Family Holidays on the Côte d'Amour: Activities for Young and Old
The Côte d'Amour—France's aptly named "Coast of Love"—delivers everything families seek in a memorable holiday. Here, golden beaches meet medieval towns and natural wonders, creating a playground for all ages. With Ker Gonan villa in Le Pouliguen as your family base, discover a region where seaside adventure, cultural discovery, and natural exploration combine perfectly for multi-generational enjoyment.
Beach Adventures: Safe Waters and Endless Fun
The Atlantic coastline offers diverse beach experiences, each with particular family appeal.
Le Pouliguen: Your Doorstep Beach Paradise
Just steps from Ker Gonan villa, Le Pouliguen's beaches provide sheltered swimming and wide sands perfect for castle building. The smaller coves like Plage du Nau offer ideal conditions for younger children, with gentle slopes and lifeguard supervision during summer months.
The coastal path linking Le Pouliguen to La Baule makes for an easy family stroll with pushchair-friendly sections and regular benches for rest stops. Watch sailing boats navigate the bay while enjoying an ice cream from one of the promenade vendors.
La Baule: Children's Clubs and Water Sports
La Baule's 9-kilometre golden beach ranks among Europe's finest, with excellent facilities for families. Beach clubs like La Corvette or La Mouette welcome children from 3-12 years with supervised activities, allowing parents precious relaxation time.
For active families, La Baule Watersports Centre offers age-appropriate sailing lessons, paddleboarding, and kayaking for everyone from beginners to experienced water lovers. The bay's relatively calm waters provide ideal learning conditions for young sailors.
Animal Adventures: Wildlife Encounters
Beyond beaches, the region excels in wildlife experiences that both educate and entertain.
Océarium du Croisic: Atlantic Marine Life
The Océarium du Croisic takes families on an underwater journey through Atlantic ecosystems. Children marvel at the shark tunnel, touch pools, and playful seal feedings. The tropical zone showcases colourful species while teaching about marine conservation.
Recent additions include the "Plankton Factory" exhibition, explaining these microscopic organisms' crucial role in ocean health through interactive displays suitable for all ages.
Branféré Animal Park and Botanical Gardens
Worth the 45-minute drive from Le Pouliguen, Parc de Branféré combines zoological encounters with botanical beauty. Over 1,500 animals roam in semi-liberty across landscaped parklands, emphasising conservation and education.
The Parcabout—enormous suspended nets among treetops—allows children to bounce, climb and explore safely while parents observe from ground level or join the elevated adventure. Educational workshops teach children about biodiversity through hands-on experiences.
Cultural Discovery Made Fun
History becomes an adventure when approached through child-friendly experiences across the region.
Guérande: Medieval Mysteries
The walled city of Guérande captivates young imaginations with its medieval atmosphere. The tourist office offers family-focused treasure hunts through cobbled streets and along ancient ramparts, turning historical exploration into exciting discovery.
During summer, costume workshops and knight training sessions bring the Middle Ages alive for children 6-12 years, while parents explore artisanal shops or enjoy café terraces within the historic walls.
Salt Marshes: Junior Paludier Experiences
The Guérande salt marshes reveal their thousand-year heritage through specially designed family tours. Children can try their hand at salt harvesting techniques, learning about this ancient tradition through age-appropriate activities.
The Terre de Sel discovery centre offers fascinating exhibits explaining how nature and human ingenuity combine to produce "white gold," with interactive displays engaging curious young minds.
Rainy Day Rescues: Indoor Entertainment
Even when Atlantic weather turns changeable, family entertainment continues uninterrupted.
Aquabaule: Tropical Swimming Paradise
Aquabaule water park delivers swimming excitement whatever the weather. The heated indoor complex features water slides, play fountains, and dedicated toddler zones. Older children tackle the racing slides while parents relax in jacuzzi pools—perfect for refreshing muscles after beach activities.
Cinema & Indoor Recreation
When the weather calls for an indoor plan (or you just need a break from the beach), cinema is always a good idea. The charming local theatre Le Pax in Le Pouliguen offers a cosy, independent vibe and a well-curated selection of films. For a slightly more upscale experience, La Baule’s Gulf Stream cinema combines great programming with the local tradition of grabbing a warm galette at Ar Poul Gwen next door — yes, it’s totally acceptable to eat it with your hands. And if comfort is key, head to Guérande's Ciné Presqu'île, where the larger cinema boasts plush seating and a broader range of showtimes.
Feeling adventurous? Try out the Escape Game de La Baule, a great family-friendly activity that mixes teamwork, logic and just the right amount of pressure. It’s the kind of challenge that gets everyone involved — and talking about it long after it’s over.
Practical Information
Beach Safety:
- Lifeguarded beaches (look for "Baignade Surveillée" signs) operate June-September
- Check tide times as the Atlantic coast experiences significant tidal ranges
- Beach clubs require advance booking during peak season
Family Essentials:
- Ker Gonan villa provides baby equipment (cots, high chairs, stair gates) on request
- Pharmacy and medical services available in Le Pouliguen centre
- Supermarkets in Le Pouliguen and La Baule stock baby essentials
Getting Around:
- The Petit Train tourist train connects Le Pouliguen, La Baule and Pornichet—a hit with younger children
- Local buses accommodate pushchairs
- Bicycle hire with child seats and trailers available from Bike Évasion
Conclusion: Perfect Family Holidays on the Atlantic Coast
The Côte d'Amour delivers that rare combination—activities that genuinely appeal across generations. From beach adventures to cultural discoveries, the region surrounding Ker Gonan villa creates lasting family memories in a setting of natural beauty and French charm.
Successful family break: book Ker Gonan for a comfortable, home-from-home stay right by the sea. Reserve your family holiday now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Le Pouliguen a good base for family holidays compared to staying in La Baule?
Le Pouliguen offers a perfect balance of accessibility and tranquillity for families. Unlike busier La Baule, this smaller coastal town provides a more relaxed atmosphere while still being just minutes from major attractions. Ker Gonan villa's location means children can safely walk to beaches and the harbour without crossing major roads. The village centre offers essential services within walking distance, while the quieter environment ensures better sleep for younger family members after active days.
Which beaches are most suitable for toddlers and young children?
Plage du Nau in Le Pouliguen offers ideal conditions for families with very young children. Its sheltered position creates gentler waves, while the gradual slope into the water allows safe paddling. The beach has lifeguard supervision in summer, clean toilet facilities, and shallow rock pools for discovery at low tide. Alternatively, the eastern end of La Baule's bay near Le Pouliguen provides similarly calm conditions with the advantage of beach clubs offering equipment rental and children's activities.
Are there any recommended family-friendly excursions beyond the immediate La Baule-Guérande area?
Several exceptional day trips lie within easy reach of Ker Gonan. The Brière Regional Natural Park offers punt boat tours through peaceful marshlands, spotting local wildlife. Planète Sauvage Safari Park near Nantes combines drive-through animal encounters with walking trails and shows. For history enthusiasts, the submarine base in Saint-Nazaire houses family-friendly Escal'Atlantic, recreating the golden age of ocean liners through interactive exhibits that fascinate all ages.
What activities can teenagers enjoy in the area?
The region excels in engaging older children and teenagers. Surf schools in La Baule and Pornichet offer lessons suitable for beginners, while more experienced teens can rent equipment independently. Tree adventure parks like Monkey Forest combine physical challenge with forest exploration. For independence, the safe cycling network allows teenagers freedom to explore between coastal villages, and evening entertainment includes open-air cinema on the beach during summer months and music festivals that welcome younger audiences.
