Your Weekend Tour Guide: Pornic & Nantes

Weekend in Pornic & Nantes

A complete guide for 4 adults and 2 kids (5-6 years old)

17-23 May 2025

Welcome to Pornic & Nantes!

This guide is specially created for your group of 4 adults and 2 children (ages 5-6) from Texas, visiting the beautiful regions of Pornic and Nantes in France. We've crafted detailed itineraries with a mix of traditional French experiences and fun activities suitable for young children.

Your journey begins in the charming coastal town of Pornic on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, where you'll be staying at 2 ter All. du Green, 44210 Pornic. After enjoying the sea breeze and coastal beauty for three days, you'll head to Nantes on Tuesday, where you'll be accommodated in Couëron until your departure for Paris on Thursday afternoon.

Throughout this guide, you'll find family-friendly activities, restaurant recommendations suitable for children, and alternatives depending on your preferences and weather conditions. Get ready for an amazing French adventure!

Your Accommodations

Pornic Accommodation

Address: 2 ter All. du Green, 44210 Pornic

Check-in: Saturday, May 17th, 2025

Check-out: Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

Your accommodation is located near the Golf de Pornic, providing a peaceful setting while still being close to the main attractions. It's approximately 2.5 km from Pornic town center and about 1.5 km from the nearest beach.

Nearby Amenities:

  • Golf de Pornic (walking distance)
  • Supermarket (1 km)
  • Pharmacy (1.2 km)
  • Bakery (1 km)

Couëron Accommodation

Location: Couëron (near Nantes)

Check-in: Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

Check-out: Thursday, May 23rd, 2025

Your accommodation in Couëron puts you in a quieter setting outside the busy city center of Nantes. Couëron is approximately 15 km from Nantes city center, making it a convenient base for exploring the city while enjoying a more residential atmosphere.

Travel Time:

  • Pornic to Couëron: Approximately 50 minutes by car
  • Couëron to Nantes city center: 20-25 minutes by car
  • Couëron to Nantes train station: 25-30 minutes by car

Your Detailed Itinerary

Saturday, May 17: Arrival in Pornic

2:00 PM: Arrival & Check-in

Settle into your accommodation at 2 ter All. du Green, Pornic. Unpack, relax, and get oriented.

3:30 PM: Explore Pornic Town Center

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming town center of Pornic. Admire the picturesque harbor, colorful buildings, and get a first glimpse of the medieval Château de Pornic overlooking the town.

Free Activity Duration: 1-2 hours

5:30 PM: Plage de la Noëveillard

Visit one of Pornic's most accessible beaches for the kids to play and burn off some energy after traveling. This sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing late afternoon visit with facilities nearby.

Free Activity Duration: 1-1.5 hours

7:30 PM: Dinner at Restaurant Anne de Bretagne

Enjoy your first dinner in Pornic at this excellent restaurant offering both gourmet options and a children's menu. It's a perfect welcome to the local cuisine.

€€€ Adult menu: €35-80 | Kids menu: €20

163 Boulevard de l'Océan, 44210 Pornic | +33 2 40 82 21 22

Alternative Options:

  • If the children are too tired after traveling, consider ordering takeout from La Brasserie du Port (€€) and enjoying dinner at your accommodation.
  • For a quicker meal option, La Fraiseraie offers delicious crêpes and ice cream that kids will love (€€).

Sunday, May 18: Exploring Pornic & Surroundings

9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Local Bakery

Start your day with fresh croissants and pain au chocolat from a local bakery. Pick up some bread and snacks for a picnic lunch later.

€3-5 per person

10:00 AM: Château de Pornic Visit

Visit the iconic medieval castle overlooking Pornic harbor. Though the interior is private, you can explore the exterior and enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline. This 13th-century fortress will fascinate both adults and children with its towers and ramparts.

Free Activity Duration: 1 hour

11:30 AM: Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Path)

Take a scenic walk along part of this coastal path with breathtaking views. This gentle trail follows the coastline and is suitable for children. You can walk just a portion of it (about 30-45 minutes) to see the beautiful coves and beaches.

