What to see in La Baule ?

La Baule was built in the late nineteenth century around a simple idea: transform a pine-covered wasteland into a seaside resort for Parisian bourgeoisie. What remains is coherent Belle Époque architecture, turretted villas and verandas ranged behind the promenade, and a nine-kilometre stretch of fine sand beach that remains one of Europe's longest on the Atlantic shore. The atmosphere is that of a town at ease with its past without turning it into museum.

The best period runs from mid-June to late August, though September offers softer light and fewer people along the seafront. Two to three days suffice to explore the beach, the market at La Baule-les-Pins and the old streets of neighbouring Pornichet. The bicycle remains the most logical transport on this flat terrain. Avoid restaurants directly on the François-André promenade: prices rise without quality following suit.