Débord de Loire

Débord de Loire 2025 — 4th Edition: Maritime Routes

For its 4th edition, Débord de Loire takes over the estuary from June 12 to 18, 2025, with an ambitious theme: maritime routes. The event unfolds in 16 towns, from Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to Mauves-sur-Loire, including Nantes, for a week of nautical and artistic celebration.

The Grand Nautical Parade

The highlight of this edition is the grand nautical parade on Saturday, June 14. Up to 200 boats will sail up the Loire from Saint-Nazaire to Nantes, led by four exceptional vessels:

• The Belem, a three-master built in Nantes in 1896, which carried the Olympic flame from Greece to Marseille in 2024
• The Étoile du Roy, a magnificent three-master based in Saint-Malo, a replica of an 18th-century English frigate
• The Hydrograaf, a former Dutch steamship from 1910
• The Recouvrance, a replica of an 1817 Brest military schooner

Dance at the Heart of the Celebration

In Nantes, from June 13 to 15, the heart of the festivities beats to the rhythm of dance. At the Débord de Loire village set up on the Quai de la Fosse, participatory balls, workshops, and performances follow one another: waacking, west coast swing, Brazilian forró, tango kizomba, hip-hop funk, rock swing, and salsa. The fanfare Big Joanna takes the audience to New Orleans with its Bal Saint-Louis on Saturday evening. The Italian company Alberi Sonori leads tarantella dancing. The company NGC25 presents Bal à Boby, a choreographic frenzy inspired by Boby Lapointe.

Heritage and Discovery

Boat tours are organized throughout the week, with reservations recommended. Guided cruises allow for the discovery of the estuary. Exhibitions, round tables, and meetings explore the history of the river, maritime routes, and the challenges of decarbonizing maritime transport.

Débord de Loire 2025 Program

Parade and Nautical Activities

• Saturday, June 14: Grand nautical parade from Saint-Nazaire to Nantes — 200 boats around the Belem, Étoile du Roy, Hydrograaf, and Recouvrance
• June 12-18: Boat tours by reservation (3-ship pass: €20)
• Guided Cruises on the Loire (from €14)

Dance and Shows in Nantes (June 13-15)

• Saturday, June 14, 9 PM: Bal Saint-Louis with the Big Joanna fanfare — Quai de la Fosse
• Sunday, June 15, 6:30 PM: Tarantella Ball with Alberi Sonori — Quai de la Fosse
• Sunday, June 15: Bal à Boby by the NGC25 company
• All Weekend: Workshops in waacking, west coast swing, forró, tango, hip-hop, rock swing, salsa

Heritage and Discovery

• Exhibitions on the history of the river and maritime routes
• Round tables on decarbonizing maritime transport
• Guided heritage tours in the estuary towns

Bike Parade

• Festive bike ride along the Loire

To Remember for 2025

• Dates: June 12-18, 2025
• 4th Edition on the theme of maritime routes
• Grand Nautical Parade on Saturday, June 14: 200 boats
• Featured Ships: Belem, Étoile du Roy, Hydrograaf, Recouvrance
• Dance on the Quays: balls, workshops, fanfares, and shows
• 16 Towns in the estuary mobilized
• Free Access to the vast majority of activities

Practical Information

Access and Transport

By train: Nantes station is served by TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 2h15), Lyon, Lille, and many other French cities. The Quai de la Fosse, the heart of the festivities in Nantes, is within walking distance of the station (approx. 15 minutes).

By tram: Line 1, "Médiathèque" or "Chantiers Navals" stop. The TAN network serves all viewpoints along the Loire in Nantes.

By bike: Bicloo stations are available near the Quai de la Fosse. A bike parade is organized during the event.

By car: From the Nantes ring road, follow signs for "Centre-ville / Quai de la Fosse". Park-and-ride facilities (P+R) connected to the tram are recommended due to high attendance.

By Navibus: The Navibus Loire river shuttles connect Nantes city center from Trentemoult and the ferry terminal.

Main Venues in Nantes

Débord de Loire Village: Quai de la Fosse, in front of the Maillé-Brézé — central venue with stage, dance workshops, balls, and food stalls.

Information Point: Quai de la Fosse, next to the Anne-de-Bretagne bridge — information, program, and ticketing for boat tours.

Prices

Access to the vast majority of activities is free: nautical parades, street performances, balls, concerts, and the bike parade. Boat tours and Loire cruises are subject to a fee and require booking. 3-ship visit pass: €20 (full price), €14 (reduced price). Guided cruises from €14.

Accessibility

The quays of Nantes are largely accessible to people with reduced mobility. A specific reception service is in place. Detailed information on the official website.

Practical Tips

• Book your boat tours and cruises in advance on the Voyage à Nantes website.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the quays.
• Prioritize public transport or cycling: traffic is disrupted along the Loire.
• Consult the detailed program for each estuary town on deborddeloire.fr.