Saint Herblain

The Origins of Saint-Herblain

Saint-Herblain is the closest suburban town to downtown Nantes.

The name of the commune of Saint-Herblain comes from a Frankish monk of the 7th century who became a local saint: Hermeland. However, the history of human presence in this region goes back even further. Archaeological excavations carried out at the Zénith site have revealed the presence of farmers 6,000 years ago. Remains of a Roman villa and a Merovingian necropolis have also been discovered in Preux.

Over the centuries, life in Saint-Herblain revolved around the town center and a network of hamlets. The countryside was dotted with farms, while the bourgeoisie and nobility of Nantes built some magnificent residences such as La Pâtissière, La Bernardière, L'Essongère, and La Pâclais. In the late 17th and 18th centuries, many Irish traders acquired estates in the region. Saint-Herblain is recognized as part of historical Brittany, of which it is a part, and is called Sant Ervlan.

In the second half of the 20th century, the commune experienced significant population growth. The Nantes metropolitan area expanded, and Saint-Herblain became an attractive residential suburb for people working in Nantes. The city then embarked on the construction of numerous housing units and economic activity zones.

Today, Saint-Herblain is the third most populous commune in Loire-Atlantique, after Nantes and Saint-Nazaire. It is integrated into Nantes Métropole, the urban community comprising several communes of the Nantes metropolitan area.

Must-Visit Places in Saint-Herblain

Saint-Herblain, being close to Nantes, offers a plethora of interesting places and activities to discover. The Zénith de Nantes, located in Saint-Herblain, hosts major concerts, shows, and cultural events. Additionally, the Carrière theater offers smaller-scale performances. The Parc de la Bégraisière provides a beautiful setting for walks or family picnics. In the center of Saint-Herblain, do not miss the Saint-Hermeland Church of Saint-Herblain, which has been classified as a historical monument since 1925. Moreover, one of the largest shopping centers in the Nantes region, Atlantis, is located in Saint-Herblain. It houses numerous shops, restaurants, and a cinema. There are also fashion, toys, IT, sport, food, motorcycles, services, catering, well-being, decoration, leisure, etc. as many brands and service providers. to meet all your needs and serve all your desires.

Living in Saint-Herblain

Saint-Herblain is a family-friendly town where it is pleasant to live. Furthermore, Saint-Herblain continues to develop with ongoing urban projects and numerous improvements. Living in Saint-Herblain offers a balance between the tranquility of a residential town and access to the services and activities of a large metropolitan area.

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When it comes to the real estate market, Saint-Herblain offers beautiful houses in sought-after residential neighborhoods such as Bourgonnière and Cholière, as well as apartments in attractive residential complexes.

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Shops and Restaurants

Saint-Herblain has several commercial areas where you can find local shops, supermarkets, and specialized stores. Saint-Herblain also hosts weekly markets where you can find fresh products, fruits and vegetables, local produce, and other food items. The Bourgonnière market, held on Friday mornings, is one of the most popular in the commune.

The commune offers a variety of restaurants and cafés to satisfy residents' taste buds. For example, Le Moïa offers authentic cuisine in an exceptional setting, while Le Mas des Oliviers, located in the heart of the Atlantis business and commercial center, welcomes guests in a cozy and special atmosphere. And for food enthusiasts, Les Terrasses de la Gournerie opens its doors within the 17th-18th-century castle.

The commune is also known for its university hospital center, the CHU de Nantes, which is one of the largest in France. Numerous companies and institutions are located in Saint-Herblain, contributing to its economic dynamism.

Educational Institutions

Saint-Herblain offers a diverse range of educational institutions, covering all levels of education from preschool to high school.

Transportation

Saint-Herblain benefits from a good public transportation network, facilitating travel within the commune and to other cities in the Nantes metropolitan area. The commune is served by the public bus network operated by Semitan, the public transport company of Nantes Métropole. Several bus lines connect Saint-Herblain to downtown Nantes and other surrounding communes. Saint-Herblain is also served by Tram Line 1, which connects the commune to downtown Nantes, passing through key stops such as Recteur Schmitt, François Mitterrand, and Zénith. Saint-Herblain is well-connected to major roadways, making car travel convenient. The commune is located near the A11 motorway, which connects Nantes to Paris, as well as the Nantes ring road. Saint-Herblain also has bicycle-friendly infrastructure that allows for safe cycling.