Clisson is best known for HellFest, an annual metal festival that attracts revellers from all over the world each spring. But outside of HellFest high season, Clisson is a beautiful town and a popular destination for day-trippers from nearby Nantes.

The Italian-inspired town in the Pays de la Loire region is one of France’s best-kept secrets, and packed with enough sights and scenic walks to fill an entire day or more. Clisson is a short train ride away from major city Nantes, and can also be reached easily by train from nearby cities Cholet, Saint-Nazaire and Angers.

This one-day itinerary will take you through all the top sights in Clisson, starting and ending at the Gare de Clisson (Clisson Train Station).

Contents

• Is Clisson worth visiting?
• Why does Clisson look Italian?
• Gare de Clisson (Clisson Train Station) – START HERE
• Porte Sud / Porte Carabeau / Porte de la Vendée (South Gate / Carabeau Gate / Gate of the Vendée)
• Château de Clisson (Clisson Castle)
• Les Halles de Clisson (Market Halls of Clisson)
• Église Notre-Dame de Clisson (Church of Our Lady Clisson)
• Pin penché de Clisson (Leaning pine tree of Clisson)
• Ancienne Église Saint-Jacques (Old Saint-James Church)
• Lavoir de Cul-chaud (Cul-chaud Washhouse)
• Pont de la Vallée (Bridge of the Valley)
• La Cascade aux Toucans, fresque d’Alain Thomas (The Toucan Waterfall, fresco by Alain Thomas)
• Pont Saint-Antoine (Saint-Anthony Bridge)
• Viaduc de Clisson (Clisson Viaduct)
• Le Jardin du Héron, fresque d’Alain Thomas (The Garden of the Heron, fresco by Alain Thomas)
• Parc Garenne Valentin (Garenne Valentin Park)
• Église de la Trinité de Clisson (Church of the Trinity of Clisson)
• Pavillon des Rochers (Pavilion of the Rocks)
• Domaine de la Garenne Lemot (Garenne Lemot Estate)
• Colonne Henri IV (Henry IV Column)
• Temple de l’Amitié (Friendship Temple)
• Other destinations near Clisson

Is Clisson worth visiting

If you’re wondering what to do in Clisson besides HellFest, you’re in for a treat. Here are some of the town’s biggest plus points:

• Italianate charm – Visitors to Clisson might be forgiven for thinking they’re in Tuscany or Northern Italy rather than the northwest of France. Clisson’s Italianate landscapes offer a break from the rather grey architecture in the surrounding region.
• Easy access to nature – Nature is accessible from the town itself, thanks to huge swathes of greenery in the Domaine de la Garenne Lemot (Garenne Lemot Estate), as well as the River Moine and the River Sèvre, which run through the town, and where you can also rent kayaks.
• Very near Nantes – Clisson is just a 20- to 30-minute train ride from Nantes, and a charming place to spend a day or two.

Why does Clisson look Italian?

Much of Clisson was destroyed in the War in the Vendée, which took place in 1793 and was led by royalists who opposed the French Revolution. Clisson was then rebuilt in a neoclassical Italianate style at the helm of sculptor François-Frédéric Lemot, who bought and remodelled large parts of the town in the 19^th century.

Gare de Clisson (Clisson Train Station) – START HERE

Your adventure will most likely start at the Gare de Clisson (Clisson Train Station), which is the area’s main public transport node and connects to Nantes in less than half an hour.

You can walk from the Gare de Clisson (Clisson Train Station) to the Clisson town centre in about seven minutes.

Porte Sud / Porte Carabeau / Porte de la Vendée (South Gate / Carabeau Gate / Gate of the Vendée)

From the Gare de Clisson (Clisson Train Station), turn right onto Rue Cacault and keep walking until you reach Place Lemot. From there, turn left on Rue des Halles. Just after you turn left, you’ll see on your left the ruins of the ancient Porte Sud (South Gate), which was built between 1592 and 1596 in order to protect Clisson, together with the town walls.

Anyone travelling through Clisson from the region of Vendée in the south had to pass by this gate. When Clisson was destroyed in the War in the Vendée, large parts of the gate were burned down, the remnants of which still remain.

Château de Clisson (Clisson Castle)

The Château de Clisson (Clisson Castle) is probably Clisson’s most famous sight. Today, this ancient fortress, which was built in the 11^th to 15^th centuries by the powerful Clisson family, is in ruins.

