La Baule Beach (Plage de la Baule)

The beach at La Baule is a long, gently curving arc of fine pale sand on the Atlantic coast of Loire-Atlantique, in the bay between Pornichet and Le Pouliguen. It stretches for around eight or nine kilometres, and it is often listed among the longest beaches in Europe. A broad promenade, the Promenade du Bord de Mer, runs the whole length behind the sand, lined with apartment blocks, hotels and villas, so that the shoreline looks like a continuous seaside town. The bay is sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic swell by headlands at either end, and the water is shallow and generally calm, which is why the beach has long been popular with families and young children.

The resort grew up in the late nineteenth century, when the arrival of the railway made the coast reachable from Paris and from the Loire valley. Developers planted pines on the dunes behind the beach, which gave the resort its green backdrop, and built villas in the playful style of the Belle Époque, with turrets, balconies and decorated roofs. Many of them survive in the streets behind the promenade, and a walk inland reveals a very different atmosphere from the beachfront. La Baule became a favourite of well-off French families, which still shapes its feel today, with smart shops, beach clubs and hotels.

A day on the beach follows a familiar pattern. Mornings are quiet, with walkers and joggers on the hard sand near the water's edge. At midday, families settle on the sand, and children play in the shallows, and the sailing clubs launch dinghies, catamarans and windsurf boards. Paddleboarding and other water sports are on offer, and the wide tidal range means that the beach becomes much wider at low tide, which is good for long walks and games. Check the tide times, since the stretch narrows at high water, and respect the flags that show where swimming is supervised.

At the western end of the bay, Le Pouliguen is a small fishing and sailing harbour with colourful houses, and it makes a good place to stop for fresh fish. The Casino Barrière de La Baule stands on the front for evening entertainment. The town also has a lively market, and the nearby Guérande salt marshes and the old walled town are good excursions.

It suits families, swimmers and anyone who likes a classic seaside resort. Summer is crowded and parking is difficult, so go early or visit in the quieter months.