Serpent d’océan
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Serpent d’océan

4.5
·7k reviews·Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, France

A colossal 130m aluminum sea serpent skeleton sculpture by Huang Yong Ping on a French beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

See the full sculpture

CrowdMedium
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Serpent d’océan

Serpent d’océan

Best Time

Low tide

See the full sculpture

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal 130m aluminum sea serpent skeleton sculpture by Huang Yong Ping on a French beach.

4.5
(7k reviews)

"It is an impressive sculpture. Makes sure you visit it at low tide to get the full effect."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Tide Times

Visit during low tide for the best views and photo ops of the Serpent d'Océan.

📍 Correct Location

It's in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, not Nantes. Allow for travel time!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 7,315 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Serpent's Full Length

The Serpent's Full Length

Saint-Brevin-les-Pins beach

Marvel at the 130-meter-long aluminum skeleton of a prehistoric sea serpent, a striking contemporary art piece.

Low Tide Reveal

Low Tide Reveal

Intertidal zone

Witness the sculpture emerge from the water at low tide, creating a dramatic and immersive visual experience.

Artistic Vision

Artistic Vision

Beach promenade

Appreciate the avant-garde work of Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping, inspired by ancient Chinese mythology.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything: Low Tide is Key

To truly appreciate the Serpent d'Océan's scale and artistic intent, plan your visit during low tide. This reveals more of the sculpture and offers better photo opportunities. Check tide times beforehand to maximize your experience and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Location Clarity: Not in Nantes!

Despite some online mentions, the Serpent d'Océan is located in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, not Nantes. It's about an hour's drive from Nantes. Knowing the correct location prevents travel confusion and ensures you reach this impressive art installation. Reddit

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
See the full sculpture
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset during high tide
Why
Dramatic photo ops
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Found out it was the most deadly sea snake 🐍 sea krait #seakrait #snake #philippines #snorkeling
@maxandgeorgiego
189.2K likes • 2.7M views

🎯 Check Tide Times

Visit during low tide for the best views and photo ops of the Serpent d'Océan. Reddit

📍 Correct Location

It's in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, not Nantes. Allow for travel time! Reddit

I bought sea snakes #seasnakes #snakes #pets #reptiles #animals #fakebody #fakesituation
@venomman20
120.9K likes • 1.7M views
📍Serpent d’Océan, St-Brevin-les-Pins Ce serpent est une œuvre de l’artiste Huang Yong Ping représentant un long squelette de serpent de mer et mesurant 130m de long. 🐍 Elle a été réalisée dans le cadre du Festival Estuaire 🎉 #stbrevin #ocean #serpent #stnazaire #loireatlantique #balade #explore #travel Tu connaissais cette oeuvre ?
maximehx.prod
89.7K likes • 1.7M views

📸 Photography Angles

Explore various angles from the beach, sea wall, and lookout platform for stunning shots. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Town Access

The sculpture is a pleasant walk from the town center, perfect for a stroll. Reddit

In France's Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, a larger-than-life aluminum snake skeleton slithers onto the shore. The sculpture, called "Serpent D’Océan," debuted from avant-garde artist Huang Yong Ping in 2012. Share your favorite destinations with #ForbesTravelGuide for a chance to be featured! Regram: @loic.lagarde #FTGGo #FTGFrance #france #francetravel #saintbrevin #francetourisme #francetrip #france_v...
forbestravelguide
1.9K likes • 88.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Tide Times

Visit during low tide for the best views and photo ops of the Serpent d'Océan. Reddit

📍 Correct Location

It's in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, not Nantes. Allow for travel time! Reddit

📸 Photography Angles

Explore various angles from the beach, sea wall, and lookout platform for stunning shots. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Town Access

The sculpture is a pleasant walk from the town center, perfect for a stroll. Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Parking is generally available nearby, but can be busy during peak times.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Serpent d'Océan an impressive and unique art installation, particularly when viewed at low tide. While some acknowledge it's 'what it is,' many appreciate its scale and artistic merit, making it a worthwhile stop for photographers and art enthusiasts. The location on the beach and proximity to town are also noted positives.

"It is what it is, we took van down qnd stayed the night.
Great little spot.
Nice easy walk to the town."

Ian Nicol

"It is an impressive sculpture. Makes sure you visit it at low tide to get the full effect."

Motorhome Quest

"Great place. Worthy to stop by and enjoy it."

Nathalie HO

What People Like

Impressive scale
Unique art installation
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Location confusion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Serpent d'Océan is located on the beach in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, France. It's approximately a 1-hour drive from Nantes. If driving, there is parking available near the beach. Reddit

No, the Serpent d'Océan is not in Nantes itself, but rather in the nearby coastal town of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. Some sources may incorrectly list Nantes as the location. Reddit

Public transport options might be limited directly to the sculpture. It's often best accessed by car or as part of a day trip from Nantes. Check local bus schedules for routes to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. Reddit

The most impactful way to experience the Serpent d'Océan is during low tide, when more of its structure is visible. Reddit

The beach promenade is generally accessible, but direct access to the sculpture on the sand might be challenging, especially at high tide. Assess conditions upon arrival.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Serpent d'Océan is an outdoor public art installation on the beach, and there is no admission fee to view it. Instagram

As it's an outdoor sculpture on the beach, it's accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit the Serpent d'Océan. It's a free public art installation. Instagram

For photography, aim for low tide to see more of the sculpture and sunset during high tide for dramatic lighting. Reddit

As it's a public beach, standard beach rules apply. Be mindful of the tides and the artwork itself. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during low tide to see the full sculpture and during sunset when the light can create dramatic effects. Reddit

Yes, you can get great shots from the beach, the sea wall, and a lookout platform accessible by steps at either end of the sculpture's section of the beach. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire sculpture, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. Any camera, including your phone, can capture stunning images. Instagram

Drone regulations vary by location. Check local rules and regulations for Saint-Brevin-les-Pins before flying a drone. TikTok

Try capturing the serpent interacting with the waves, or use the vastness of the beach to emphasize its scale. Silhouettes at sunset are also popular. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Saint-Brevin-les-Pins has several restaurants and cafes near the beach and town center, offering various dining options. Reddit

You can certainly have a picnic on the beach, but be sure to clean up after yourself and respect the environment. Reddit

You'll find typical French coastal cuisine, including seafood, crepes, and local specialties. Reddit

Depending on the season and local events, there might be temporary food stalls or vendors near the beach. It's best to check locally upon arrival.

Prices are generally moderate, typical for a French seaside town. You can find options for various budgets. Reddit

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