The castle was occupied by the Clisson family until Clisson became part of Brittany and the dukes of Brittany took over. It was later burned down during the War in the Vendée and left in ruins until being restored in 1974.

You can visit the castle grounds for a fee (it’s always best to check their prices and operating hours), but even just admiring the medieval ruins from the outside is worth the trip.

Les Halles de Clisson (Market Halls of Clisson)

Many French cities have their own market halls, but Clisson’s is special. The wooden framework is one of the oldest in France, with the oldest wood dating back to 1376 or 1377. These market halls are also one of just five in historical Brittany with wooden frameworks that are still standing today.

There are frequent activities being organised at the Halles de Clisson (Market Halls of Clisson), including artisanal goods markets and even concerts.

Église Notre-Dame de Clisson (Church of Our Lady Clisson)

This church, perched on high ground and visible from the banks of the Sèvre, is one of Clisson’s most recognisable sights. It was formerly a collegiate church, making it the most important church in Clisson.

The building was constructed between 1887 and 1888, and was designed by an architect from Nantes who was inspired by the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (Basilica of Saints John and Paul on the Caelian Hill) in Rome, adding to the Italianate look of the town.

Pin penché de Clisson (Leaning pine tree of Clisson)

This astonishing pine tree is Clisson’s most famous. Located at 22 Rue de la Collégiale, it has grown at such a steep angle that it crosses from one side of the road to the other, threatening to collapse onto the road. In order to save it, Hellfest financed the preservation of the tree, which now is reinforced by a work of art with a metalhead aesthetic.

Ancienne Église Saint-Jacques (Old Saint-James Church)

This church was built in the 12^th century on the site of a ninth-century priory. In medieval times, it provided accommodation to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.

While no longer used as a church, the building and its grounds now host cultural events, and there is also a lovely medieval-style garden, set up in 2004, on the left of the church building.

Lavoir de Cul-chaud (Cul-chaud Washhouse)

Washerwomen employed by wealthy families would do laundry at this communal washhouse on the banks of the River Sèvre from the 19^th century to the end of the 1960s.

This is one of the most peaceful little corners in the heart of Clisson and an idyllic place for a picnic or some quiet time. To find it, look for Ruelle de Cul-chaud, a tiny lane which you can access from Rue des Halles, and follow it until you reach the banks of the Sèvre.

Pont de la Vallée (Bridge of the Valley)

Clisson has several notable bridges, but the most frequented is Pont de la Vallée (Bridge of the Valley), which stretches over the Sèvre, connecting Rue de la Collégiale and Rue de la Vallée. The bridge dates back to the 16^th century and linked the surrounding districts to the walled town of Clisson.

The bridge was previously made of wood and included a drawbridge, but was replaced by a stone structure in the 19^th century. Today, the area around the bridge is a popular meeting point, and on sunny days you can see people in rental kayaks paddling across this section of the river.

La Cascade aux Toucans, fresque d’Alain Thomas (The Toucan Waterfall fresco by Alain Thomas)

Alain Thomas is a major naïve art painter from Nantes, and two of his frescos can be seen in public places in Clisson. One of them, La Cascade aux Toucans (The Toucan Waterfall), is located on the façade of a building at 12 Rue de la Vallée, a few metres from Pont de la Vallée (Bridge of the Valley).

Pont Saint-Antoine (Saint Anthony Bridge)

This beautiful granite bridge on Rue Saint Antoine traverses the Moine, dates back to the 15^th century, and probably replaced an older wooden bridge. For a long time, it offered the only way into Clisson from the city of Poitiers. Today, it is located in a peaceful and picturesque part of town.

Viaduc de Clisson (Clisson Viaduct)

The Viaduc de Clisson (Clisson Viaduct), also known as the Pont de la Trinité (Trinity Bridge), is located on Grande Rue de la Trinité and stretches over the Moine. The bridge is used by traffic and pedestrians alike, and offers some nice views. But the real reason you should visit this bridge is because of what you will find under it!

Le Jardin du Héron, fresque d’Alain Thomas (The Heron’s Garden, fresco by Alain Thomas)

Located underneath the Viaduc de Clisson (Clisson Viaduct) is a lovely fresco by art naïve painter Alain Thomas, in a magical, peaceful spot close to nature.

To find it, cross to the side of the bridge that’s closest to Église de la Trinité de Clisson (Church of the Trinity of Clisson) which you will be able to see in the distance. On the right of the bridge, you’ll see stairs leading downwards to the foot of the viaduct. Go down the stairs, and look underneath the arch of the bridge closest to you to find the fresco.

