The Pays de la Loire region has 450km of coastline stretching from the Marches of Brittany to southern Vendée , including 250km of beautiful beaches.

With fine sandy beaches, steep rocky headlands, secluded creeks and salt marshes, the Atlantic coast in the Pays de la Loire   offers a stunning array of natural diversity. The region's geography also lends itself to a wide range of leisure activities: coastal hiking paths, flat signposted cycle routes , great surfing spots, seawater therapy centres, shore and sea fishing,..

Picturesque seaside villages and lively resorts

La Tranche-sur-Mer is dotted with picturesque white houses and has lovely south-west facing beaches which are ideal surfing spots. The small seaside town of Piriac is known for its granite architecture, cobbled streets and hydrangeas along the walls.   

The lively fishing harbour of Saint Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is famous for its sardines. Le Croisic is also well-known for its animated fishing port. Pornic is a pretty fishing village perched on a rock.

Fishing cabins are built on piles along the Jade coast, and some are available to rent in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, La Plaine-sur-Mer, Préfailles and Les Moutiers-en-Retz.

La Turballe and Préfailles are renowned for their tranquil beaches and rocky coves.

Among the more lively resorts, are the chic resort of La Baule , the popular seaside resort of Saint-Jean-de- Monts and Les Sables d'Olonne  with its pleasant seafront promenade. The Vendée Globe sets off from Les Sables d'Olonne.

Unique natural sites

Pointe de l'Aiguillon and Pointe d'Arçay are two headlands sculpted by the waves in Aiguillon Bay. The bay is a great nature reserve, and l'Aiguillon-sur-Mer is even one of France's main migratory sites.

Partly in the Pays de la Loire, the Marais Poitevin is France's second largest wetland, its landscape has been created, shaped and maintained by water across centuries. You can visit the small tree-lined canals by rowing boats.

In Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, the Terres Rouges on Gohaud beach is a protected natural area which owes its name to its pinkish red cliffs and dunes.

All along the Atlantic coast in Pays de la Loire are authentic, preserved salt marshes, the most famous area is the Guérande peninsula.

Beautiful islands

The entire coastline has a rugged, natural beauty, exemplified by the . 

The peaceful Ile d'Yeu is great to visit by foot to explore the local fauna, flora and heritage, including the old castle. As for Noirmoutier, attached to the land by the passage du Gois causeway, it's known for its temperate climate, golden sandy beaches, pine forests and pale blue salt marshes.

> Short film of the Atlantic coast
> Plan your trip to the french Atlantic coast in Pays de la Loire