La Baule Beach: reviews and practical tips

+23
recs
3.7/5 6 reviews
Boulevard de l'Océan, 44500 La Baule-Escoublac, France
Boulevard de l'Océan, 44500 La Baule-Escoublac, France
Plage de La Baule

One of Europe's longest sandy beaches

Located in western France along the Atlantic coast, La Baule Beach and its 5.5 miles of fine sand stretching in a sweeping crescent are widely considered one of the finest seaside spots in Europe.

A success story dating back to the 19th century

While the resort town developed in the late 19th century as the newest addition to the Guérande peninsula, it quickly earned a chic reputation built on coastal elegance, a relaxed lifestyle, and eclectic villas.

Spanning from the pointe du Bec to the pointe de Penchâteau, the shoreline is shared between Pornichet and Le Pouliguen. A mild microclimate and the arrival of the railway allowed it to draw European royalty and celebrities, cementing its international appeal. Charming and family-friendly, the beach was once known for its wooden beach huts, which were later replaced by luxury hotels.

Water sports and much more

Backed by an extensive pine forest, the beach sits between the sea and the countryside, offering sweeping ocean views year-round. Water sports take center stage here, featuring local specialties like the foil, a boat equipped with hydrofoils that lifts it above the water for high-speed thrills. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can cycle or go horseback riding along the network of dedicated equestrian trails. To recharge, try a niniche (a traditional local lollipop), fondant baulois chocolate cake, or a buckwheat crêpe.

To preserve its popular shoreline, the beach utilizes a clever drainage and sand-replenishment system. Beneath the sand, a vast tank collects and drains sediment to combat erosion. The captured water is then recycled to heat and supply the municipal swimming pool.

Reviews of the La Baule Beach

Summary of 6 reviews
3.7/5
Average rating
+23 recs +24 -1 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.8
As a couple
2.7
With friends
3.8

Avygeo ranking

#118
in the world
#106
in Europe
#59
in France
#1
in La Baule-Escoublac

A beach that doesn't live up to the hype

This beach really doesn't live up to the hype when you look at all the 1960s apartment buildings lining it. Not to mention the constant construction and the view of the wind farms in the distance. Nevertheless, the promenade lets you walk for a long distance, and it is perfect for rollerblading or just strolling around while enjoying a good ice cream from La Fraiseraie!

14
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A perfect setting

The beaches of La Baule are simply magnificent, with their fine sand and vast stretches that invite you to relax.
Whether for a walk, a run, or just to soak up the sun, it is a real pleasure.
The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly, and the seascapes offer a perfect setting to recharge in front of the ocean.

12
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Big beach surrounded by buildings

Sure, the sandy beach is huge, but all those buildings lining it are not exactly the most elegant...
So nothing wild about it, but having such a vast beach right in town is still nice.
Way too crowded in the summer.

12
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Nice beach, but overcrowded in the summer

Almost dead in the off-season, La Baule beach is taken by storm in the summer by second-home owners and tourists. Sure, the massive beach with its clear water and fine sand is attractive from a distance, but sometimes it is really hard to find a spot to put your towel down when the ocean view is not blocked right in front of you by a bunch of umbrellas. To avoid the crowds a bit, head closer to the Casino, it is a little less busy.

As for beach activities, La Baule does not offer much. If you want to go jet-skiing or parasailing, you are better off staying in Pornichet.

12
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Big and lively but way too much concrete

La Baule, one of the biggest sandy beaches in Europe. For sunbathing, maybe taking a dip, and going out at night, this beach does the job.
Now, if you want to relax quietly by the seaside, the beach isn't wild enough for my taste. Too many people, too many cars, too many buildings, too much concrete.

12
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Great sandy beach

Look, you have to like crowds and concrete, but La Baule beach, which is advertised as the biggest in Europe (is that even true?), is pretty nice. The whole town is nice, by the way, for a short summer getaway.

12
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