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!