Free Activity Duration: 1-1.5 hours

1:00 PM: Picnic Lunch at Plage des Sablons

Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch at one of Pornic's most beautiful beaches. The kids can play in the sand while adults relax and enjoy the coastal views.

Bring your own picnic supplies

3:00 PM: Visit to Guérande (Optional Day Trip)

Take a 45-minute drive to the medieval walled city of Guérande. Explore its well-preserved ramparts, charming streets, and famous salt marshes. This is a great cultural experience that's also interesting for children.

  • Cité Médiévale de Guérande - Walk around the walled city center with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
  • Terre De Sel - Learn about the traditional salt harvesting techniques. They offer special guided tours for children. €€ Adult: €12 | Child (4-12): €6
  • Porte Saint-Michel - Visit this medieval gateway that now houses a museum. Adult: €6 | Child: Free under 7
Duration: 3-4 hours including travel

7:30 PM: Dinner at Le Retz Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at this highly-rated restaurant offering fresh seafood and local specialties. They have options suitable for children as well.

€€ Adult meals: €25-40 | Kid's menu: €12

21 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 44210 Pornic | +33 2 40 82 15 98

Alternative Plan (If not visiting Guérande):

  • 3:00 PM: Visit Faïencerie de Pornic - Discover the traditional pottery workshop where the famous "Pornic Cups" are made. This artisanal pottery has been in production since 1947. Free entry to shop | Workshop tours: €5 per person
  • 4:30 PM: Ice cream at La Fraiseraie - Enjoy the famous local ice cream made with fresh berries from the region. €3-5 per ice cream
  • 5:30 PM: Relaxation time at your accommodation - Let the kids rest before dinner

Monday, May 19: Kids Day in Pornic (2 Adults & 2 Children)

9:00 AM: Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café.

10:00 AM: Éco-Domaine La Fontaine

This eco-domain offers a range of activities perfect for young children. They can interact with farm animals, participate in feeding sessions, and enjoy the natural surroundings. There are special activities designed specifically for kids aged 5-6.

  • Farm animal visits and feeding sessions
  • Mini-treasure hunts in the gardens
  • Nature discovery activities
€€ Adult: €10 | Child: €8

23 Rue de la Fontaine, 44770 La Plaine-sur-Mer (15 min drive from Pornic) | +33 2 51 74 07 07

12:30 PM: Lunch at Les Tables de La Fontaine

Enjoy lunch at the restaurant within the Éco-Domaine, which serves organic food prepared with ingredients from their garden. They offer a special kid's menu with child-friendly options.

€€ Adult menu: €18-25 | Kids menu: €10

2:30 PM: Beach Time at Plage de la Birochere

Head to this family-friendly beach with shallow water perfect for young children. Build sandcastles, look for seashells, or simply relax on the sand. The beach has facilities and is well-protected from strong currents.

Free Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Bring beach toys, sunscreen, hats, and water bottles

6:00 PM: Dinner at Marius

This family-friendly restaurant in Pornic has an excellent children's menu and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for dining with kids. They serve a mix of traditional French cuisine and simpler dishes that appeal to children.

€€ Adult meals: €15-25 | Kid's menu: €9.50

3 Quai du 11 Novembre, 44210 Pornic | +33 2 40 82 00 70

Open 7 days a week, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Alternative Options (In Case of Rain):

  • Musée de la Marine (Marine Museum) - A small museum with model ships and maritime exhibits that can interest children. Adult: €5 | Child: €3
  • Aquajade - An indoor swimming pool complex in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (20 min drive) with water slides and kid-friendly pools. €€ Adult: €5-7 | Child: €4-6
  • Creative workshop at your accommodation - Bring some craft supplies and organize a French-themed creative session (drawing castles, making postcards, etc.)

Tuesday, May 20: Travel to Nantes & First Day Exploration

9:00 AM: Check-out & Departure from Pornic

Check out of your Pornic accommodation and drive to Couëron (approximately 50-60 minutes).

