Atlantic Coast Weekend: 48 Hours Between Le Pouliguen, La Baule and Guérande
The Guérande peninsula delivers the perfect weekend escape: golden beaches, medieval towns, and salt marshes bathed in Atlantic light. Just three hours from Paris by train, this coastal haven offers an ideal balance of relaxation and discovery. With Le Pouliguen as your base at Ker Gonan villa, experience the essence of the Atlantic coast in just 48 hours—from La Baule's elegant promenade to Guérande's historic ramparts.
Day One: Le Pouliguen and La Baule—Sea, Sand and Sophistication
Begin your Atlantic weekend where land meets sea, exploring the charming harbourside and expansive beaches that make this coastline legendary.
Morning: Le Pouliguen Harbour and Market
Start your day with a stroll through Le Pouliguen's harbour, where fishing boats bob alongside pleasure craft. The pedestrianised quayside bristles with seafood restaurants and café terraces—perfect for a leisurely breakfast watching the town come alive.
On Saturday mornings, dive into the vibrant market on Place Jean Moulin. Local producers showcase the region's bounty: freshly harvested Guérande salt, regional cheeses, Atlantic seafood, and seasonal produce. Stock up on picnic provisions or simply absorb the authentic atmosphere of coastal French life.
Afternoon: La Baule's Magnificent Beach
A short walk from Le Pouliguen brings you to La Baule's legendary bay—nine kilometres of fine, golden sand forming one of Europe's most beautiful beaches. The elegant promenade lined with Belle Époque villas tells the story of this resort's glamorous past.
Rent bicycles to explore the coastline at a leisurely pace, stopping at one of the many beach clubs for refreshments. La Baule offers excellent sailing opportunities for beginners and experienced sailors alike—a two-hour introduction lets you experience the bay from a new perspective.
Evening: Gourmet Dining
As evening approaches, the fishing quarter of Le Pouliguen offers great seafood restaurants. Try the QG Beach for great local food on the Le Pouliguen beach, or Le Café Jules for simple yet delicious "moules-frites" facing the port.
Return to Ker Gonan villa for sunset drinks on your private terrace, watching as golden light transforms the coastline before retiring to comfort after your first day exploring.
Day Two: Guérande and the Salt Marshes—Medieval History Meets Natural Wonder
Dedicate your second day to discovering the peninsula's cultural heart and unique landscapes just minutes from Le Pouliguen.
Morning: Medieval Guérande
The walled city of Guérande, just 10 minutes' drive from Ker Gonan, transports visitors back centuries. Enter through the imposing Saint-Michel gate and wander cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, gothic architecture, and hidden courtyards.
The 14th-century Collegiate Church of Saint-Aubin reveals stunning stained glass, while the ramparts provide sweeping views across the countryside and distant salt pans. Take time to explore the medieval gardens, recreating the herb and medicinal plants grown during the Middle Ages.
Afternoon: The Salt Marshes
The Guérande salt marshes represent a thousand-year tradition and produce some of Europe's finest salt. Join a guided tour with a paludier (salt worker) to understand the harvesting process and the delicate ecosystem supporting this ancient craft.
The Maison des Paludiers museum contextualises the historical importance of "white gold" to the region, while the vast expanse of marshes offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities—look for egrets, avocets, and even flamingos.
Evening: Sunset at Croisic Point
Complete your weekend with a drive to Pointe du Croisic, where dramatic rocky coastline faces the open Atlantic. Watch fishing boats returning to harbour as the sun sets over the ocean horizon.
Practical Information
Getting Around:
- Car hire is available at La Baule-Escoublac train station
- Local buses connect Le Pouliguen with La Baule and Guérande (Lila Presqu'île network)
- Bicycles can be rented in Le Pouliguen at Bike Evasion
Opening Hours (2024):
- Guérande ramparts: Daily 10:00-19:00 (April-September), 10:00-18:00 (October-March)
- Salt marsh tours: Daily tours at 10:30, 14:30 and 16:30 (April-October)
- Le Pouliguen market: Tuesday and Saturday mornings
Dining Reservations:
- Book restaurants 2-3 days in advance, especially weekend evenings
- Many restaurants offer seafood plateaus to take away—perfect for a terrace dinner at Ker Gonan
Tides:
- Check tide times for beach activities, as the Atlantic coast experiences significant tidal ranges
Conclusion: The Perfect Atlantic Weekend
From the medieval charm of Guérande to the belle époque elegance of La Baule, the Guérande peninsula delivers an enriching weekend break. With Ker Gonan villa in Le Pouliguen as your haven, experience these Atlantic treasures without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Turn-key weekend: privatise Ker Gonan for 2 or 3 nights and sample the very best of the Côte d'Amour in total freedom. Book your perfect weekend escape now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a weekend long enough to experience the Guérande peninsula?
While a longer stay allows deeper exploration, 48 hours provides enough time to sample the region's highlights. The compact geography of the peninsula—with Le Pouliguen, La Baule and Guérande all within 10km of each other—makes it perfect for short breaks. Base yourself at Ker Gonan villa for easy access to beaches, salt marshes and medieval sites without wasting precious time on travel.
When is the best time for a weekend visit to La Baule and surroundings?
The region shines from May through September when weather conditions typically allow for beach activities and outdoor dining. However, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer particular charm with fewer visitors, comfortable temperatures, and nature's changing palette. Winter weekends reveal a different side of coastal life, with dramatic seas and cosy local restaurants serving seasonal specialities.
Can I visit without hiring a car?
Yes, car-free exploration is entirely possible. Arrive by train at La Baule-Escoublac station (just 3 hours from Paris Montparnasse), then take a short taxi ride to Ker Gonan villa. Local buses connect Le Pouliguen with La Baule and Guérande, while bicycle hire provides freedom to explore coastal paths. Guided excursions to the salt marshes can be arranged with pick-up from your accommodation.
What should I prioritise if I only have 48 hours?
Focus on the contrasting experiences that make this region special: La Baule's magnificent beach, Guérande's medieval citadel, and the unique salt marshes. Allow time for gastronomic pleasures—sampling local oysters, Guérande salt caramels, and fresh seafood. Balance sightseeing with relaxation at Ker Gonan villa, where the coastal setting invites you to unwind between explorations.
