One Week in Guérande Peninsula: A Perfect Itinerary of Sea, Salt & Heritage

The Guérande Peninsula packs remarkable diversity into its compact geography—medieval towns perch above ancient salt pans, pristine beaches stretch alongside wild coastal paths, and tranquil marshlands shelter rich biodiversity. This carefully crafted seven-day itinerary balances seaside relaxation, cultural discovery, and natural wonders, allowing you to experience the peninsula's complete character without constant hotel changes or exhausting travel.

Day 1: Arrival and Le Pouliguen orientation

Begin your peninsula adventure with a gentle introduction to your immediate surroundings in Le Pouliguen, establishing a comfortable rhythm for the days ahead.

Morning: Settle into Ker Gonan

After arriving at Ker Gonan villa, take time to:

• Unpack and familiarise yourself with your home for the week
• Enjoy welcome refreshments on the terrace while planning your adventures
• Receive personalised recommendations from your Maison Estran host

Afternoon: Le Pouliguen harbour walk

Stretch your legs with an easy orientation walk:

• Stroll down to Le Pouliguen's charming harbour (15 minutes from Ker Gonan)
• Explore the local shops for essential supplies
• Continue along the marina, observing the boats and traditional fishing vessels

Evening: Sunset promenade and dinner

End your first day with:

• A sunset walk along Le Pouliguen's coastal promenade
• Dinner at Le Derwin, serving beautiful breton "galettes" by the sea.
• An early night to prepare for tomorrow's adventures

Day 2: La Baule beach and coastal delights

Dedicate your first full day to discovering why La Baule's magnificent bay has attracted visitors for generations.

Morning: Beach exploration

Experience Europe's finest bay beach:

• Walk the early stretch of La Baule's 9km crescent beach
• Observe the elegant Belle Époque architecture lining the promenade
• Take a refreshing swim if weather permits (summer water temperatures reach 22°C)

Afternoon: Water activities or spa relaxation

Choose your preferred pleasure:

• Active option: Sailing lesson with Le Pouliguen Yacht Club (beginners welcome), just a walk away from Ker Gonan.
• Relaxation option: Thalassotherapy treatment at Thalgo La Baule with sea-view relaxation areas

Evening: La Baule dining experience

Enjoy the town's sophisticated dining scene:

• Pre-dinner drinks at a beachfront café watching the sunset
• Dinner at Le Castel Marie-Louise for classic French cuisine with a modern twist
• Evening stroll along the illuminated promenade

Day 3: Medieval Guérande and salt marshes

Shift focus from coastal pleasures to the peninsula's remarkable cultural heritage.

Morning: Exploring walled Guérande

Discover one of Brittany's best-preserved medieval towns:

• Walk the complete circuit of the 1.4km ramparts for panoramic views
• Visit the impressive Collegiate Church of Saint-Aubin
• Explore artisan shops selling local specialties within the walls

Afternoon: Salt marsh discovery

Learn about the region's white gold:

• Join a guided tour with Terre de Sel to understand traditional salt harvesting
• Meet a working salt farmer (paludier) and learn harvesting techniques
• Visit the salt museum to understand the product's historical importance
• Purchase authentic fleur de sel directly from producers

Evening: Return to Le Pouliguen

Enjoy a relaxed evening:

• Prepare a simple dinner at Ker Gonan using fresh market ingredients
• Sample your newly purchased salt varieties with local specialties
• Plan tomorrow's nature adventure while relaxing in comfort

Day 4: Brière Regional Natural Park

Venture inland to discover France's second-largest wetland, a natural treasure just minutes from the coast.

Morning: Village exploration

Begin at the park's heart:

• Visit the traditional village of Kerhinet with perfectly preserved thatched cottages
• Explore the Maison du Parc visitor centre to understand the region's ecology
• Join a guided walking tour through protected marshland environments

Afternoon: Exploring by boat

Experience the marshes from water level:

• Take a traditional flat-bottomed boat (chaland) tour through reed-lined waterways
• Spot diverse birdlife including herons, egrets, and possibly kingfishers
• Learn about traditional fishing and hunting practices that sustained generations

Evening: Regional cuisine

Complete your day with authentic flavours:

• Dine at La Mare aux Oiseaux, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in Brière regional cuisine, or at 
• Try local specialties like eel, duck, or freshwater fish prepared with traditional methods
• Return to Ker Gonan under star-filled skies, far from urban light pollution

Day 5: Coastal adventure from Pouliguen to Le Croisic

Return to the coast for a day exploring the peninsula's wild Atlantic face.

