La Baule-Escoublac beach
Discover the enchanting La Baule Beach (La Baule-Escoublac) nestled in the heart of southern Brittany. This historic town unfurls along an expansive crescent of sand, bridging the once-isolated Le Croisic with the mainland. La Baule is a vibrant and fashionable seaside resort, boasting a unique charm and character. Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of numerous châteaux-style homes dating back to the 16th and 19th centuries, as well as indulge in the opulence of its luxurious hotels.
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Beach description
The expansive beachline of La Baule stretches for 12 km. To the east, it adjoins Pornichet, while to the west, it meets Le Pouliguen. Nestled between these two towns is a series of spectacular beaches, both free and privately owned by hotels. During the summer, parking can be quite challenging; thus, the most convenient mode of transportation to the beach is by renting a bicycle. A roadway runs the entire length of the beach. The westernmost section, Plage Benoit, boasts a pedestrian-only area, Esplanade Benoit. From Pornichet to La Baule, one can enjoy a scenic steam train ride, offering an indescribable delight to younger tourists.
La Baule Bay is stunning throughout the year. The water shimmers with hues of bright sky blue or green. The shore, shaped like a semicircle, is blanketed with soft, fine sand. At low tide, the vast expanse of the beach is revealed, becoming a playground for vacationers to enjoy walks, beach games, and cycling or horseback riding.
Travelers consistently give the resort top marks for several reasons:
- Prime Location: It is conveniently situated near the city center and not far from the railway station.
- Scenic Beauty: The bay's beauty is captivating, with boats adorned with colorful sails gliding across the water, the pristine sand, and the enchanting nature along the shore.
- Family-Friendly: The beaches are well-equipped to cater to families with young children and to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
- Sports Opportunities: There are organized groups for surfing lessons, horseback riding (starting at age 3), wakesurfing, parasailing, and more. Golf is a popular pastime, and many visitors rent boats or yachts. For budding athletes, there is a sailing school.
- Thalassotherapy Excellence: Renowned worldwide, people flock here to experience the high-level thalassotherapy treatments.
- Lifeguard Presence: The beach is monitored during the tourist season for safety.
- Robust Infrastructure: Accommodations, restaurants, markets, and rental services are all conveniently located within walking distance.
The evenings can be lively and somewhat noisy. Those who prefer tranquility may opt to stay in the southern suburbs, closer to Pornichet. An additional perk of this locale is the chance to purchase fresh oysters in the morning at the local fish market (starting at only 2 euros!) and savor them on the spot.
When is the best time to go?
The French Atlantic coastline is a splendid destination for beach enthusiasts, offering a blend of beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and maritime pleasures. Determining the best time to visit for a beach vacation depends on several factors, including weather preferences and crowd tolerance.
- Summer (June to August): This is the peak season, with the warmest weather and the most sunshine. July and August are particularly busy, as both international tourists and locals flock to the beaches. If you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and don't mind the crowds, this is the ideal time to soak up the sun and enjoy water activities.
- Spring (April to June): The weather begins to warm up, making it a pleasant time for those looking to avoid the summer crowds. The water might still be a bit cool for swimming, but it's a great time for beach walks and enjoying the coastal scenery.
- Early Fall (September to October): The water remains warm enough for swimming, and the summer crowds have dissipated. This period offers a more tranquil beach experience with mild weather, ideal for those seeking relaxation.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation on the French Atlantic coast is late June through early September, when the weather is most conducive to beach activities and the ocean is invitingly warm.
Video: Beach La Baule-Escoublac
Infrastructure
Visitors to La Baule, including French and foreign citizens, flock here not only for sports and casinos. The town boasts two thalassotherapy centers, spanning an area of over 3,000 km2. These centers offer both aquatic and "dry" treatments. In the multifunctional pool, guests can engage in gymnastics, receive massages, and enjoy "pearl" baths. Specialized courses are available for expectant mothers and individuals with musculoskeletal issues, nervous disorders, and metabolic conditions.
La Baule brims with vitality, offering a plethora of shops and entertainment venues for both adults and children. Chic hotels are situated directly on the promenade, while a short distance away lies private property, including French-owned villas and cottages featuring exquisite architecture with decorative pediments and mosaic motifs. As you wander beneath the shade of the pines, you are immersed in history.
The beautiful Le Castel Marie Louise, a 5-star establishment, is perched by the sea. Guests are greeted in the mornings with a continental breakfast. At lunch, one can savor local culinary delights, relax in the shade of the picturesque garden, or embark on a complimentary bike ride provided by the hotel. Beyond the standard amenities, the hotel is noted for its luxurious furnishings in spacious rooms and the stunning views from the windows.
A distinctive feature of La Baule is that the finest clubs, casinos, bars, and upscale restaurants are housed within the hotels lining the coast. As a result, the vibrant daytime atmosphere seamlessly transitions into the night, with the lively scene persisting until dawn.
Restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including local, European, and Asian. Some establishments specialize in pizza or barbecue. Seafood, a staple of the local diet along with sausages and pastries, is particularly popular.
Meat aficionados must sample the 'chotten,' a marinated and subsequently fried pork head. The 'cotriade' soup, fish baked in a thick salt crust, and stuffed clams will delight any gourmet. Those with hearty appetites can also indulge in a roll of 'Cesarca,' stuffed crab drenched in a spicy lobster sauce. For dessert, there's pudding with plums, which are marinated in apple brandy or rum before cooking.
The portions are generous, often accompanied by butter or pork fat. To complement the hearty fare, one can order Breton cider, available in several varieties: clear, sparkling, frothy, and with either floral or apple notes.
Weather in La Baule-Escoublac
Best hotels of La Baule-Escoublac
All hotels of La Baule-EscoublacUseful information
- Despite the large flow of tourists, La Baule is perfectly safe. However, generally accepted rules are not to be neglected.
- The railway station accepts high-speed trains connecting the resort with Paris (Charles de Gaulle, Montparnasse, Disneyland). There are buses going to La Baule. Except for the buses, the car is the very popular. Even in the high season in car rental companies are always available small cars, premium-class cars. Bail is not required. The hotel parking is an alternative to always occupied parking spaces.
- The weather is nothing short of subtle. July - end of September is the peak of the season, with no exhausting heat. In January-March it rains rarely, there is almost no frost. The water temperature in the bay in summer is up to 22 °С.
- it is worth a visit:
- Sightseeing tours, bus tours and sport plane tours.
- Numerous chapels, churches.
- Art galleries of Esprit Art, Art Comparisan.
- Atlantia Congress Palace.
- It is to get lost on foot. Visible from anywhere, the bright CASINO lettering will always help you navigate.