Looking for the ideal beach destination for your next vacation? Set course for Le Pouliguen, a little coastal nugget nestled on the edge of the Atlantic. Families love its beautiful beaches (but beware of the Atlantic waves with the kids!), but the place is also known for its scenic beauty. Stroll around the marina, before skirting the wild coastline in search of caves carved into the cliffs... Time stands still for a moment, letting visitors soak up the promising salt air. Let's discover the 11 must-do activities in Le Pouliguen.
1. Relax in Bois du Pouliguen, a family paradise
A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike! The Bois du Pouliguen offers a haven of greenery for families looking for a quiet spot. The town's green lung, formerly known as Bois du Calvaire, is home to a variety of sports facilities, as well as play areas for children. In summer, the wood comes alive with a variety of events, such as mussels and French fries evenings or Soirées du bois, allowing you to spend a pleasant moment to the sound of music, carried away by the movements of the dancers.
Good to know: an orienteering course, complete with map, leads you in search of the 12 beacons scattered around the park. Happy hunting!
2. Visit the Musée Bernard Boesch, the art world
In 2014, the Musée Bernard Boesch opened its doors to art lovers. It exhibits works by Bernard Boesch and other renowned artists. Four temporary exhibitions are held each year. Painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture - there's something for everyone. The premises also house an artists' residence, open to the public at weekends, welcoming young talent for three-month sessions.
A little background information: In 2005, Bernard Boesch bequeathed his villa "Les Tamarins" to the town. His greatest wish was that the museum should promote contemporary artistic creation and preserve his work. Mission accomplished!
3. Enjoy the beach with your family on the Atlantic coast
Le Pouliguen's beautiful beaches make it an ideal destination for a charming vacation with children. Located on the border between La Baule and Le Pouliguen, Plage du Nau is the best known. The right-hand side is wilder, with large rocks. It's superb, but be careful if you're enjoying your vacation with children. On the left, they'll love the inflatables. It's best to go in the morning, however, to avoid burning yourself on the structures.
Do you prefer peace and quiet? Head forAnse de Toulin, where the small cove offers a haven of peace and quiet.
4. Explore the caves on the coast around Le Pouliguen
If Le Pouliguen is a must-see in the Pays de la Loire region, it's partly for the beauty of its wild coastline and hidden caves. Legends and mysteries stretch from Le Pouliguen to Batz-sur-Mer, where numerous coves and caves have found their place at the foot of the cliffs. Caves can often be discovered just by looking for a quiet cove in which to lay your towel. This is particularly true of Baie du Sphinx, famous for its Grotte des Jumelles and its pretty, unspoilt beaches. The grotte des Korrigans, steeped in legend, is also a must-see in the region.
5. Stroll along the Promenade du Pouliguen
A stroll along the Promenade du Pouliguen makes for a pleasant outing. You'll enjoy a lovely view of La Baule, the Nau beach and the port, towards which you'll head leisurely. It's a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy the scenery, before setting off to admire the pretty boats, a mix of modernism and tradition. Some of the little wooden boats are particularly charming! In summer, the promenade is adorned with music, adding a touch of animation to your vacation evenings. In short, it's the ideal place for a digestive stroll, or simply to take the time... to do nothing!
6. Stroll through the town center of Le Pouliguen
While Le Pouliguen has modernized over the years, the town center has preserved some of its original buildings. The houses of ship captains and ship owners have been preserved, offering a glimpse of the Pouliguen of yesteryear. A little further on, fishermen's houses also add a certain cachet to the town. It's a pleasure to stroll leisurely between stores and restaurants, discovering the town's heritage along the way. Guided tours, for which information is available from the Tourist Office, are available to help you learn more about the area.
7. Admire the view from Pointe de Penchâteau
Located to the west of the bay of Le Pouliguen, the Pointe de Penchâteau marks the beginning of the Côte Sauvage. The view across the bay is simply unique! Best of all, it's got it all: the beach, fishing on foot, beautiful villas and a feeling of plenitude.
Did you know? Traces of ramparts have been found on the Pointe de Penchâteau, testifying to the town's historic past.
The wilder environment of this pretty corner of Le Pouliguen makes it a popular spot with locals and visitors alike in search ofauthenticity.
8. Discover Le Pouliguen's religious buildings
During your visit to Le Pouliguen, you'll discover the sainte-Anne chapelthis XVᵉ century chapel is dedicated to Saint-Julien. Its sober exterior conceals magnificent architecture, a monolithic font and polychrome wooden statues inside. The neighboring Breton calvary, moving and simple, comes from the old cemetery of Le Pouliguen. The chapel and its calvary have been listed as a Monument Historique since 1925.
For its part, the neo-Gothic Saint-Nicolas church dates back to the XIXᵉ century. Take time to admire its 23 stained glass windows, inherited from the work of Meuret de Nantes.
Good to know: the church hosts concerts during the summer months.
