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Located south of the estuary of the Loire, Saint-Brevin is where the long river opens into the Atlantic Ocean. Large expanses of sand, monitoring stations and beach clubs line the sea. Home to parish farmers, fishermen and sailors for a millennium, Saint-Brevin became a resort in the late 19th century. In 1810 the sea had eroded the coastline, consumed the dunes and submerged many homes. Locals planted pines and oaks to stabilize the dune. Sumptuous villas were added then, such as "Château de la Fouilleuse", "The Semaphore", the " Manoir du Pointeau". The Grand Casino is built (1884). The large pine forest became a major asset: the city changed its name from Saint-Brevin to Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins (1899) and became more and more famous in the "Belle Epoque".

Magnificent view of the estuary worth a short stop. "The Loire by bike" cycle path runs along the Loire, but it is hidden from view behind a levee. A somewhat dated wooden boardwalk climbs up to an observation platform on top of the levee to afford sweeping views of the wide stream, the St Nazaire bridge, the fisherman's nets (carrelets) and the white and red chimneys of the Cordemais power station. You may see seagulls feeding on critters in the mud, if you pass by at low tide. An orientation table provides useful background for understanding the port of Donges.

La Grande Ville is a hamlet of Saint-Brevin along the Loire estuary, with a long beach characterized by the traditional fishing piers extending far into the water. Here a parking area with restrooms and picnic table is a trailhead for exploring the practice while taking a break along the waterfront biketrail.

Built in 1854 at a time when Paimboeuf was the advanced port of Nantes, before being replaced by Saint-Nazaire. It is the only lighthouse on the Loire and the most "land-based" in France because it is 10 km from the ocean.

This former, very active fishing and barge unloading port probably takes its name from the colour of the shutters of the house right next door. Departure of the coastal path towards Saint-Brévin. Toilets.

I, who am not very comfortable in gusts of wind, admit that I have not yet dared to take the plunge.

Delicious sandwich and coffee & cake

It takes a bit of courage to ride up there next to the roaring traffic when you're standing in front of the huge bridge. A cyclist coming towards me rang my bell - we said hello - and off we went. I prayed not to get a flat tire on this bridge - everything went well. There is no alternative to crossing the Loire at this point. But I'm still not sure whether there was a sign below prohibiting pedestrians and cyclists 🧐