La Turballe is a coastal town in Loire-Atlantique in Pays de la Loire, located in the Guérande peninsula.
Located northwest of Saint-Nazaire (20 km), the city is officially became a town in 1865. Until then, the territory was composed of a dozen hamlets and small villages focusing on the agricultural activity, exploitation of salt marshes and fishing.
The implementation of canning (especially sardines) in the second half of the nineteenth century accelerated and accompanied the development of the port and thus the town. La Turballe now has about 4500 inhabitants (against 2000 in the aftermath of the second war).
The fishing port of the city which lists 80 trawlers is the 8th of France in tonnage. Anchovies and sardines from spring to autumn, but also bass, hake or even tuna are the most harvested species.
During the second half of the twentieth century, the development of the beaches (about 11 km from coast) and the environmental heritage of the marshes, bordering the regional park of Brière Natural, have also made La Turballe a tourist resort popular with family audiences.
Separated by the port, two sets of beaches are accessible to lovers of idleness, swimming and water sports along the 11 km of coastline.
In the north, they are essentially creeks lined with small rocky massifs.
To the south, the beaches of Bretons, La Croix de l'Anse, Grande Falaise and Pen Bron are larger, connected by a pedestrian path.
Some of them are supervised in July and August, and facilities for people with reduced mobility are available at +33 2 40 11 72 84.
For fans of sailing, windsurfing or other catamarans, the nautical club can be reached on +33 2 40 62 89 20 for courses or rentals. To practice diving, please call +33 6 75 92 22 34.
In a different way, many excursions can be envisaged, in edge of sea or in the earth to discover the remarkable natural environment of the peninsula (a part being classified in sensitive zone). Bicycle paths have also been laid out and marked out. For further information, please call +33 2 40 23 39 87.
A visit to the fishing port and the auction (where transactions start at 6 am) can also be instructive. To travel in the port area, to be guided and to better understand the uses, an association accompanies you. Join +33 2 40 11 71 31.
A passage to the marina (330 pitches including thirty for visitors) is also advisable. Information on +33 2 40 23 41 65.
Finally, adults and children can learn more about the history of fishing by visiting the fishing museum and the sardine "Au gré des vents", a 24-ton boat that was in service until 1992. Fishing techniques, life Daily on board... No aspect is forgotten. Information on +33 2 40 11 71 31.
Always in touch with the coast and its environment, the discovery of the salt marshes, their specific environment and the secular techniques always implemented by the professionals is enriching. One of them welcomes the public. Booking and information on +33 6 72 01 83 78.
Finally, a visit to La Turballe may include several elements of architectural heritage. This is the case of the church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Miséricorde, also called the church of Trescalan: rebuilt in the nineteenth century, it has a tower-bell tower over 30 m. Once the 110 steps of the stairs have been climbed, one reaches a platform that offers a complete panorama of the city and its surroundings, in particular the traicts, the arms that feed the salt marshes. Open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday in July and August.
Also worth a look is the Kerbroué mill, built in the 18th century, and modernized. It was in operation until 1960.
In early April, a festival of gardens meets passionate and curious.
The last weekend in June, the Festi'Vent festival is the rallying point on the beaches of fans of kite flying, always a colorful show with a concert given free on the beach on Saturday evening beach Britons.
On July 14, in parallel to the official ceremonies, a cross-party association offers many activities to residents and tourists alike.
The Saturday after July 14, the feast of sardines, on the port, is a key event: tastings, playful concerts and entertainment program.
Finally, for gourmets, local products are featured on Wednesday and Saturday mornings on the market, from 8 to 13h, and in July and August, a craft market is scheduled Wednesday on the platform of 18h to 23h. Accompanied by numerous events (street art, shows, concerts) Free and friendly Wednesdays during the summer.
The medieval city and the salt marshes of Guerande.
The Regional Natural Park of Brière.
The three towns of character that are Piriac, Le Croisic and La Roche-Bernard.
The route of the castles of the Dukes of Brittany.
The islands of Brittany, Belle-Ile, Houat and Hoedic, related La Turballe season.
Industrial tourism in Saint-Nazaire (Airbus Industrie, Chantiers de l'Atlantique, port authority).
Beaches, hiking trails, sports and cultural activities.
