One of the most beautiful bays in the world
Listed in the very select Club des plus belles baies du monde, the bay of La Baule unfolds a perfect arc over 9 km, from the port of Pornichet to that of Le Pouliguen. The fine golden sand, the calm sea, and the pine forest in the background create a unique landscape on the French Atlantic coast.
The modern history of the beach began at the end of the 19th century, with the arrival of the railway that brought the first Parisian holidaymakers. In 2004, a re-sanding of 310,000 m³ restored the central part to its former glory. The beach is now the first cashless beach in France.
Striped tents and seaside lifestyle
An iconic element of the Baulois landscape, the 750 blue and white striped tents and 170 wooden cabins dot the sand during the summer season. Tents and cabins can be rented by the day or for the duration of your stay from the licensed rental service on avenue de Gaulle.
The beach is maintained every night during the season · 160 bins emptied, access swept, toilets cleaned three times a day. On the nautical side, 13 marked channels allow for safe sailing, kite surfing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Along the promenade, the walkway extends across the entire bay: a stroll on foot, by bike, jogging at dawn, or enjoying an aperitif at sunset.
Practical information
From La Baule-Escoublac to Pornichet and Le Pouliguen
Multiple access points from the boulevard de l'Océan
From L'Écrin des Nymphes
The studio is located in La Baule-les-Pins, about 200-300 m from the eastern end of the bay. Expect 2 to 3 minutes on foot to reach the sand, or a little longer to get to the lively central area. By bike, the promenade covers the entire bay in less than 15-20 minutes to the ports of Le Pouliguen or Pornichet.
Antonin's advice
« My favourite time on the bay: early in the morning before 9:00, for surfing or skimboarding and to enjoy the smooth sand at low tide. For sunsets, head to the Pouliguen side with a beer from a local microbrewery and watch the sailboats return to port · unbeatable. Don’t forget to rent a striped tent at least once for the full Bauloise experience. »
Frequently asked questions
What is the length of La Baule beach?
La Grande Plage de La Baule stretches over 9 km of fine sand between the ports of Pornichet and Le Pouliguen. It is one of the longest beaches in Europe, listed in the club of the most beautiful bays in the world.
How to book a tent or beach cabin?
The 750 blue and white striped tents and 170 wooden cabins are managed by a single licensed rental service present on the beach, avenue de Gaulle. Reservations can be made directly on-site or in advance through the official rental service.
Is the beach supervised?
Yes, swimming is supervised by lifeguards in July and August, with first aid stations located along the promenade. Out of season, swimming is unsupervised and should be done with caution.
Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Dogs are allowed from October to March on most beaches. During the summer season, from April to September, their presence is prohibited on all beaches of La Baule, Pornichet, and Le Pouliguen.
Can water sports be practiced?
Yes, 13 channels are established in the bay: 11 for non-motorised vessels (catamarans, windsurfing, canoes), 1 for motorised crafts, and 1 dedicated to kitesurfing. Speed is limited to 5 knots in the channels.
Is the beach accessible from L'Écrin des Nymphes?
Yes, the studio is located in La Baule-les-Pins, about 2 to 3 minutes on foot from the eastern end of the bay. The bicycles provided allow you to easily cover the entire bay.