Parc Garenne Valentin (Garenne Valentin Park)

Beginning at the foot of the Viaduct de Clisson (Clisson Viaduct) is the beautiful Parc Garenne Valentin (Garenne Valentin Park), a lovely stretch of nature with a river running through it. You can’t get lost, as the footpath runs along the River Moine.

As you continue on the path, you’ll come across kayak rental facilities, and a little further down you’ll find the beginning of part of the Camino de Santiago.

Église de la Trinité de Clisson (Church of the Trinity of Clisson)

Église de la Trinité de Clisson (Church of the Trinity of Clisson) is believed to be Clisson’s oldest church, and has been mentioned as far back as 855. The church fell victim to a fire during the War in the Vendée in 1794 and was heavily rebuilt in 1869. It has been closed for restoration since 1918 and is expected to open in mid-2027, at the earliest, but the façade continues to be a recognisable sight in the area.

Pavillon des Rochers (Pavilion of the Rocks)

This 19^th century pavilion is visible from the Parc Garenne Valentin (Garenne Valentin Park) below, but you can also visit it. Built in 1819, it is a good example of the type of Italianate architecture typical of Clisson.

Domaine de la Garenne Lemot (Garenne Lemot Estate)

The sprawling Domaine de la Garenne Lemot (Garenne Lemot Estate) is one of the key sights in Clisson, and you can easily spend an hour or more exploring the various gardens. It was created in the 19^th century by François-Frédéric Lemot, who created it as a tribute of sorts to Italian architecture.

One of the key areas in the park is the terrace of the Venetian-style Villa Lemot (Lemot Villa), from which you can enjoy views of the Château de Clisson (Clisson Castle) in the distance.

The park is free to visit all year round, but you should check opening hours as closing time varies depending on the time of year.

Colonne Henri IV (Henry IV Column)

This column of King Henry IV, located on top of a hill, was erected sometime between 1824 and 1825. Before becoming King of France, he had tried and failed to take over the Château de Clisson (Clisson Castle). While this column isn’t the most interesting monument out there, it serves as an access point to the nearby Parc Henri IV (Henry IV Park), and is right next to the entrance of the cemetery where Le Temple de l’Amitié (The Temple of Friendship) is located.

Temple de l’Amitié (Temple of Friendship)

A few metres away from the Colonne Henri IV (Henry IV Column), you’ll see the gate to the cemetery housing a mausoleum called the Temple de l’Amitié (Friendship Temple). The cemetery gate looks closed but can be opened freely by members of the public.

The mausoleum was built between 1812 and 1824, and was named in honour of the friendship between François-Frédéric Lemot and prominent Clisson residents François and Pierre Cacault. Today, it holds Lemot’s ashes.

If you’re in Clisson just for the day and arrived by train, it’s a 12-minute walk to get back to the Gare de Clisson (Clisson Train Station) from the Temple de l’Amitié (Friendship Temple).

Other destinations near Clisson

• Clisson is less than a half-hour train ride from Nantes, the sixth biggest city in France.
• Other major cities Cholet, Saint-Nazaire and Angers are also easily accessible by train.
• Clisson just a train ride away from seaside towns such as Le Croisic, Batz-sur-Mer, Le Pouliguen, La Baule-Escoublac and Pornichet.

La Côte d’Amour (romantically translated as the Coast of Love), where Le Pouliguen is located, is home to some of the most sought-after beaches on the west coast of France.

When people ask me what to see in Le Pouliguen, the first thing that comes to mind is walking! The dramatic coastline in the coastal area within the Côte d’Amour known as the presqu’île guérandaise (the Guerande Peninsula) is also known as the Côte Sauvage (the Wild Coast), thanks to its jagged rocks and steep cliffs. This whole area was historically part of Brittany, but now belongs to the Pays de la Loire region.

Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from simply enjoying the beach at Le Pouliguen if that’s your jam. Le Pouliguen is just one of many famous seaside resort towns on the Côte d’Amour, the others being La Baule-Escoublac, Le Croisic, Batz-sur-Mer and Pornichet.

I have written guides for all of the above destinations, and they all have certain things in common: sandy beaches, interspersed with spectacular granite cliffs.

But if I had to pick a personal favourite, it would be Le Pouliguen! I’m more into walking along the coastline than lying on the beach, and Le Pouliguen is a delight to explore on foot. You can explore the entire coastal area and enjoy all the top things to see in Le Pouliguen in half a day.