10:30 AM: Arrive & Check-in at Couëron

Settle into your accommodation in Couëron. If early check-in isn't available, you can leave your luggage and start exploring.

12:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Couëron

Try a local restaurant like Brasserie Syndrome for lunch before heading into Nantes.

€€ €15-25 per person

2:00 PM: Les Machines de l'Île

Visit this extraordinary artistic project that combines Jules Verne's "invented worlds" with Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical universe. The highlight is the Grand Éléphant, a 12-meter tall mechanical elephant that can carry passengers. Children will be amazed by these incredible moving machines.

  • Grand Éléphant - Take a 30-minute ride on this impressive mechanical elephant. €€ Adult: €8.50 | Child (4-17): €6.90
  • Gallery of Machines - See the workshop where these fantastic creatures are created and test smaller machines. €€ Adult: €8.50 | Child (4-17): €6.90
  • Marine Worlds Carousel - A unique three-story carousel with mechanical sea creatures. €€ Adult: €8.50 | Child (4-17): €6.90

Combination tickets available: €€€ Adult: €25.50 for all attractions | Child: €20.50

Parc des Chantiers, Boulevard Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes | +33 2 51 17 49 89

Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

5:00 PM: Jardin des Plantes

Visit Nantes' beautiful botanical garden, one of the most important in France. Children will enjoy running around the green spaces and discovering the whimsical garden sculptures. The garden features play areas, water features, and even some surprising mechanical installations.

Free Activity Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Rue Stanislas Baudry, 44000 Nantes

7:30 PM: Dinner at La Cigale

Experience dinner at this historic brasserie with beautiful Art Nouveau décor. Despite its elegant appearance, they welcome families and offer a children's menu.

€€-€€€ Adult meals: €25-45 | Kid's menu: €15

4 Place Graslin, 44000 Nantes | +33 2 51 84 94 94

Alternative Options:

  • If you're tired after traveling, consider spending the afternoon in Couëron exploring local spots like Lac de Beaulieu or Port Launay before heading into Nantes the next day.
  • For a more budget-friendly dinner option, try Le Bistrot à Gilles, which offers traditional French cuisine in a casual setting: €€ Adult meals: €15-25 | Kid's menu: €9

Wednesday, May 21: Nantes Exploration or Planète Sauvage

Option 1: Planète Sauvage Safari Park

10:00 AM: Planète Sauvage

Visit this unique safari park located just 15 minutes from Nantes. This is one of France's largest wildlife parks where you can drive your own car through the African Plains zone to see animals roaming freely. Children will be thrilled to see lions, giraffes, elephants, and many other species up close.

  • Safari Trail - Drive your own car through a 10km trail to observe animals in semi-freedom.
  • Bush Path - A walking trail to see smaller animals.
  • Dolphin Presentation - Educational shows featuring dolphins (check schedule upon arrival).
  • Temple of the Jungle - Covered tropical area with monkeys and birds.
€€€ Adult: €31 | Child (4-12): €23 | Under 4: Free

La Chevalerie, 44710 Port-Saint-Père | +33 2 40 04 82 82

Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Plan for a full day (5-6 hours)

7:00 PM: Dinner at Le Petit Boucot

Return to Nantes for dinner at this restaurant offering local cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.

€€ Adult meals: €18-32 | Kid's menu: €12

8 Rue Beauregard, 44000 Nantes | +33 2 85 37 42 30

Option 2: Nantes City Exploration

10:00 AM: Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Visit this impressive castle and museum in the heart of Nantes. Children will love exploring the ramparts, moat, and courtyard. The History Museum inside offers interactive displays about Nantes' history.

€€ Castle courtyard: Free | Museum: Adult €8 | Under 18: Free

4 Place Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

12:30 PM: Lunch at La Cocotte

Enjoy lunch at this child-friendly restaurant near the castle serving traditional French cuisine.

