We’re a family of four (kids 11 and 15) looking for a seaside town to stay at for a few nights between St Malo and Ile de Re. La Baule has been recommended as has Pornichet. Looking for lovely seaside, good restaurants, pretty with plenty to do for the teens. Have Ave so can do day trips etc. Also open to other suggestions for seaside towns. Thanks
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
La Baule or Pornichet have the same beach, atmosphere and landscapes. A seafront with the same row of ugly vacation rental buildings.
These were places very popular with Parisian vacationers 40 years ago and more (and there are splendid bourgeois villas with Art Deco and Art Nouveau style architecture from the beginning of the 20th century in the streets located a little back from the seafront).
They are now more popular with wealthy retirees who rent apartments, go to the thalassotherapy center during the day and to the casino in the evening.
The new generations now go to the Ile de Ré, or to the Ile d'Oléron for those who cannot afford the Ile de Ré.
You should try Guérande, a small medieval town, much prettier with real local life and its famous salt marshes.
From Guérande you can go to La Baule/Pornichet, it’s 10 minutes by car
https://www.brittanytourism.com/destinations/the-10-destinations/brittany-loire-ocean/guerande/
https://en.labaule-guerande.com/visit-guerande-and-its-salt-marshes.html?origine=switchLangue
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
I agree with JoLui, La Baule is not that interesting. Guérande is a better bet indeed in the same area. I also like Sarzeau a bit further north (has two coastlines, one on the ocean and one on the Golfe du Morbihan). There must be some good places on the coast south of the Loire too, but that stretch is terra incognita for me.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2084 posts
I liked my holiday in La Baule around 40 years ago and have good memories about the place. Maybe the seafront is not everybodies taste, but for me made good by it's very pleasant climate and relaxing atmosphere. Looking around with google streetview have not the impression much has changed, think it's stil posh as it was then. However haven't be there in the meanwhile, so have to say my info is not so up to date. Agree that the area just away from the seafront is more interesting and worth looking for one of those lovely Art Deco and Art Nouveau style hotels in case going to La Baule.
You can go as already noticed to Guérande and Le Croisic is known for it’s seafood restaurants. Or do daytrips to Les machines de l’île in Nantes and historic themeparc Puy du Fou. Never visited it but have heard good things about the latter and with it's spectacular shows lives up to the reputation of being one of the best in Europe. It’s a few hours driving from La Baule, but certainly worth to consider. Both parcs are good for the whole family.
https://www.lesmachines-nantes.fr/en/
https://www.puydufou.com/france/en/must-see-france
Posted by
25 posts
Hi Pornichet has better beaches than La Baule, they are between Pornichet and St Marc sur mer.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks all - really helpful!
Posted by
25 posts
http://www.location-pornichet-vue-mer.fr/
https://www.saint-nazaire-tourisme.com/decouvrir/decouvrir-la-mer/saint-nazaire-et-ses-plages/
The best beaches are visible here, nothing to see with the hudge beach between Pornichet La Baule and Le Pouliguen. The beaches between St Marc and St Nazaire are also very good. For ex the beach of "la Courance". The problem with this very long beach of la Baule IS that the best beaches are on the left side and the best choice of bars and restaurants is in le Pouliguen, on the right side. Le Pouliguen has also a breton athmosphere. And the traffic is very slow in summer. In this area, La Turballe, Piriac sur mer, Le Croisic and Batz sur Mer have also nice beaches, and without ugly blocks.