This post will take you on a walking tour, starting and finishing at the train station, that can be completed in half a day, covering what to see in Le Pouliguen. Let’s go!

Contents

• Why is Le Pouliguen worth visiting?
• Gare du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Train Station) – START HERE
• Marché des Halles du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Market)
• Église Saint-Nicolas (Saint Nicholas Church)
• Promenade du Port (Port Boardwalk)
• Jetée du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Jetty)
• Plage du Nau (Nau Beach)
• Bois du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Woods)
• Chapelle Sainte-Anne / Chapelle Saint-Julien / Chapelle de Penchâteau (Saint Anne Chapel / Saint Julian Chapel, Penchâteau Chapel)
• Musée Bernard Boesch (Bernard Boesch Museum)
• Plage de l’anse de Toulin (Toulin Cove Beach)
• Plage de Renadin (Renadin Beach)
• Pointe de Penchâteau (Penchâteau Point)
• Croix losangique du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Cross)
• Baie de Labégo (Labégo Bay)
• Baie des Maures (Bay of the Moors)
• Plage Tahiti (Tahiti Beach) and Crique de Pierre Plate (Flat Stone Creek)
• Plage du Guec (Guec Beach)
• Grotte des Jumelles (Twins Cave)
• Baie de la Bonne Vierge (Bay of the Virgin)
• Grotte des Korrigans (Cave of the Korrigans)
• Baie du Scall (Scall Bay)
• Other destinations near Le Pouliguen

Why is Le Pouliguen worth visiting?

• Beaches, sea and cliffs – Le Pouliguen is home to sandy beaches, picturesque bays and spectacular granite cliffs, and is a great destination if you’re looking to swim in the sea, enjoy the ambiance of a seaside town or go on long walks along the jagged coastline.
• Highly walkable – Geographically speaking, Le Pouliguen lends itself very easily to exploration on foot or by bicycle. You don’t need a car to explore Le Pouliguen—simply take the train to the Gare du Pouliguen (Pouliguen Train Station), walk to town and then follow the famous Promenade du Port to the beach. From there, you can just follow the coastline on foot.
• Interesting even in cold weather – The walk along the rocky coastline is spectacular in any season so long as it isn’t raining.
• Easily reachable from major cities – It is easy to get to Le Pouliguen from Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, Rennes or other major cities by train, so makes a great weekend getaway or day trip.

Gare du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Train Station) – START HERE

This is where your adventure will start if you’ve come to Le Pouliguen by train. There are frequent train services from major cities like Nantes.

Marché des Halles du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Market)

Many towns and cities in France have a local market known as “Les Halles”, where fresh produce is sold. At the Marché des Halles (Pouliguen Market), which is just a 10-minute walk from the train station, you can grab a quick meal or some local souvenirs such as cheeses and conserves.

Église Saint-Nicolas (Saint Nicholas Church)

This neogothic church was built in 1860 to replace an earlier church. Look out for the votive ship, a model ship of the kind often found in churches in maritime towns in France.

Promenade du Port (Port Boardwalk)

This is the town’s famous seaside boardwalk, and is a nice place for a daytime or evening stroll. The boardwalk is lined with eateries, ice cream shops, sweet shops, boutiques, games machines and a carousel.

Jetée du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Jetty)

The recognisable jetée du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Jetty) is situated at the far end of the town’s boardwalk. From the jetty, you can enjoy views over la Baie du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Bay) and can see in the distance the bigger and more well-known seaside resort, La Baule-Escoublac.

Plage du Nau (Nau Beach)

The Plage du Nau (Nau Beach) is Le Pouliguen’s biggest and most easily accessible beach, being located right next to the boardwalk. This family-friendly, supervised beach is over 200 m long, with gentle waves, toilets and shower facilities and a lifeguard on duty in summer. If you’re wondering what to do in Le Pouliguen and are looking for activities, you’ll find facilities such as volleyball courts and water sports rentals on this beach.

Bois du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Woods)

Located just behind the Plage du Nau (Nau Beach), le Bois du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Woods) is a little patch of greenery equipped with tennis and basketball courts. It’s a pleasant spot for a short walk or a picnic lunch at one of the many benches.

Chapelle Sainte-Anne / Chapelle Saint-Julien / Chapelle de Penchâteau (Saint Anne Chapel / Saint Julian Chapel, Penchâteau Chapel)

This little chapel goes by several names, and is located where the Breton village of Penchâteau once stood. Although it often goes by the name Chapelle Saint Anne (Saint Anne Chapel), it is actually dedicated to Saint Julien (Saint Julian).

