Côte d'Amour - Loire-Atlantique, France
Often described as the finest beach in Europe, the bay of La Baule curves for 9 kilometres of fine sand. Together with the medieval town of Guérande, the salt marshes and the easy charm of the Côte d'Amour, it is a stretch of coast we never tire of exploring.
Discover La BauleWe have been walking the Côte d'Amour for years, and it still surprises us. A landmark seaside resort on France's Atlantic coast, La Baule is known for its legendary 9-kilometre beach, its Belle Époque villas, its seafood and the richness of the country just inland. From Guérande to the Brière marshes, we invite you to explore a landscape caught between ocean and wetland. To round out your planning, the La Baule-Guérande Tourist Office is well worth a visit.
Four worlds to discover for an unforgettable stay on the Côte d'Amour
15 essential sights and activities: the beach, Guérande, the salt marshes, the Brière and much more
Our pick of 12 tables in La Baule: fine dining, seafood, crêperies and bistros
13 selected hotels: five-star palaces, boutique hotels and characterful guesthouses
France's CSIO 5*: world-class show jumping every June at the Stade François André
Six good reasons to choose the Côte d'Amour for your next trip
Nine kilometres of fine sand in an even arc, turquoise water in summer and a listed Art Deco seafront
A 15th-century walled town with some of the best-preserved ramparts in Brittany, ringed by thousand-year-old salt marshes
Seafood platters, PGI Guérande sea salt, Pen Bron oysters and Michelin-starred kitchens
One of France's largest equestrian competitions, free to attend, every June
The Brière Regional Nature Park (France's second-largest wetland), the wild coast at Le Croisic and the GR34 coastal path
More than 300 listed historic villas, Art Deco architecture and an authentic seaside spirit
With nine kilometres of fine sand, the beach at La Baule is regularly named among the most beautiful in Europe. Its even arc facing the Atlantic makes for ideal swimming, watersports and walking — we come back every season and the view still stops us.
The seafront, lined with Belle Époque villas and grand hotels such as the Hermitage Barrière, has been the beating heart of the resort for over a century. Beach clubs, bathing huts and panoramic terraces set the rhythm of summer from June to September.
Every June, the Stade François André hosts France's CSIO 5*, one of the most prestigious rounds on the world show-jumping circuit. The best riders in the world compete in a remarkable setting, a short walk from the beach. We cover the event every year and the atmosphere is like nothing else.
Free entry to a large part of the programme, a festive mood and top-level equestrian sport: the Jumping International draws around 45,000 spectators across the weekend and turns La Baule into France's horse capital for a few days.
Everything you need to plan your stay in La Baule
Paris Montparnasse to La Baule in 2 hr 30 on a direct TGV. The station is in the town centre. Book on SNCF Connect.
A11 then N165/N171. Paris to La Baule: about 4 hr 30. Nantes to La Baule: 1 hr 15. Paid parking in the town centre in season.
Nantes Atlantique Airport is about 80 km away. Shuttles, trains and car hire are available to reach La Baule.
June to September for the beach and swimming. April-May and October for quieter streets and softer prices. The Jumping is in June. The full calendar is on the Tourist Office website.
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