Camping Pornic » Visits & Outings » Castle of Pornic

Castle of Pornic

A stay with your feet in the water with family, friends or as a couple at the campsite Pornic Les Vallons de l’Océan**** in Loire-Atlantique is a great opportunity to perform water sports, but also to discover the local heritage. Want to go back in time to the medieval era? Visit the castle of Pornic.

History of the castle of Pornic

Standing proudly next to the port, watching over the Anse des Lapins and the canal of Haute Perche, the castle of Pornic is a fortress built during the Middle Ages. Built in wood in the 10th century by the Duke of Brittany Alain Barbe Torte, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century by the Lords of Rais. This beautiful building, classified as a historical monument, was acquired in turn by the Baron de Retz (Gilles de Rais, companion of Joan of Arc), Alexandre de Brie-Serrant, several bankers and other personalities. Symbol of the city Pornic, the castle of Pornic was catering in 1824 under the impetus of its new owner who wished to make his place of residence, Joseph Le Breton, Deputy Mayor of Nantes.

Visit of the pornic castle

The castle of Pornic is now a private property that belongs to Robert Le Vogüe. It is open to the public only on the occasion of the European Heritage Days, and as part of guided tours organized by the tourist office of Pornic. There are several thematic tours:

  • “In the intimacy of the castle”: you will understand how the inhabitants saved their castle for several centuries to convert it into a seaside castle. You will enter the dining room, the living room, the library and the bedrooms. Our favorite: the breathtaking view of the port and the ria from the top of the tower.
  • “Medieval and Maritime City”: The guide will take you along the docks to explain the history of trade and fishing in Pornic. It will reveal the key events in the history of the castle (entrance in the courtyard).
  • “Once upon a time … the castle of Pornic: visit adapted to young visitors from 8 to 10 years, with stories and the incredible legend of Bluebeard. Entrance to the courtyards of the castle.

Informations, tarifs et horaires

The castle of Pornic is located 7 km from the campsite Les Vallons de l’Océan. If you come by car, take the D13 to the golf Bluegreen Pornic, then turn right towards the port. Continue about 200 m on the avenue de la Noëveillard until the castle, on your right.

Times and prices vary depending on the type of visit:

  • “In the intimacy of the castle”: A one-hour visit for children over 10 years old, price 7 €. Schedule: 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. every Saturday between May 30 and June 20, 2020, every Tuesday (except July 14) in July and August.
  • “Medieval and Maritime City”: 1h30 visit. Rates: 6 € / adult, 3 € / child from 8 to 16 years old), free under 8 years old.
  • “Once upon a time … the castle of Pornic”: visit 1h30, rate 6 € / child. 2020 Dates (10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.): Wednesday, July 15, Wednesday, July 22, Thursday, July 30, Wednesday, August 5, Wednesday, August 12, Wednesday, October 21, Wednesday, October 28

Good to know : The courtyards and gardens are open to the public throughout the year, by reservation with the tourist office of Pornic (02 40 82 67 67).

How about going fishing for a few hours after visiting the castle? Rent a fishery and live a unique experience in a cabin on stilts over the ocean.

Open from
06/04 at 14/09