€€ Adult meals: €15-25 | Kid's menu: €10

2:30 PM: Le Voyage à Nantes Green Line

Follow part of the green line painted on the ground through Nantes, which leads visitors to interesting attractions and art installations. This walking tour is fun for children as they can "follow the line" to discover surprises throughout the city.

Free Activity Duration: Flexible, 2-3 hours

6:30 PM: Dinner at Crêperie Heb Ken

Enjoy traditional Breton crêpes and galettes at this family-friendly crêperie. Children usually love these French pancakes with various fillings.

€€ Adult meals: €15-20 | Kid's menu: €9

5 Rue de Guérande, 44000 Nantes | +33 2 40 48 79 03

Weather Alternatives:

  • If it's raining, consider visiting the Natural History Museum of Nantes (€4 adults, free for children) or the Jules Verne Museum (€3 adults, €1.50 children).
  • The Musée d'Arts de Nantes offers special activities for children and is a good indoor option (€8 adults, free for under 18s).

Thursday, May 22: Final Morning & Departure

9:00 AM: Pack & Check-out

Prepare for departure and check out of your Couëron accommodation.

10:30 AM: Visit Square Élisa-Mercœur

This charming children's playground in the center of Nantes is perfect for a last bit of playtime before departure. It features creative play structures and is surrounded by nice cafés where adults can relax.

Free Activity Duration: 1 hour

Square Élisa Mercœur, 44000 Nantes

12:00 PM: Lunch at La Cantine du Voyage

Enjoy your final meal in Nantes at this family-friendly canteen offering simple, fresh food in a relaxed atmosphere.

€€ Set menu: €15-18 | Kid's options available

Quai des Antilles, 44200 Nantes

2:00 PM: Departure to Paris by Train

Head to Nantes train station for your 2:00 PM departure to Paris.

Gare de Nantes, 27 Boulevard de Stalingrad, 44000 Nantes

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time

Alternative Morning Activities:

  • Explore Lac de Beaulieu in Couëron for a peaceful morning walk before departure.
  • Visit Passage Pommeraye, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade in Nantes, for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Restaurant Recommendations

Pornic Restaurants

Restaurant Anne de Bretagne ⭐⭐

Upscale restaurant with stunning sea views, offering gourmet cuisine featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients.

Best for: Special dinners, fine dining experience

Price range: €€€ (€35-80 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€20)

163 Boulevard de l'Océan, 44210 Pornic

+33 2 40 82 21 22

Le Retz Restaurant

Popular restaurant serving traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Beautiful terrace with harbor views.

Best for: Authentic local cuisine, fresh seafood

Price range: €€ (€25-40 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€12)

21 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 44210 Pornic

+33 2 40 82 15 98

Marius

Casual restaurant open all day with a varied menu including pizzas, seafood, and French classics. Very family-friendly.

Best for: Casual dining, families with children

Price range: €€ (€15-25 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€9.50)

3 Quai du 11 Novembre, 44210 Pornic

+33 2 40 82 00 70

La Fraiseraie

Famous for its homemade ice cream made with locally grown strawberries. Also serves crêpes, waffles, and light meals.

Best for: Desserts, afternoon treats, light lunch

Price range: € (€8-15 per person)

Kids options: Yes (€5-8)

3 Quai Leray, 44210 Pornic

+33 2 40 82 12 96

Kid-Friendly Options

What Makes a Restaurant Kid-Friendly?

  • Dedicated children's menu with appropriate options
  • Highchairs or booster seats available
  • Coloring pages or other activities to keep children entertained
  • Flexible service that can accommodate children's needs
  • Relaxed atmosphere where children won't disturb others

All restaurants listed in this section have been selected for their welcoming attitude toward families with young children.

Les Tables de La Fontaine (Pornic/La Plaine-sur-Mer)

Located within Éco-Domaine La Fontaine, this restaurant serves organic food made with ingredients from their garden.

