La Baule

About La Baule

La Baule in Atlantic Loire Valley is a fantastic, stylish seaside resort famed for its beach - an expanse of fine sand nearly 9km long that is regarded as one of the best beaches in Europe.

Named as one of the 'most beautiful bays in the world', the draw of La Baule really is the striking beach and its bay, which is the perfect place for a multitude of watersports. Built in the 19th century when the seaside tourist industry boomed in Europe, La Baule is a sophisticated town with lots of upmarket hotels alongside the beach, several thalassotherapy centres utilising the power of the sea in their spa treatments and a casino where you can try your luck on the games tables.

Places to visit

The village of Escoublac was buried by the sand repeatedly over the centuries and moved further and further inland until a decision was made in the 1800s to plant the sand dunes to prevent this erosion. Escoublac became La Baule when it was developed into a seaside resort to rival Deauville and Le Croisic in 1869.

Located near the Brittany border, you can find some brilliant crêperies in La Baule with the towns best bars, cafes and restaurants to be found on the main shopping street, the Avenue de Gaulle. Take to the sea and try something you have never tried before - surfing, windsurfing or maybe even catamaran sailing!

Or, if you prefer to spend your time on dry land, why not play tennis beside the beach or go horseriding in the nearby countryside and woods? The kids will love the beach club where they can enjoy a variety of different activities such as volleyball, table tennis and several different watersports.

Nearby you'll find the seaside towns of Pornichet, and St Nazaire as well as the salt flats of Guérande and the Monkey Forest Adventure Park. Also close-by are the artistic city of Nantes and the islands of Noirmoutier and Ile d’Yeu.

The easiest way to get La Baule via the ferry is from St Malo. The resort lies just two and a half hours away from La Baule by car, taking in the vibrant city of Rennes. You can catch the ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo, taking around 11 hours.