La Baule, in Loire-Atlantique, is one of the great seaside resorts of the Atlantic coast, with a fine-sand bay of nearly nine kilometres curving round to Pornichet and Le Pouliguen. The seafront buildings and villas, often in classic seaside style, line the long promenade, while the pine forest provides shade and coolness.
The shallow, sheltered beach suits families as well as lovers of watersports, sailing and sand yachting. The resort also offers golf, thalassotherapy, a casino, restaurants and shops, for a relaxing stay at any age.
Close to Guérande, the salt marshes, Le Croisic and Saint-Nazaire, La Baule fits easily into an Atlantic-coast itinerary. The direct high-speed train from Paris makes it an accessible destination for a weekend or a longer holiday.