Discover the charm of the Atlantic coast
This is neither the trendy part of France and the French Riviera, nor does it boast sunny days all year round but the French Atlantic coast is unique in the world thanks to its magnificent landscapes and its historic tendency for entertainment! The French Atlantic coast is among the longest coastlines in Western Europe along with Portugal (the West coast of the UK being separated by the Irish Sea) and 8 departments have access to the Atlantic Ocean: Finistère, Morbihan, Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Today, its main cities are very attractive such as Brest in Brittany, Nantes in Pays-De-La-Loire and Bordeaux in Aquitaine. The two first cities have long been preeminent due to their traditional fishing ports and maritime trade, on top of the mighty Saint-Nazaire port which is specialised in merchant shipping and ship repair. This zone (between Saint-Nazaire and Nantes) is called the Loire estuary and stimulates the French naval trade:
As well as industrial activities, the Atlantic coast possesses beautiful panoramic views over the ocean traditional landscapes, and beautiful beaches bordered by exceptional dunes. Holiday makers coming from the four corners of the world spend their French holidays on the Atlantic coast, thus converting it into the Mediterranean’s rival. During the summer, many resorts such as La Baule or Royan see their population increase considerably, swelling the number of bartenders, restaurant staff, beach attendants, hotel and camp site staff.
Islands:
Then, there are an impressive number of islands along the coast from Aquitaine to Brittany. Above the Gironde Estuary, between Bordeaux and La Rochelle, you will find L’Ile d’Oléron and L’Ile de Ré. These are very touristy places, ideal for a holiday home, with guest houses and house or flat rentals quick and easy to find. You’ll come across fine sandy beaches, forests, salt marshes and oyster parks – each offering a unique invitation to get away from it all. With regard to oyster parks, one of the best known in France is the Bassin d’Arcachon in Aquitaine. Each district of the town of Arcachon offers a special and charming atmosphere highlighted by its elegant 19th century villas with sea viws. Many movies were shot there, emphasising the beauty of the peaceful surroundings!
In the department of Vendee, one finds added dynamism with the “Puy-du-Fou”, an amusement park created 30 years ago that reproduces the Viking and Gladiator ages for the enjoyment of young and old alike. But one of the main attractions in this department is the island of Noirmoutiers. A paradise for those from Normandy or Pays-De-La-Loire, Noirmoutiers is not windy (unlike most of the other Atlantic islands) and the weather is excellent. A road called “Passage du Gois” is known for its annual marathon and also because it is a mythical place of the Tour de France, the famous cycling race.
The small peninsula of Quiberon is a very popular destination where stars used to spend their weekends during the spring. Still in Brittany, Belle Ile Island is ideal for those wanting to make the most of the countryside and the sea.
For those loving the dynamism and the charm of the seaside, the Atlantic coast has all that you are looking for: from the touristic towns and cities of St Jean-de-Luz, Les Sables d’Olonne and La Rochelle to the hubs of St Nazaire and Brest…