Kid-friendly features: Outdoor playground, farm animals nearby, spacious grounds for children to explore

Price range: €€ (€18-25 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€10) - includes main dish, dessert, and drink

23 Rue de la Fontaine, 44770 La Plaine-sur-Mer

Crêperie Heb Ken (Nantes)

Traditional Breton crêperie serving sweet and savory crêpes in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

Kid-friendly features: Quick service, interactive food (kids can watch crêpes being made), plenty of child-pleasing options

Price range: €€ (€15-20 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€9) - includes savory crêpe, sweet crêpe, and drink

5 Rue de Guérande, 44000 Nantes

La Cantine du Voyage (Nantes)

Casual canteen with a relaxed atmosphere, serving simple, fresh meals at communal tables.

Kid-friendly features: Casual environment, outdoor seating, quick service, play area nearby

Price range: €€ (€15-18 per person)

Kids options: Yes (smaller portions available at reduced prices)

Quai des Antilles, 44200 Nantes

Le Petit Boucot (Nantes)

Welcoming bistro serving traditional French cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Kid-friendly features: Friendly staff, coloring materials provided, patient service

Price range: €€ (€18-32 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€12) - includes starter, main course, dessert and drink

8 Rue Beauregard, 44000 Nantes

Nantes Restaurants

La Cigale

Historic brasserie with stunning Art Nouveau décor, serving French classics and seafood specialties.

Best for: Experiencing traditional French dining in a historic setting

Price range: €€-€€€ (€25-45 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€15)

4 Place Graslin, 44000 Nantes

+33 2 51 84 94 94

La Cocotte

Cozy restaurant near the castle serving homestyle French cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Best for: Casual lunch or dinner, authentic French cuisine

Price range: €€ (€15-25 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€10)

3 Rue Bossuet, 44000 Nantes

+33 2 40 69 27 18

Le Bistrot à Gilles

Friendly neighborhood bistro offering hearty French cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Best for: Traditional French food in a casual atmosphere

Price range: €€ (€15-25 per person)

Kids menu: Yes (€9)

8 Rue Saint-Denis, 44000 Nantes

+33 2 51 84 15 76

Song Saveurs et Sens

Asian fusion restaurant offering a change from French cuisine, with delicious flavors that often appeal to children.

Best for: Something different, adventurous eaters

Price range: €€ (€20-30 per person)

Kids options: Yes (smaller portions available)

5 Rue de Colmar, 44000 Nantes

+33 2 28 08 36 37

Dining in Couëron

Brasserie Syndrome

Local brasserie offering traditional French cuisine and some craft beers in a casual setting.

Best for: Casual dining close to your accommodation

Price range: €€ (€15-25 per person)

Kids options: Basic children's dishes available

Couëron city center

Local Bakeries and Markets

Couëron has several excellent bakeries and a weekly market where you can purchase fresh bread, pastries, cheese, fruits, and other items for a homemade meal or picnic.

Best for: Breakfast, picnic supplies, light meals

Price range: € (€5-10 per person)

Kid-friendly: Many options that appeal to children

Note:

Couëron is a smaller town with fewer dining options than Nantes or Pornic. For more variety, we recommend dining in Nantes where there are many more options to choose from. Nantes is just 20-25 minutes by car from Couëron.

Activities for Children

Kids Activities in Pornic

Beach Fun

Pornic's beaches are perfect for children, with gentle slopes and shallow water. Plage de la Birochere and Plage des Sablons are especially kid-friendly.

  • Sandcastle building
  • Seashell collecting
  • Paddling in shallow water
Free All ages

Éco-Domaine La Fontaine

This eco-domain offers activities specifically designed for children, including farm animal interactions and nature discovery.

  • Animal feeding sessions
  • Mini treasure hunts
  • Garden exploration
€€ Adult: €10 | Child: €8

Château de Pornic

While you can't enter this private castle, walking around the exterior and hearing stories about knights and princesses will capture children's imagination.

