Saint-Brévin-les-Pins and its giant snake
View itineraryYou’ll find the town of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins in the Pays de Retz, once part of Brittany, just a few kilometres from our campsite. After a lovely walk around the area or a day of simply lazing, you will be caught by surprise by a terrifying creature that haunts one of its beaches: the Sea Serpent!
A remarkable work of art
Fortunately, the huge skeleton found on the Le Nez-de-Chien beach north of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins is not the remnant of a prehistoric snake! Created in 2012 by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping, the 130-meter-long sea serpent sculpture emerges from the ocean as the tide goes in and out, revealing its wide open mouth.
Although this serpent was not discovered during an archaeological dig, the town is home to some amazing historical traces. From here, looking out to the Loire estuary, you can visit the Marine Museum and browse all kinds of amazing objects and model ships from the past.
A pleasant, well-conserved environment
Saint-Brevin-les-Pins is also a lovely seaside resort and a destination for hikers. It boasts the only dune forest in the Loire-Atlantique, a host of beautiful coastal trails and sits beside the enchanting banks of the Loire. Its beaches are popular spots for swimming, kite surfing and sailing.
Finally, take a tour of the Parc du Pointeau, a great place for a walk that is also lively in the evenings. This 4-hectare garden is right beside the coast and teems with history alongside its vast floral biodiversity.