Casino Barrière de La Baule

The Casino Barrière de La Baule stands on the seafront of the resort, facing the long arc of the bay, and it is the main address for evening entertainment in the town. The Barrière name has a long history in the French seaside tradition. The group traces its origins to the early twentieth century, when François André, a visionary entrepreneur, built a casino at Deauville in 1912, and his family's business later grew under his son-in-law Lucien Barrière into a network of casinos, grand hotels and restaurants along the coast. La Baule, with its sweep of beach and its Belle Époque villas, was a natural place for the company to put down roots, and the casino is closely tied to the resort's image of elegance and leisure.

Inside, the casino offers the standard features of a modern French gaming house. There is a floor of slot machines, tables for roulette, blackjack and poker, and separate rooms for the more serious players. Dress and age rules apply, and visitors must carry identification, which is usual in French casinos. Beyond the gaming areas, the building holds bars and restaurants, so many people come for dinner or a drink without playing at all. A programme of shows and events, from concerts to dinner entertainment, runs through the season, and it is worth checking what is on during your stay.

The setting is part of the appeal. A short walk from the casino brings you to the Promenade du Bord de Mer, the long seafront boulevard that runs along the whole of the beach, with a view over the sand and the waves. In the evening the lights come on, and the promenade fills with people strolling before or after dinner. At the western end of the bay, Le Pouliguen offers a quieter, more traditional harbour atmosphere, and its restaurants serve fresh fish. During the day, the La Baule Beach is the main attraction, with its long stretch of fine sand and shallow water, so a casino evening makes a natural counterpart to a day by the sea.

The resort's other hotels and shops sit close by, and the pine woods behind the front give a green setting. Visitors who prefer something less formal can stay on the terrace and watch the crowd, or go for a late walk along the sand.

The casino suits adults who enjoy games, shows and a polished evening out. Opening hours, dress rules and entertainment programmes vary, so check the official website before you go. Gambling carries risks, and it is wise to set a limit in advance.