Débord de Loire

Débord de Loire: The Great Nautical and Artistic Festival of the Estuary

Since 2016, Débord de Loire has established itself as the major nautical and artistic event of the Loire estuary. Born for the 120th anniversary of the Belem, this mythical three-master built in Nantes in 1896, and following the major citizen debate "Nantes, the Loire and us" initiated by Nantes Métropole, this triennial event celebrates the river in all its forms: nautical, artistic, heritage, and festive.

A Spectacular Nautical Parade

The highlight of each edition is the grand nautical parade, which features up to 200 boats sailing up the Loire from Saint-Nazaire to Nantes. Alongside the Belem, the event's emblematic ship, exceptional sailing ships have accompanied the flotilla over the editions: the Hermione in 2019, the Français and the Oosterschelde in 2023, the Étoile du Roy, the Hydrograaf, and the Recouvrance in 2025. This magnificent maritime spectacle, visible from the quays and banks of the 16 municipalities crossed, attracts tens of thousands of spectators gathered along the river.

An Artistic Program Rooted in Dance and Celebration

Beyond the nautical dimension, Débord de Loire offers a rich and inclusive artistic program, with a central focus on dance. Participatory balls, introductions to waacking, west coast swing, Brazilian forró, tango, hip-hop, rock swing, and salsa animate the quays of Nantes and the festive villages set up along the Loire. Fanfares, street performances, concerts, and dance companies transform the riverbanks into a huge, joyful, and popular guinguette.

Heritage, Cruises, and River Discovery

Débord de Loire is also a fantastic vehicle for discovering river and maritime heritage. Tours of historic boats are organized throughout the week, allowing the public to board magnificent sailing ships and traditional vessels. Guided cruises on the Loire offer a unique perspective on the estuary, its industrial and port history, its biodiversity, and its landscapes. Exhibitions, guided tours, round tables, and meetings complete the program, exploring the history of the river, maritime routes, and the challenges of ecological transition.

16 Towns, One Estuary

The originality of Débord de Loire lies in its territorial scale. The event is not limited to Nantes: it extends to 16 municipalities in the estuary, from Mauves-sur-Loire to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, including Trentemoult, Le Pellerin, Paimbœuf, Donges, and Saint-Nazaire. Each riverside town offers its own animations, transforming the entire estuary into a territory of celebration and culture for a week.