  • Castle spotting
  • Historical storytelling
  • Panoramic views
Free All ages

Ice Cream at La Fraiseraie

Famous local ice cream shop serving delicious treats made with local strawberries. A perfect afternoon snack!

  • Choose from dozens of flavors
  • Watch ice cream being made
  • Enjoy by the harbor
€3-5 per ice cream

Sentier des Douaniers (Short Sections)

While the entire coastal path is too long for young children, you can walk small, manageable sections with beautiful views.

  • Spot boats in the harbor
  • Look for sea birds
  • Discover small coves
Free Suitable for 5-6 year olds with breaks

Aquajade (Rainy Day Option)

Indoor swimming pool complex in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (20 min drive) with water slides and shallow pools for children.

  • Kid-friendly water slides
  • Shallow play areas
  • Warm water pools
€€ Adult: €5-7 | Child: €4-6

Kids Activities in Nantes

Les Machines de l'Île

Children will be amazed by the giant mechanical animals, especially the 12-meter tall elephant that carries passengers.

  • Grand Éléphant ride
  • Marine Worlds Carousel
  • Gallery of Machines
€€€ Combination ticket: Adult €25.50 | Child €20.50

Planète Sauvage

Safari park where you can drive your own car through animal enclosures to see exotic animals up close.

  • Safari drive-through
  • Dolphin presentations
  • Walking trails with smaller animals
€€€ Adult: €31 | Child (4-12): €23

Jardin des Plantes

Beautiful botanical garden with whimsical sculptures and plenty of space for children to run and play.

  • Giant plant sculptures
  • Water features
  • Hidden garden paths
Free All ages

Château des Ducs de Bretagne

This castle has a moat, drawbridge, and ramparts that children can explore. The courtyard is free to enter.

  • Walk the castle walls
  • Cross the drawbridge
  • Interactive exhibits in the museum
€€ Courtyard: Free | Museum: Adult €8 | Under 18: Free

Square Élisa-Mercœur

Wonderful children's playground in the center of Nantes with creative play structures.

  • Modern play equipment
  • Safe, enclosed space
  • Benches for parents to rest
Free Perfect for 5-6 year olds

Natural History Museum (Rainy Day)

Fascinating museum with dinosaur skeletons, stuffed animals, and interactive exhibits that appeal to children.

  • Dinosaur gallery
  • Animal specimens
  • Interactive science displays
Adult: €4 | Under 18: Free

Family-Friendly Tips

General Tips

  • Plan activities in the morning when children are most energetic
  • Schedule downtime or quiet activities after lunch
  • Always carry snacks and water
  • Locate public restrooms before setting out for the day
  • Most attractions offer free entry for children under 4-5 years
  • French beaches are usually free and accessible to everyone

Cultural Considerations

  • French meal times tend to be later (lunch at 1:00 PM, dinner at 7:30-8:00 PM)
  • Many restaurants offer children's menus ("menu enfant")
  • Children are generally welcome in French restaurants, especially before 8:00 PM
  • Say "Bonjour" when entering shops or restaurants - politeness is appreciated
  • Many shops close for lunch (typically 12:00-2:00 PM)
  • Most places are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly

Packing Essentials for Children

  • Sunscreen (even in May, the sun can be strong)
  • Hats and sunglasses
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light jacket or sweater (evenings can be cool)
  • Small backpack for each child with activities
  • Beach toys if planning beach visits
  • Familiar snacks from home for picky eaters
  • Any necessary medications

Practical Information

Transportation

Getting Around

You mentioned having cars available, which is ideal for exploring this region of France. Here are some important transportation details:

