Discover Trignac: Brivet, Brière and industrial heritage

Trignac brings together several themes for planning a trip: the history of the Forges, the Église Saint-Eloi in the Bourg, and activities on the Brivet and in the Brière. Local visiting conditions are just as important as choosing what to focus on.

By the Brivet: Pont de Paille and water activities

Pont de Paille was built between 1881 and 1884. It spans the Brivet and marks the boundary with the Brière on the northwestern edge of Trignac’s town centre. The bridge is used for walks and bike rides in the Brière. This brings a historic structure and opportunities for outdoor activity together in one place; whether you prefer to explore on foot or by bike is up to you.

For canoeing and kayaking on the Brivet, Brivet Canoe Kayak has a base at Pont de Paille. It is located at Rue Jules Auffret, 44570 Trignac. A specific landmark for getting there is the “Pont de Paille” bus stop on line C1: the base is 100 metres away. River trips can therefore be considered as a separate activity alongside walks and bike rides.

Another option is a two-hour donut boat trip on the Brivet in Trignac. It accommodates up to six people. Two donut boats are available for trips on the Brivet. The activity is seasonal and availability may change, so check the latest information before your trip. The two-hour donut boat trip is an alternative to canoeing and kayaking on the Brivet.

Industrial history and visiting conditions

The Forges de Trignac were founded in 1879 and are a major symbol of the industrial heritage of the Saint-Nazaire basin. The site is closed to the public for safety reasons. If you plan to visit the vicinity, check the latest information from the local council beforehand. The history of the Forges can be explored separately at the Maison du Patrimoine, where the history of Trignac is presented, particularly that of the Forges site.

Conversations and discussions about the Forges take place at the Maison du Patrimoine every Tuesday from 5 p.m. As the schedule may change, it is advisable to check the date before visiting. This provides two ways to explore the historical theme: understanding the Forges in the context of industrial history and attending a scheduled discussion. The closed site and the interpretation at the Maison du Patrimoine are separate aspects of a visit; the Maison’s activities do not require the Forges site to be open to the public.

Église Saint-Eloi and the Brière as a hiking area

Église Saint-Eloi is in Trignac’s town centre, the Bourg, near the town hall, and is still in use. Its opening hours may vary. The new church was inaugurated on 10 June 1957. If you are interested in religious heritage, this place offers a different historical connection from the Forges: while the Forges represent the industrial heritage of the Saint-Nazaire basin, Église Saint-Eloi is part of Trignac’s town centre.

For a long-distance hiking route, the GR® de Pays Tour de Brière forms a 68-kilometre loop through the heart of France’s second-largest marshland. This is a different scale from the walks and bike rides for which Pont de Paille is used. Conditions on the route may vary seasonally; check the tourism authority’s latest guidance before setting off. Take the 68-kilometre distance into account when planning your route.

Discover more destinations: Frossay, Corcoué-Sur-Logne, Teillé, Abbaretz, Campbon, Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, Saint-Mars-La-Jaille, La Haie-Fouassière.

For the broader travel guide: Loire-Atlantique.