Are you planning a trip to the beautiful Piriac-Sur-Mer and looking for the best travel guide? We’ve got you covered! Piriac-Sur-Mer is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered on the magnificent coast of the Loire-Atlantique region in western France.
This charming coastal village, frequently overlooked by more well-known French locations, provides a one-of-a-kind and captivating experience for visitors seeking peace, natural beauty, and a taste of true French culture.
This Piriac-Sur-Mer travel guide will walk you around this lovely seaside town and give you tips on how to make the most of your stay.
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Piriac-Sur-Mer Travel Guide
7 Things to Do in Piriac-Sur-Mer
Piriac-sur-Mer is a lovely French little town. It is a one-of-a-kind summer getaway. Thanks to the Port’s sports facilities, you may enjoy water activities like sailing or swimming in the tranquil seas.
One of the attractions of Piriac-sur-Mer is the possibility of taking a trip to the island of Dumet, a flat island with distinctive features. Excellent for those looking to ‘conquer’ new territory with their little boat.
Piriac-sur-Mer has everything for everyone, regardless of whether you enjoy nature, history, or simply want to relax. Here are the top things to do in this charming beach town.
1. Explore the Beaches
In addition to the town itself, the beaches are the main attraction of Piriac-sur-Mer, and there are many kilometers of beaches on each side of the town, with a combination of sandy beaches, rocky beaches, and cliff regions.
The main beach in town is Plage Saint-Michel, only a few blocks west of the harbor, with parking normally accessible near the beach at Place du Lehn. A little farther west, the Plage du Castelli is very popular and has a gorgeous location below the cliffs.
There are even more beaches located north-east of the town, including the Plage de Pors-Er-Ster close to Port du Loup, or for a south-facing beach, head south of Piriac-sur-Mer near Lerat for a charming tiny beach with a little port.
2. Camping
The proximity to the seaside is one of the key reasons to select Piriac-sur-Mer for your camping vacation. Camping aficionados will discover a variety of campgrounds and campsites in and around town, several of which give direct beach access.
Imagine waking up to the beautiful sound of waves smashing on the shore and having a morning stroll across the sandy beaches as the sun rises – it’s an unforgettable camping experience.
Among the greatest campgrounds are Le Bois de Bayadène, Le Clos Marot, Camping Friends of Nature, and Camping Le Rio Barre.
3. Visit La Chapele Saint Sébastien
The chapel was owned by the people of San Sebastian until 1905 when it was handed to the municipality of Piriac in accordance with the rule of separation of Church and State.
If the chapel is preserved, it is truncated on the town side, and the tower on the opposite side, facing the road, is removed. In 1936, the mayor of Piriac, Henry Quilgars, carried out extensive repair and consolidation work with the help of subsidies.
Inside, a classic Brittany quirk that we discover till Saintonge: a stone bench extends along the nave walls to the choir.
At each corner of the choir, two lovely sculptures, a wooden one from San Sebastian from the 17th century as well as a polychrome stone coming from a Virgin to the Child during the 18th century, frame the altar.
4. Take a Picture at Plage du Castelli
The Piriac Castelli beach on the sea can be found at the southernmost point of Castelli and Semaphore. Near the point, there are a few little sandy beaches and coves.
Please keep in mind that getting to the customs center by tip may be restricted during your stay. As a result, access to these beaches and coves is hazardous.
5. Try Different Restaurants
This charming hamlet is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by culinary connoisseurs and visitors alike. Piriac-sur-Mer is a little seaside town, yet its gastronomic scene is far from modest.
Whether you’re a seafood connoisseur, a fan of traditional French cuisine, or an adventurous eater, Piriac-Sur-Mer has something for everyone. La Vigie, Au fournil du port, Creperie de Keroman, Chez Grand-Mere, and La Forge are among the greatest restaurants in this area.
6. Bike Tours
The way is obvious from Piriac-sur-Mer, a “small town with character,” to Guérande, a “town of art and history.” The alleys of Piriac-sur-Mer are lined with traditional buildings with brilliantly colored doors, hydrangea shrubs, and thick stone walls evocative of adjacent Brittany.
The circuit then naturally leads you to Guérande. You may wander peacefully over its ramparts, a gem of medieval construction that demands to be seen in person.
7. Join French Sailing School
The sailing school invites you all year and provides the following services in Piriac:
Individual lessons in dinghy sailing even sailing in a Fillao schooner, as well as exploration in sea kayaking, stand-up paddles, windsurfing, or pirogue.
Navigation on bodies of water monitored throughout your rental, private instruction, or a unique nautical activity overseen by trained teachers.
Hikes and walks along the coast Navigation are available all year with the club on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays. French sailing school is well-known for its willingness to accommodate people from all walks of life.
