La Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu
Visitor centre on Lac de Grand-Lieu, with an interactive exhibition, a listening trail and the Pavillon overlooking the national nature reserve.
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About the museum
The Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu opened in September 2014 in Bouaye. It presents Lac de Grand-Lieu, one of the large wetlands of Loire-Atlantique and Europe, as well as wetlands in general. It is also an interpretation centre that aims to make these natural areas better known and to raise public awareness of climate change and the loss of biodiversity.
The project dates back to 2007, when the prefect entrusted the Loire-Atlantique Département with running an outreach programme around the lake and protecting biodiversity. The Conservatoire du littoral, the Fondation pour la protection des habitats de la faune sauvage, the Pays de la Loire Region and the State subsequently took part.
The Pavillon, built in 1960 on the lakeshore by Jean-Pierre Guerlain, lies within the national nature reserve created in 1980. The visitor centre belongs to the Département and the Pavillon to the Conservatoire du littoral. Management is entrusted to Loire-Atlantique développement. The visit combines a participatory exhibition, a trail with a sound walk and the Pavillon’s terrace, with views of the lake and the birds of the reserve.
Highlights
- Interactive permanent exhibition with film, models and sound installations
- Sound walk along the trail to the Pavillon
- Pavillon terrace with views of the lake and the reserve’s birds
- Binoculars available and a mediator during the visit of the Pavillon
- Workshops and nature outings for children during the holidays
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposition permanente et jardin – Participatory exhibition on Lac de Grand-Lieu and wetlands, with sound and visual installations, film and models.
- Balade sonore et Pavillon – Guided trail with testimonies to listen to, followed by a visit to the Pavillon and its terrace with views of the lake and reserve.
- Founded
- 2014
- Operated by
- Département de Loire-Atlantique (gestion : Loire-Atlantique développement)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6under 18s, students under 26, people with disabilities, job seekers and RSA recipients (minimum income support) |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 5 · Free for children under 6 (discovery visit). Under-18s pay the reduced rate. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €6 |
| Students & apprentices | €6Students under 26. |
| Groups (12+ people) | –A group consists of at least 12 people; the reduced group rate applies from 18 people. |
| Families | €25Family rate for the discovery visit: 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children. |
| Immersive visit: full price | €12 |
| Immersive visit: reduced rate | €9 |
| Immersive visit: family rate (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children) | €36 |
| Annual pass for the Maison du Lac (unlimited immersive visits for one year) | €20 |
The base prices (€8 and €6) apply to the discovery visit, which lasts about 2 hours. The immersive visit, with the sound walk, costs €12 (full price) or €9 (reduced rate). A discount is available from the second visit with the “pass Lac de Grand-Lieu” (€7 for the discovery visit, €11 for the immersive visit). Admission is free for holders of the Maison du Lac annual pass and the pass Nantes. Payment in cash, by bank card, by cheque, with paper ANCV chèques-vacances and Cado chèques.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
The site holds the Tourisme et Handicap label. A wheelchair and three seated walking sticks are lent at reception on request when booking. The reception has an induction loop. The trail to the Pavillon can be covered by wheelchair, and a lift leads to the Pavillon terrace. The sound walk is not suitable for people with hearing or intellectual disabilities; accompaniment by a mediator can be offered. An easy-read booklet in French is available to download.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
| Family ticket | €25 · Family rate for the discovery visit: 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
The immersive visit is recommended from age 8 because of the sound walk; for younger children, the discovery visit is shorter and more accessible. During school holidays, workshops for children (for example for ages 4–5 and 6–10) and family nature outings are offered. The exhibition invites visitors to handle and experiment. The trail is passable with a stroller. On site: baby-changing area, bottle warmer loan and children’s books to read.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Centre de Bouaye · 15-min walk
Train: TER line Nantes–Pornic, Bouaye station, then 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bicycle. Bus: TAN line 88, Centre de Bouaye stop, then 15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by bicycle.
By car
Parking available
Car and coach parking at the entrance to the site. Motorhomes may park during the visit, for no more than 24 hours. A bicycle area is located next to the car park.
- Accessible parking
20 minutes by car from Nantes and 25 minutes from Pornic. From Nantes, take the Périphérique sud towards Noirmoutier, exit Bouaye-Centre, then follow signs for Saint-Mars-de-Coutais. From central Nantes, a 21 km cycle route (about 1 hour 15 minutes) leads to the site.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
- Coat check: not available
No restaurant or snack bar on site. Picnic tables are in the garden, inside the paid site. The shop is open at the same times as the Maison du Lac, and access to it is free, without a visit.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The discovery visit lasts about 2 hours and the immersive visit about 2 hours 45 minutes. In both cases, the visit to the Pavillon, about 1 hour, is conducted with a guide or mediator. Places are limited and online booking is recommended. Audio guides in English are available at reception. Part of the visit takes place outdoors: wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Dogs are not admitted to the visitor centre or the Pavillon, except guide dogs for the blind. |