Musée Bernard Boesch (Bernard Boesch Museum)

Local artist Bernard Boesch (1914-2005) donated a villa to the local government, which now houses a museum showcasing his works and life. It also hosts temporary exhibitions held by young visiting artists in residence–there is a second wing just across the street from the main museum. It is free to visit, but check their schedule as opening hours can be limited.

Plage de l’anse de Toulin (Toulin Cove Beach)

This stretch of beach is just a narrow stretch of sand behind the Musée Bernard Boesch (Bernard Boesch Museum) at high tide, but at low tide it becomes much longer, enabling you to walk along a coastline bordered by glamorous holiday homes

Plage de Renadin (Renadin Beach)

This small beach is located at the end of the Rue de Renadin (Renadin Road). It is a popular starting point for fishing, kayaking and windsurfing hobbyists.

Pointe de Penchâteau (Penchâteau Point)

At the southeasternmost point of Le Pouliguen, you’ll find a discreet viewpoint marked by stairs leading downwards. At high tide, you’ll enjoy views of the sea and cliffs, but at low tide you can descend to the beach at the base of the ramparts of the ancient village of Penchâteau, flanked by ornate and more recent buildings.

Croix losangique du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Cross)

This cross, perched above the cliffs by the sea, is a lozenge- or diamond-shaped landmark overlooking the Baie de Labégo (Labégo Bay). The lozenge shape symbolises strength and union.

Baie de Labégo (Labégo Bay)

The Baie de Labégo (Labégo Bay) is home to one of several beautiful beaches in the south of Le Pouliguen, on the Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast), a stone’s throw from the Croix losangique du Pouliguen (Pouliguen Cross). Characterised by sandy beaches flanked by imposing cliffs, this is a much more scenic area to sunbathe and swim than the main beach, Plage du Nau (Nau Beach), and is well worth the journey on foot or by bicycle.

Baie des Maures (Bay of the Moors)

Adjacent to the Baie de Labégo (Labégo Bay) is the Baie des Maures (Bay of the Moors), with similar sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs.

Plage Tahiti (Tahiti Beach) and Crique de Pierre Plate (Flat Stone Creek)

Sandwiched in between a narrow outcrop and the Crique de Pierre Plate (Flat Stone Creek) is a narrow sandy beach that has earned the nickname Plage Tahiti (Tahiti Beach), thanks to its turquoise waters.

Plage du Guec (Guec Beach)

This is another sandy beach offering a view of rock formations rising out of the water.

Grotte des Jumelles (Twins Cave)

There are numerous caves in Le Pouliguen, and the Grotte des Jumelles (Twins Cave) is one of the most popular. Accessible only at low tide, this cave is accessible via two different openings.

Baie de la Bonne Vierge (Bay of the Virgin)

The Baie de la Bonne Vierge (Bay of the Virgin), which is also home to a beach of the same name that, while beautiful, is also quite rocky and is thus not well-suited to swimming.

Grotte des Korrigans (Cave of the Korrigans)

The Grotte des Korrigans (Cave of the Korrigans) is the most accessible cave in Le Pouliguen, and is signposted. In Breton folklore, the korrigan is a sort of little gnome or imp. Legend has it that, deep inside the cave, there is a magic door leading to the world of the korrigans, where they hide their treasure.

Baie du Scall (Scall Bay)

The Baie du Scall (Scall Bay) is located on the border between Le Pouliguen and neighbouring Batz-sur-Mer, which is also a popular seaside resort town. The beach is fairly broad and the waters calm.

Note: If you arrived by train and followed the entire circuit described in this article, simply follow Avenue Moreau, which is located just behind the Baie du Scall (Scall Bay). From there, use Google Maps to navigate on foot and you should find yourself at the Gare du Pouliguen (Le Pouliguen Train Station) in 37 minutes.

Other destinations near Le Pouliguen

• Major cities near Le Pouliguen include Nantes, Saint-Nazaire and Rennes, all of which can be reached via train.
• Le Pouliguen is very near other seaside resort towns on the Côte d’Amour (Coast of Love), including Le Croisic, Batz-sur-Mer, La Baule-Escoublac and Pornichet.
• Guérande, a scenic historic town famous for its salt marshes, is a quick car or bus ride away from Le Pouliguen. You can even get to Guérande from Le Pouliguen by bicycle or walk there in 1.5 hours.