How to Get There
Piriac-sur-Mer is located in northern France, approximately 75 kilometers from Nantes, the department seat, and 400 kilometers from Paris.
Getting to Piriac-sur-Mer is an experience in and of itself. You have numerous alternatives to consider depending on your region and preferences.
If you want to travel by train, go to the official French railway website or use a mobile app to reserve your tickets in advance. It is best to buy tickets in advance, especially during high travel seasons.
If you are coming from Paris, the cheapest way to travel to Piriac-sur-Mer is by bus, which costs roughly $45.00 and takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. If you have your own car, the petrol will cost around $123.00 and the trip from Paris to Piriac-sur-Mer will take 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Where to Stay in Piriac-Sur-Mer
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a romantic getaway, or a family-friendly vacation location, Piriac-sur-Mer provides something for everyone. Discover the best places to stay in Piriac-sur-Mer to make the most of your vacation to this charming seaside treasure.
Hotel de la Poste – Piriac-sur-mer
Location: 26 Rue de la Plage, 44420 Piriac-sur-Mer, France
In Piriac-sur-Mer, the Hotel de la Poste has a garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar. This 2-star hotel has complimentary WiFi, room service, and baggage storage. The home is completely non-smoking and is about a 5-minute walk coming from Saint-Michel Beach.
The hotel offers various rooms with city views, and each room has a private bathroom along with a desk. The rooms at Hotel de la Poste include a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. A continental breakfast is available to guests at the hotel.
Mobilhome
Location: Route de Kerdrien, 44420 Piriac-sur-Mer, France
Mobilhome is located in Piriac-sur-Mer inside the Pays de la Loire area, close to Plage Pors-Er-Ster as well as Plage de Toulport. It features rooms with free private parking.
The units have a patio and a flat-screen TV, as well as a private bathroom having a shower as well as a hair dryer. Some apartments have a sitting and/or dining space.
A playground is available in the resort village. Swimming in the rooftop pool, relaxing in the garden, or cycling are all options for guests.
Where to Eat in Piriac-Sur-Mer
Piriac-Sur-Mer is a great location for tourists looking for a taste of coastal France, with its gorgeous beaches, picturesque streets, and rich maritime heritage.
What actually distinguishes this location is its wonderful food scene. Here are the greatest venues to sample marine tastes and local food.
Le Castelli
Location: 26 rue de la Plage, 44420 Piriac-sur-Mer France
The internal room at Le Castelli, which was recently remodeled in the autumn of 2022, has a seating capacity of 35 people, while the shaded terrace has a seating capacity of 40 people.
The floral patio will be totally rebuilt in the spring of 2023. Their restaurant is both indoors and outside accessible to persons with limited mobility.
La Vigie
Location: 1 quai de Verdun, 44420 Piriac-sur-Mer France
The restaurant La Vigie and its employees greet you in a nice setting with ocean views in the main dining area or on the terrace overlooking the harbor, situated in the port of Piriac sur Mer, a tiny town with charm in Loire Atlantique.
La Vigie Brasserie serves sophisticated classic cuisine created from fresh ingredients, with a focus on regional goods and short supply chains.
Discover their seasonal cuisine, which features everything from shellfish in the summer to veal head and gribiche sauce in the winter. But La Vigie’s fish sauerkraut is definitely an absolute must all year. The wine list features a vast selection of wines chosen by them.
Chez Grand Mere
Location: 11 rue du Port, 44420 Piriac-sur-Mer France
The French and Indian meals at Chez Grand Mere are delicious, and the menu is organized properly. At this pub, try the well cooked filet mignon, moules frites, and terrine. Do not leave without sampling the excellent parfaits and moelleux.
Visitors at Chez Grand-Mère enjoy wonderful wine, grand marnier, or white wine. This location is well-known for its excellent coffee.
Because of its convenient location, this establishment is easy to locate. The nice staff is responsible for this location’s outstanding ratings. Visitors appreciate the excellent service provided here. This bar’s attractive design and tranquil environment will appeal to you.
Tips When Visiting Piriac-Sur-Mer
Tich heritage and laidback views make it an ideal place for those looking for a peaceful retreat. If you’re considering a vacation to Piriac-sur-Mer, here are some helpful hints to make the most of your time there.
You can access the internet to their premises for free for one hour due to the territorial Wi-Fi network provided by the Piriac-sur-Mer office. Choose Hip pocket wifi to lock in at your counter for an internet connection that accompanies you around.
The library is open to the public and has been local since January 1, 2022. It always has a diverse selection of books for various audiences. Registration and borrowing are both absolutely free, even for visitors.
Wheelchair users have access to the library. The toilet facilities are adequate. Only wide-vision works are available in terms of visual accessibility.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.