The seaside resort of Le Pouliguen is situated on the Atlantic Coast of the Loire-Atlantique department just south of Guerande. The resort represents the southern end of the 'cote sauvage' and the start of an extensive stretch of long sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, along with the popular resort of La Baule starting just to the east of Le Pouliguen.
Exploring Le Pouliguen
The main beach in Le Pouliguen is long and sandy, and backed by the first of the apartment blocks that you can see lining the coast for a very long distance to the east. Its position at the end of the 'cote sauvage' means that if you walk a little way along the coast it becomes more rocky, with lots of small caves in the cliffs behind the beach.
The tourist office in the port of Le Pouliguen can give you a map showing the position of each of the caves - the most interesting are the Grotte des Jumelles, with two passageways leading into a large cave, and the Grotte des Korrigans (the korrigans are a mythical creature not unlike gremlins that are said to live in the cave). Cave exploring is best done at low tide!
Away from the beach there is a substantial harbour for pleasure boats and occasional fishing boats in Le Pouliguen which is a pleasant place for a stroll and a bustling lively area in summer. This continues on to the popular promenade area with its shady plane trees.
There is also a large wooded parc a little inland from the harbour front, surrounded by some impressive 19th century villas.
In the town you can also see the small 15th century Chapel of Penchateau - take a look at the stone cross (also 15th century) next to the chapel which features a very primitive representation of a crucifixion.
Attractions nearby
Le Pouliguen itself lacks some of the appeal of the pretty harbours such as Le Croisic to the west, and the beach doesn't have the sophistication of La Baule to the east - they are both exceptional in their own way and should feature on your list of places to visit nearby. You will discover all of these places as you explore the Cote d'Amour around Le Pouliguen.
Be sure to also visit the historic walled town at Guerande a few kilometres inland.
See more seaside resorts in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Loire-Atlantique guide and the Pays de la Loire guide.
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Map of Le Pouliguen and places nearby
Visit near Le Pouliguen with France This Way reviews
La Baule
La Baule-Escoblac is a very pleasant and popular resort with a long sandy beach - a toch of the French riviera in the north-west!
La Baule guide
Batz-sur-Mer
The resort at Batz-sur-Mer is much quiter and smaller than many nearby, ideal if you prefer to avoid excessive crowds!
Batz-sur-Mer guide
Guerande
Guerande is one of the most interesting towns in Pays-de-la-Loire, with its medieval fortifications intact and an attractive historic centre
Guerande guide
Le Croisic
One of the nicest fishing harbour towns in the region, Le Croisic is a lovely place to stroll around
Le Croisic guide
Pornichet
The emphasis in Pornichet, immediately south of La Baule, is most certainly based around the long and sandy beach
Pornichet guide
La Turballe
Less developed than some resorts here, the centre of activity in La Turballe is the long sandy beach
La Turballe guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Loire-Atlantique
Address: Pouliguen, Croisic, Saint-Nazaire, Pays de la Loire, 44510, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.277778, longitude -2.429167
Plan your visit to Le Pouliguen, Loire-Atlantique
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- La Baule: ville fleurie 4* (3 km)
- Guerande: recommended detour (5 km)
- Pornichet: ville fleurie 4* (7 km)
- Marais Salants de Guérande: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Briere: regional natural parc (18 km)
- Pointe Sainte-Gildas: site of natural beauty (21 km)
- Loire Estuaire: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Parc zoologique du château de Branféré: zoo or wildlife park (35 km)
- Presqu'île de Rhuys: site of natural beauty (38 km)
- Marais de Vilaine: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Embouchure - Rivière de Noyalo: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Passage Saint-Armel: site of natural beauty (41 km)
Market days in Le Pouliguen, France
A seasonal market is held in Le Pouliguen on Friday & Tuesday & Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Le Pouliguen (Francais)