Le Pouliguen

Visit Le Pouliguen, Pays de la Loire

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.

Beaches and caves of Le Pouliguen

The main beach here 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 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!

Town and port

Away from the beach there is a substantial harbour for pleasure boats in Le Pouliguen which is a pleasant place for a stroll. 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.

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.

Be sure to also visit the historic walled town at Guerande a few kilometres inland.

Photos of Le Pouliguen (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Le Pouliguen: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Le Pouliguen, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Le Croisic 6km; Pornichet 7km; La Turballe 10km; Saint-Brevin-les-Pins 20km; Jade Coast 27km; La Roche-Bernard 29km; Pornic 31km; Noirmoutier 33km; Sarzeau 38km; Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys 39km; Ile Houat 41km; Ile-d'Arz 45km; Morbihan Gulf 45km; Port de Crouesty 46km; Arzon 46km; Ile aux Moines 47km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Le Pouliguen

Le Pouliguen tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Marais Salants de Guérande - site of natural beauty (15km) : Briere - regional natural parc (18km) : Pointe Sainte-Gildas - site of natural beauty (21km) : Loire Estuaire - site of natural beauty (23km) : Golfe du Morbihan - site of natural beauty (45km) : La Vraie-Croix - ville fleurie 4* (47km) : Notre-Dame-de-Monts - ville fleurie 4* (55km) : Marais de Machecoul - site of natural beauty (56km) :

French version: see Le Pouliguen (Francais)