contemplation. Based near Nantes, the artist now exhibits his work all over the world, while retaining a strong link with the West and the coast.

In Pornichet, the Dauphin is much more than a work of art. It has become a landmark, a meeting point and a discreet symbol of the town's maritime identity. Its posture, both powerful and serene, evokes movement, fluidity and the intimate relationship between man and animal.

Near the sculpture, panels explain the various stages in the creation of the Dauphin. From the working of the material to the artistic choices made, these elements shed valuable light on the artist's process and the birth of this work that has become so familiar to Pornichétins.

Freely accessible, the statue is a natural part of any urban stroll. It invites us to look up, slow down for a moment and take a closer look at art in the public space, where it interacts with the city and everyday life.