Les Moutiers-En-Retz – Coast, Salt and Heritage

Les Moutiers-En-Retz combines the shores of the Bay of Bourgneuf with a strong salt-making tradition and the historic district of Prigny. This gives you different ways to plan your trip, whether your interests lie in coastal paths and the harbor, early Romanesque architecture or the history of salt production. Which aspect shapes your stay depends on whether you would rather explore the landscape, historic buildings or local traditions.

Coastal Paths and the Harbor on the Bay

For safety reasons, the coastal promenade in Les Moutiers-En-Retz is reserved for pedestrians. It offers a chance to explore the shores of the Bay of Bourgneuf throughout the year. The Sentier littoral des Moutiers offers a different perspective on the coast: it runs from the wild coastline to the rocky headlands of La Bernerie and provides opportunities for walkers and people taking part in sports to enjoy exercise and explore the landscape. While the promenade is specifically for pedestrians, the coastal path is also used for sporting activities.

Port du Collet reveals another side of the coastal landscape: today, the harbor is a picturesque oyster port with a few moorings for pleasure boats. A footbridge, which replaced the former lock at Port du Collet, offers views across the Bay of Bourgneuf.

Prigny and the Chapelle de Prigny

The Prigny district is a historic medieval village in Les Moutiers-En-Retz, with narrow lanes and historic masonry. Tall walls dating from the 14th and 15th centuries line the streets. History therefore shapes not only individual buildings but also the streetscape of the district.

The Chapelle de Prigny was the first church in Les Moutiers-En-Retz and is also known as the Église Saint-Jean-le-Baptiste. It dates from the 11th century. Four round-arched openings reveal its early Romanesque style. The chapel houses 17th-century Baroque altarpieces as well as a Viking anchor.

The choir bays also tell the story of the chapel's furnishings: the two bays contain three altarpieces and were classified as historic monuments by decree on October 22, 1913. Since November 2016, the Chapelle has been fully protected as a French historic monument. It is considered one of the last surviving examples of early Romanesque architecture, and its state of preservation is regarded as remarkable.

After two years of construction work and a two-year closure, the Chapelle de Prigny reopened in 2025. Check the current access arrangements before visiting.

Salt-Making Tradition and Cultural Traces

Salt production is one of the commune's oldest activities and continues to shape its identity. Tours of the “Tenue de Mareil” salt marsh introduce visitors to its history and how it works, as well as to salt production. If you plan to take a tour, check the dates in advance. Salt produced at the salt marsh is also sold there; check in advance when and where it is available.

Another distinctive feature is the Lanterne des morts in Les Moutiers-En-Retz. Classified as a historic monument since 1913, it is considered the last functioning example of its kind. It is lit whenever someone in the commune dies. This brings together a protected historic structure and a local tradition that is still observed today.

The Église Saint-Pierre can be discovered along the hiking trail Le circuit de la campagne.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Mars-Du-Désert, Saint-Nazaire, Montbert, Chauve, Massérac, Vay, Thouaré-Sur-Loire, Le Landreau

For the regional travel overview: Loire-Atlantique.