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Escal'Atlantic
Escal'Atlantic is a maritime museum in Saint-Nazaire, set in the former German submarine base of the Second World War, on the harbour. Opened on 22 April 2000, it recreates the interior of a transatlantic liner to recall the ships built in Saint-Nazaire.
Before the war, the town was the port from which liners sailed to Cuba, Mexico and Panama. The self-guided route, which takes about an hour and a half, brings back the atmosphere of liners such as the Île-de-France (1927), the Normandie (1935) and the France (1962). Archive films, authentic objects from these ships and rare documents are combined with recreated settings.
The engine room and the third-class cabins are among the highlights, with a reminder of the emigrants' Atlantic crossing. The museum suits families, maritime history enthusiasts and anyone curious about life on board. Booking is recommended, and opening periods vary with the seasons, so it is worth checking before you come.
