CANAL MARITIME DE LA BASSE-LOIRE

The Canal Maritime de la Basse-Loire, also known as the Canal de la Martinière, was brought into service in 1892 (after 10 years’ work) and for 20 years was used to navigate boats up the Loire to Nantes, enabling the city to prosper. It stretches for 15 km, from Le Carnet in Frossay to La Martinière in Le Pellerin. Punctuated by locks, it is an exceptional technical heritage and a popular place to take a stroll. Abandoned for navigation but reused for hydraulic purposes, it is used to regulate water levels in the marshes of the Gulf of Tenu, Lake Grand-Lieu and the Bay of Bourgneuf. Along the canal, the protected nature reserves of Massereau and Migron are ideal refuges for flora and fauna, and a paradise for birdwatchers. Many species of birds use these wetlands, which offer excellent conditions for wintering and breeding. You can also discover the canal through the leisure activities it offers: rowing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating, pedal-boating, cycling, outdoor fitness equipment, hiking… accessible to all, depending on the season. It’s also a renowned fishing spot, green and easy to get to, with competitions organised on a regular basis (fishing cards on sale at Quai Vert and L’Ancre d’Or bar-tabac in Frossay). Towards Le Migron in Frossay, a night fishing area is available for carp. Towards Le Pellerin, in the rue de la Teignouse, a fishing pontoon with PRM access has been installed. Find out more about the history of the site: Guided tours for individuals and information: Mr Clavier, President of the Association Culturelle du Canal Maritime de la Basse Loire – Tel: 06 33 08 77 90 Guided tours for groups of 15 or more: all year round by prior arrangement with Estuarium – Tel: 09 83 00 71 80 or estuarium@estuarium.fr Watch our episode of Saint-Brevin émotions brutes confidentielle devoted to the canal right here