Morning: Wild coast hiking

Experience dramatic coastal landscapes:

• Begin the coastal path from Le Pouliguen towards Batz-sur-Mer
• Discover hidden coves and impressive rock formations
• Photograph spectacular waves crashing against granite cliffs
• Reach the picturesque Pointe du Croisic with its dramatic vistas

Afternoon: Le Croisic exploration

Discover this authentic fishing port:

• Explore the bustling harbour where fishing boats still land daily catches
• Visit the fascinating Océarium du Croisic to understand local marine life
• Wander through narrow streets lined with sailors' houses dating from the 16th century

Evening: Seafood feast

Indulge in the peninsula's finest seafood:

• In La Turballe, dine at the MAJU, an elegant contemporary bistro overlooking the port
• Try the seafood platter featuring fresh catches landed metres away
• Return to Le Pouliguen by taxi after your feast (pre-book through your host)

Day 6: Markets, local produce and relaxation

Dedicate a day to culinary discoveries and leisurely enjoyment of your villa.

Morning: Market exploration

Experience vibrant local commerce:

• Visit the daily Le Pouliguen market or La Baule market
• Interact with local producers selling regional specialties
• Purchase ingredients for tonight's home-cooked feast
• Sample street food showcasing Breton specialties like galettes and kouign-amann

Afternoon: Relaxation at Ker Gonan

Enjoy your temporary home:

• Relax in the garden with a book and local refreshments
• Prepare seasonal ingredients for dinner
• Take a gentle walk along the beach to digest the week's experiences

Evening: Home dining experience

Create lasting memories:

• Prepare dinner in Ker Gonan's well-equipped kitchen using morning market finds
• Enjoy drinks on the terrace as the light goes down
• Share favourite moments from your week's adventures

Day 7: Pornichet and departure preparations

Complete your peninsula experience with final discoveries before departure.

Morning: Pornichet visit

Explore another facet of the bay:

• Visit Pornichet's elegant marina with impressive yachts
• Walk the less-visited western section of the bay
• Enjoy a final coffee at a beachfront café

Afternoon: Final relaxation

Maximise remaining hours:

• Last-minute shopping for regional products to take home
• Final beach walk collecting shells as mementos
• Relaxation time at Ker Gonan before packing

Evening: Farewell dinner

Conclude your peninsula adventure:

• Final dinner at Glouglou in Pornichet - beautiful food and divine wine selection
• Toast your week of discoveries with local Muscadet
• Return to Ker Gonan for comfortable final night

Practical information

Transportation: While public buses connect major towns, a rental car provides maximum flexibility for this itinerary. Most attractions lie within a 30-minute drive from Ker Gonan.

Seasonal considerations:

• Summer (June-August): Warmest weather but busiest period
• Spring/Autumn (April-May/September-October): Pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds
• Winter (November-March): Atmospheric with empty beaches but some seasonal closures

Advance bookings: During summer months, reserve restaurants and activities 2-3 days ahead. Pre-book thalassotherapy sessions and boat tours regardless of season.

Local resources:

• Download the La Baule-Presqu'île de Guérande app for current events
• Tourist offices in La Baule, Guérande, and Le Croisic provide maps and updated information
• Your Maison Estran concierge can arrange reservations and transportation

Conclusion: the perfect base for exploration

The Guérande Peninsula offers remarkable variety within a compact area—medieval heritage, natural wonders, gastronomic delights, and stunning coastlines all within easy reach. Using Ker Gonan as your comfortable base eliminates the hassle of changing accommodations while providing an authentic local experience.

This thoughtfully balanced itinerary combines active exploration with necessary relaxation, cultural discoveries with natural wonders, and dining adventures with home comforts. You'll return home with a comprehensive understanding of this multifaceted region and memories of experiences impossible to discover during a rushed visit.

Votre semaine idéale : posez vos valises à Ker Gonan et explorez toute la région sans stress – réservez maintenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one week enough to see the entire peninsula?

One week allows for comprehensive exploration of major attractions while maintaining a relaxed pace. The peninsula's compact nature means most sites lie within 30 minutes' drive from your accommodation, maximizing actual discovery time rather than transit.

Should we consider day trips beyond the peninsula?

While the itinerary focuses on the peninsula itself, optional day trips could include Nantes (1 hour), Vannes (1.5 hours), or Belle-Île island (ferry from Quiberon). However, most visitors find the peninsula offers more than enough for a week's exploration.

How physically demanding is this itinerary?

This balanced itinerary suits most fitness levels. The coastal walks can be shortened or extended based on preference, and many attractions offer both active and passive enjoyment options. The schedule includes sufficient downtime to prevent exhaustion.

What if weather conditions are unfavourable?

The itinerary can easily flip days to accommodate weather changes. Indoor alternatives include the Musée des Marais Salants, expanded thalassotherapy sessions, culinary workshops, and the wonderful covered markets of La Baule and Guérande.