La Baule-Escoublac, often known simply as La Baule, is a charming town in Brittany, close to Nantes. Established in the mid-19th Century as a fashionable seaside resort, La Baule has an enchanting past, and continues to attract well-heeled visitors from France and further afield. With a beautiful beach, hip art galleries aplenty and fantastic seafood, there’s no shortage of things to do in La Baule — and a wide variety of top-notch accommodation options to choose from. Our pick of the best places to stay in La Baule includes everything from simple B&Bs to restored mansions and grand sea-facing hotels.

La Baule has an intriguing history, with an 1879 railway connection opening the Breton coast to curious holidaymakers and a casino magnate investing heavily in the area post-WWI. A high society favourite by the 1920s, the town even played host to the motor racing Grand Prix. Stroll along promenades lined with imposing villas and luxury hotels, and you can still sense La Baule’s enduring glamour. Art enthusiasts should visit the Espace Culturel Chapelle Saint Anne and De La Vague à l'Art whilst in town.

Life centres around spectacular La Baule Bay, a 9-kilometre stretch of golden sand lined with shops, eateries and water sports clubs. Enjoy sunbathing, long walks, sandcastle building or gobbling ice cream as a family, or challenge yourself to wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, surfing and swimming. This is also a good spot to sample fresh seafood dishes or to sip sundowners with friends. Venture inland to go cycling, horse riding, hiking or to play golf and tennis — La Baule has it all.

The Parisian holidaymakers are expected in July and August, so book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in La Baule during the summer months!

The Best Places to Stay in La Baule-Escoublac

For a Cosy B&B

• La Villa d'Escoublac has just three modern rooms set around an inviting outdoor pool within a quiet garden. The beach is a few minutes' drive away, breakfasts are generous and the vibe is very relaxed. A great value B&B choice.
• Villa La Ruche offers spacious rooms and suites, a tranquil swimming pool and indulgent breakfasts served in a sunny conservatory. A warm, welcoming pick for couples. Horse riding enthusiasts will appreciate the equestrian centre, just 10 minutes' walk away.

For Boutique Chic

• La Palmeraie is a chic boutique hotel just a stone's throw from La Baule's glorious beach. Cool, contemporary rooms retain Art Deco elements, and the fabulous seafood restaurant is worthy of a visit in itself. A delight for romantics, foodies and fans of retro design.

For Families

• Hotel Sud Bretagne is a wonderful choice for a fun family trip to La Baule. Book an apartment with space for four guests, kick back by the pool or challenge your teens to a tournament in the games room. Complete with gourmet fare and spa treatments, this is a great one for the grown-ups, too.

For Luxury

• Le Saint Christophe offers a collection of four century-old villas tucked within leafy gardens. The 39 individually decorated rooms and suites are characterful, warm and welcoming — some have space for families, whilst others feel like honeymoon-style hideaways. With excellent French cuisine on site, this is a real showstopper.
• Hôtel Barrière Le Royal sits wthin a grand historic building near the seafront. Sophisticated guestrooms feature classic interiors with big cosy beds and crisp white linens, whilst suites have terraces with expansive sea views. A luxurious coastal pick for couples or families.
• Le Castel Marie-Louise promises a five-star stay for couples or families in a heritage manor house with elegant guestrooms and suites. Dine al fresco in the wooded park, cycle around La Baule, and sip a nightcap in the atomspheric bar after a big day of activities. An indulgent choice, with access to a plethora of activities in the area, including golf, tennis and watersports.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Nantes Atlantique Airport, an hour from La Baule by bus or taxi. Alternatively, look to travel by train from other regional hubs.
• Brittany is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking at around 21°C in July and August — though this is the busiest time of year in La Baule Bay. For a quieter trip, consider visiting in May or September, although the weather will be cooler.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Nantes.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Brittany.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in La Baule