The departement of Loire-Atlantique is located on the west coast of France, where the Loire River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The green countryside that surrounds the last few dozen miles of the winding Loire River give way to a dramatic and wild coastline with wide, sandy beaches and pleasant, traditional fishing villages that have now become seaside resorts. There are plenty of accommodation options in these coastal towns, and the Loire Valley is a very popular place to camp. The main town of Nantes, located inland but on the Loire River, is a great place to base yourself or to visit if you are more interested in culture or history.
The Cote Sauvage or Wild Coast makes up the northern part of Loire-Atlantique's coastline. As the name suggests, this area is home to steep, rocky cliffs and narrow, sheltered coves, rather than the sandy beaches you find further south. There are lots of walking trails with impressive views along this part of the shore while the small town of Le Croisic is a traditional fishing port that has now reinvented itself as a holiday resort. Many of the best historic features have been preserved, such as the harbour area and the town's Gothid church. Head further south and you come to the larger and more conventional resort of La Baule. There is a huge sandy beach here, with plenty of space in the summer months all the amenities that make for a great beach holiday, such as bars, restaurants and even a casino!
On the other side of the bay where the Loire River enters the Atlantic Ocean is the Jade coast, a less dramatic region than the Cote Sauvage, but with many more beaches and small, family-friendly seaside resorts. Pornic is one of the most popular, with an impressive castle and unchanged medieval old-town, as well as a harbour that caters to both local fishermen and tourist yachts. There are several popular and pleasant sandy beaches either side of the town, while the Chemin des Douaniers walking trail is a great way to walk off all the seafood meals you will be eating here.
Nantes is the main town in the area and is an interesting and attractive town that is worth missing a day on the beach for. The centre is a mix of medieval houses and 18th century public buildings, with large squares that fill with pavement cafes in the summer. If the weather is bad, Nantes is home to several museums, including one about the life of the writer Jules Verne who was born in the town.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Loire-Atlantique? Then below is a selection of gites in Loire-Atlantique and villas in Loire-Atlantique that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