9. Take a walk on the wild coast of Le Pouliguen
Afavorite family destination, Le Pouliguen offers walks accessible to young and old alike. Among them, the côte sauvage is a must. As we've already mentioned when talking about the local coves and caves, the côte sauvage offers some truly beautiful walks. On foot or by bike, you'll discover enchanting landscapes between the Pointe de Penchâteau and the Baie du Scall. The Sentier des Douaniers, which runs along the coast, takes you to the famous caves.
For hiking enthusiasts, follow the 2,000 km GR® 34. It's the perfect playground for walking addicts!
10. Shop for local produce
There's nothing like a little market to get you in the vacation mood! In Le Pouliguen, the Halles market is open from Tuesday to Sunday mornings, and every morning in July and August. Here you'll meet shopkeepers with a passion for their trade, eager to help you discover the delights of their region.
At the same time, from the Easter vacations onwards, the Place Jean Moulin is the venue for the big Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning market. From local produce to manufactured goods, there's something for everyone!
11. Go out to sea aboard a rowboat, an unusual experience on the Atlantic Ocean
Come aboard the sardine boat "Poulligwenn" from the port of Le Pouliguen, for a unique experience! Your excursion at sea promises an incredible view of the bay, passing by the port of Pornichet and the beach at La Baule. When the weather's fine, this old rig unfurls its sails, offering a sea ride as beautiful as it is unusual. During the trip, the captain will explain the history of the boat, while guiding you through the beautiful landscape that stretches out around you. Don't hesitate, it's an incredible experience!
Petit Futé tip
If you want to keep the kids busy other than on the beach, head for the Tourist Office. One quick registration later, the whole family is off on a treasure hunt of a lifetime. Clues and riddles allow children aged 3 to 6 to set off in search of Captain Morgane's treasure!
Where to stay in Le Pouliguen?
From the hotels closest to the heart of town for all conveniences, to the quietest establishments outside town, discover our selection of establishments perfect for vacations.
The coziest
We love thefriendly atmosphere at the aptly named Casa Cosy. Rooms are inviting, comfortable and elegant. As an added bonus, you'll enjoy the hotel's home decor boutique, pretty garden and tea room! One click here to book one of Le Pouliguen's finest hotels.
The most atypical
Staying at theHôtel Albatros is like staying at home, only better! You'll enjoy a warm welcome, a lovely patio for breakfast, a garden and all the little extras you could wish for. A beautiful address book here !
The best location
How about a pied-à-terre close to the beach, the town center and the wild coast? The Domaine de Cramphore is ideal for families on vacation. Swimming pool, children's playground, hammam: it's all there for young and old to enjoy their stay. Click here to book this Pierre & Vacances establishment.
Prefer the charm of a tent? There are some excellent seaside campsites all over France to satisfy your vacation cravings!
What to do in Le Pouliguen when it rains?
Although the Loire-Atlantique region is often blessed with fine weather, especially in summer, it can sometimes rain. But don't panic, you can continue to enjoy your vacation with our top tips.
The best things to do in Le Pouliguen when it rains
The Musée Bernard Boesch is a must-see in Le Pouliguen when it rains. Sheltered from the raindrops, you can discover the artist's work and much more. A whole artistic universe opens up to you.
Rain is also a great opportunity to relax in comfort at the Cinéma Pax in Le Pouliguen. Just in time for a good film, the good weather could well be back! Not the case? Why not visit the town's religious buildings? The chapel of Sainte-Anne and thechurch of Saint-Nicolas are open every day.
Finally, if it's raining early in the morning, head for the Halles du Pouliguen market. It's a golden opportunity to stock up on local produce! While you're waiting for the weather to return, at least you'll be putting some sunshine on your plate.
What to do around Le Pouliguen when it rains?
Twenty minutes from Le Pouliguen, discover theOcéarium du Croisic, a great place to visit with the whole family. Over 4,000 marine exhibits take you on a voyage of discovery of the ocean's riches. A must-see!
In La Baule-Escoublac, the Musée Aéronautique Presqu'île Côte d' Amour welcomes you if the weather's a bit gloomy (or not!). More than just a museum, it's a part of the region's history that you'll discover in this beautiful place. Is it still raining?Aquabaule, the town's nautical center, is the perfect place for families to have fun while waiting for a break in the weather.
In Guérande, the Château de Careil welcomes you every day. From the visit to the activities organized on site, young and old are sure to have a wonderful day. We also recommend the Musée de la Poupée et du Jouet Ancien, a fascinating and unusual place near Le Pouliguen.
If Le Pouliguen is a great vacation destination, we also invite you to discover the surrounding area. The pretty town of Pornichet, for example, can be explored via a number of beautiful discovery trails. This top 11 list of things to do in Guérande shows you another beautiful destination near Le Pouliguen, where you'll find everything from family activities to salt marshes. Of course, we won't leave the area without discovering the 13 things to do in La Baule, nor without tasting some oysters, mussels or buckwheat pancakes!
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train fares and book now!
