The castle of Pornic is famous under the name "Blue Beard Castle". In the XVth century, it was owned by the notorious Gilles de Rais, Joan of Arc's companion.

This castle cannot be visited: it's a private property. The courtyard can be seen during the guided visits of the Tourist Office.

The castle of Pornic used to be surrounded by the water. It was built on a defensive site. Nowadays, only one side of it bathes in the sea.

In the Xth century, Alain Barbe Torte, Duke of Brittany, had made a stronghold out of it with a whole garrison protecting Pornic.

In the XIIIth century, it was under the authority of the Lords of Rais who built a new stone castle. The most famous Lord was Gilles de Rais in the XVth century.

In the XVIIIthe century, the Marquis de Brie Serrant is the new owner of the castle. Through the French Revolution, his goods were confiscated and the castle fell apart.

At the end of the XIXth century, an architect coming from Nantes, Mr. Bougouin, gave it its present appearance.