National Pétanque Competition
Experience the excitement of the great pétanque tournament in the town of Les Moutiers-en-Retz.
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Arthon-en-Retz
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ℹ️Practical info — Arthon-en-Retz
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The village is a great quiet base; you are only a short drive away from the busier coastal beaches of Pornic.
- Bicycle paths in the surrounding countryside are mostly flat and well-suited for family rides.
- Public transport is very limited here, so having a rental car or bicycles is highly recommended.
- Shops may observe a strict lunch closure between 12:30 and 15:00, so plan your grocery runs accordingly.
🍽 Food
🍽
Curé Nantais Cheese
Look for this famous square, washed-rind cheese from the nearby area in local grocery shops.
🍽
Galettes and Crêpes
Visit a traditional crêperie in the region to enjoy savory buckwheat galettes with local cider.
🍽
Fresh Seafood
Though inland, the proximity to the coast means you can easily find fresh Atlantic oysters at nearby markets.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Farm Direct Shops
Keep an eye out for signs indicating 'Vente à la ferme' to buy fresh eggs, vegetables, and meat directly from farmers.
🛍
Local Bakeries
Stop by the village bakery early for fresh baguettes and traditional Breton pastries like Kouign-Amann.
🧘
Canal de Haute Perche
Walk or cycle along the banks of this peaceful canal that stretches towards the coast.
🧘
Countryside Trails
Explore the rural dirt tracks and small lanes connecting the local farms for a peaceful afternoon walk.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Robinson Crusoe Opera Screening
Experience the magic of Offenbach's opera broadcast on a giant screen in Les Moutiers-en-Retz for a unique evening.
Reading Sessions with the Dream Passers
The La Clef des familles association invites you to discover their work through enchanting reading sessions in Chauvé.
Creative Children's Workshop
Join a unique book-themed creative workshop for kids at the Arthon library in Chaumes-en-Retz.
Chauvé Village Festival
Celebrate the start of summer holidays with locals and visitors at this lively and traditional village festival.
Matica de Flor Quatuor Early Music Concert
An unforgettable evening in Les Moutiers-en-Retz as part of the "Les Mercredis de Prigny" festival.
Country Ball in Les Moutiers-en-Retz
Come and dance at the lively country ball held in Les Moutiers-en-Retz!
Les ailes du Rêve Concert
An exceptional concert featuring melodies by Claude Guillon-Verne, performed by soloists with Christel Patey on piano.
Classical Concert at Chapelle de Prigny
Classical music lovers are invited to this concert in the unique setting of the Chapelle de Prigny in Les Moutiers-en-Retz.
Donkey Festival in Chauvé
The famous donkey festival is back at Basse Chantrie! A friendly family event in Chauvé celebrating these four-legged animals in an original way.
Arthon-en-Retz is a historic settlement in the Loire-Atlantique department, now part of the larger commune of Chaumes-en-Retz. Located in the center of the Pays de Retz region, it lies in a scenic landscape between the Loire River and the Atlantic coast. The area is characterized by traditional 'bocage' countryside, with its network of hedges and small fields that have defined local farming for centuries. Historically, the town was a vital agricultural hub, particularly known for its dairy farming and cattle breeding, which still play a significant role in the local economy. The architectural heart of the village is the Saint-Martin church, surrounded by stone houses typical of western France. In recent years, Arthon-en-Retz has become an attractive residential option for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle while remaining within commuting distance of Nantes and the seaside resort of Pornic. The community is active in preserving its natural environment, offering residents and visitors a wealth of walking and cycling trails through the surrounding marshes and forests. Since the administrative merger in 2016, the town has seen improved infrastructure and services, successfully blending its agricultural heritage with the needs of a modern, growing population.
- Location: Pays de la Loire, France
- Top sights: Saint-Martin Church · Princé Forest · Théâtre de l'étoile
- Nearby: Les Moutiers-en-Retz (8 km)
- Population: ~6.777
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 10 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 65 | 65 | 50 | 57 | 47 | 46 | 48 | 44 | 82 | 89 | 93 |
Geography
Facts
- Part of the commune of Chaumes-en-Retz, established in 2016.
- Located along the D751 regional road.
- A historic border town of the Pays de Retz region.
- Features the prominent neo-Gothic Saint-Martin church.
- A key player in the regional agricultural sector.
- The commune covers areas of the Canal de Haute Perche.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Arthon-en-Retz (3)
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Arthon-en-Retz located?
It is located in the Pays de Retz region of western France and is now part of the commune of Chaumes-en-Retz.
How far is it from here to the sea?
The popular seaside resort of Pornic on the Atlantic coast is only about 15 km (a 20-minute drive) away.
What local product should I try?
The region is famous for its artisanal cider and apple juice produced in the surrounding orchards.
Are there nature trails for hikers?
Yes, there are lovely paths along the Haute Perche river, good for peaceful walks in the countryside.
What can be visited in the village center?
Visit the Saint-Martin church, a characterful neo-Gothic building that forms the heart of the old village center.
Arthon-en-Retz: where is it located?
Arthon-en-Retz is located in Pays de la Loire, France.
Arthon-en-Retz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Martin Church, Princé Forest, Théâtre de l'étoile.
Arthon-en-Retz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Arthon-en-Retz: why is it worth visiting?
Arthon-en-Retz is a historic settlement in the Loire-Atlantique department, now part of the larger commune of Chaumes-en-Retz.
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