Pornichet German military cemetery, German war cemetery in Pornichet, France

Pornichet German military cemetery is a war necropolis next to the communal cemetery in the Saint-Sébastien district of Pornichet, in the Loire-Atlantique department. It holds 4,836 graves, laid out in deliberately uniform rows without distinction of rank or social class. A rectangular weathered metal plaque on a rough light grey stone wall reads "Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Pornichet — Cimetière militaire allemand 1939 - 1945", with a small dark metal cross fixed above it.

The cemetery was established after World War II to bury German soldiers who died during the war in western France. A war graves organization has managed the site for decades, ensuring preservation and maintenance of the grounds.

The cemetery serves as a place where visitors can read names and learn about the soldiers buried here. The grounds are visited by local residents and travelers alike, reflecting shared European history.

The grounds are open to visitors year-round with no entrance fee, making a visit possible at any time. Wear comfortable shoes since the area is large and exploring multiple sections takes time.

Among the graves is that of Karl Hotz, a German officer whose death in Nantes on 20 October 1941 led to the execution of 48 hostages. His grave lies in block 2, row 21, plaque number 649. The graves are deliberately uniform, with no distinction of rank or social class.