Driving Information
  • Speed Limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80-90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on highways
  • Parking in Pornic: Free parking is available near the beaches and at some distance from the center. Paid parking in the town center.
  • Parking in Nantes: Several parking garages in the city center. Expect to pay €2-3 per hour.
  • Child Seats: Required for children under 10 years old
Key Distances
  • Pornic accommodation to town center: 2.5 km (5 min drive)
  • Pornic to Guérande: 45 km (45 min drive)
  • Pornic to Nantes: 50 km (50 min drive)
  • Couëron to Nantes city center: 15 km (20-25 min drive)
  • Nantes to Planète Sauvage: 20 km (25 min drive)
Alternative Transportation
  • Buses in Pornic: Limited service, not very practical for tourists
  • Nantes Public Transport: Excellent tram and bus network. Single ticket: €1.70 (valid for 1 hour)
  • Taxis in Nantes: Readily available, can be booked by phone or through apps
  • Bicycles: Both Pornic and Nantes have bike rental services, including options with child seats or trailers
Train Information
  • Nantes to Paris: High-speed TGV trains take about 2 hours
  • Train Station: Gare de Nantes, 27 Boulevard de Stalingrad
  • Tickets: Best purchased in advance online through SNCF website or at the station
  • To the Station: Allow 30 minutes to get from Couëron to the train station
Navigation Tips:
  • Google Maps works well in this region, but consider downloading offline maps
  • French road signs may differ from what you're used to in Texas
  • Be aware of priorité à droite (priority to the right) rule at some intersections
  • Some historic town centers have limited vehicle access

Weather & What to Pack

May Weather in Western France

The weather in May in the Pornic/Nantes region is generally pleasant but can be variable. Here's what to expect:

Temperature
  • Average high: 18-20°C (64-68°F)
  • Average low: 10-12°C (50-54°F)
  • Evening temperatures: Can drop to 8-10°C (46-50°F)
Precipitation
  • Rainy days: 8-10 days per month on average
  • Type: Usually light showers, rarely all-day rain
  • Atlantic influence: Weather can change quickly

Packing Suggestions

Clothing
  • Light to medium layers that can be added or removed
  • Light jacket or sweater for evenings
  • Raincoat or small umbrella
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Beach attire if planning to visit beaches
  • One warmer outfit for cooler evenings
Accessories & Other Items
  • Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
  • Sunglasses and hats
  • Day bag or backpack for excursions
  • Plug adapters (France uses Type E plugs)
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Basic first aid items
  • Motion sickness remedies if needed (for coastal roads)
Weather Resources:
  • Météo-France: Official French weather service with reliable forecasts
  • AccuWeather: Provides detailed hourly forecasts
  • Check weather forecasts a few days before your trip for the most accurate information

Emergency Information

Important Numbers

Emergency Services
  • European Emergency Number: 112
  • Police: 17
  • Fire Department/Ambulance: 18
  • Medical Emergency: 15
Other Useful Numbers
  • U.S. Embassy in Paris: +33 1 43 12 22 22
  • Lost/Stolen Credit Cards: +33 892 705 705
  • Roadside Assistance: 116 002
  • Tourist Information Pornic: +33 2 40 82 04 40
  • Tourist Office Nantes: +33 2 72 64 04 79

Medical Facilities

Pornic Area
  • Pharmacy Central Pornic:
    7 Rue du Maréchal Foch
    +33 2 40 82 01 13
  • Medical Center Pornic:
    7 Rue de la Terrasse
    +33 2 40 82 12 63
Nantes Area
  • CHU de Nantes (University Hospital):
    1 Place Alexis-Ricordeau
    +33 2 40 08 33 33
  • SOS Médecins Nantes:
    24/7 doctor visits
    +33 2 40 50 30 30
Important Tips:
  • Keep a copy of your passports and travel insurance
  • Know your blood types and any allergies or medical conditions
  • Carry any necessary prescription medications in their original packaging
  • Consider downloading the "SAMU Urgences" app which can locate you in an emergency
  • Most French medical staff in tourist areas speak some English, but having key phrases translated can be helpful

Your Weekend Tour Guide

Pornic & Nantes, France

May 17-23, 2025

Local Language Tip

  • Hello: Bonjour
  • Thank you: Merci
  • Please: S'il vous plaît
  • Excuse me: Excusez-moi
  • Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais?

Created especially for your family trip from Texas to France

We hope you have a wonderful adventure!