On the west coast of France, near the Loire River and the Loire Valley, there is a collection of pretty resort towns with a range of incredible beaches. In fact, this stretch of the coastline is known for its varied and diverse beaches, from romantic and dramatic bays to long, sandy strands perfect for days out for the whole family. So, whether you are looking to wine and dine a partner in pretty surroundings or you and the family want to have some proper seaside adventures, this area is ideal for a vacation in France.
In particular, the town of La Bernerie-en-retz is a resort of golden beaches, pretty coastal architecture from times gone by that remains untouched and well-preserved, endless water sports and leisure options, and much more besides. If you are after that family holiday in France, then a vacation rental in La Bernerie-en-retz is just the thing!
Located on the Côte de Jade, 50km from Nantes, between Pornic and Moutiers-en-Retz, La Bernerie-en-retz is a peaceful gem of a town with authentic Atlantic charm. Yet, at the same time, this pretty little place has both small-town appeal and all of the advantages of a bigger town. Lively, neat, and well-maintained, there are a range of pretty little shops to browse year-round, plenty of natural splendour to keep you entertained and occupied, and a range of wonderful bars and restaurants. Among these eateries, the restaurant Au G'Retz des Saisons has even been added to the Michelin Guide – so it’s all rather cosmopolitan for a small town! Of course, you can also eat well without having to dress up or go anywhere fancy, as well, as the town has some incredible seafood options. In fact, the prize-winning local oysters can be prepared for you by local fishermen and enjoyed there and then, sitting out on a rock on the seafront while sipping some excellent local white wine – a rather romantic idea, if we’ve ever heard it!
While you can still enjoy the incredible local seafood, La Bernerie-en-retz was historically a fishing town but has been more famous as a popular town for seaside retreats since the 19th century, in large part due to its unspoiled natural beauty and wonderful beaches. In fact, the entire town is fronted by its iconic Grande Plage, an 800m-long golden sandy beach around which much of the excitement, activities, and life of the town centres. This large strand has been awarded a European Blue Flag for over ten years and is a safe stretch of water that is ideal for families and for trying out water sports, particularly sailing. Better still, it is just 50m from the nearest shops and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy long, lazy days at the beach while making use of the amenities, if you book a villa in La Bernerie-en-retz.
In addition to this main beach, there is the strand at Crève-cœur with its golden cliffs and the town’s famous 200m diameter lake, meaning that you’ll always have somewhere to swim in town, no matter the tide. Plus, you’ll always have somewhere nice for a stroll, whether that is a gentle walk along the Grande Plage or a more vigorous adventure and a hike further into the well-preserved surrounding landscape.
So, if you want to get away from it all in pretty man-made and natural surroundings, eat really well, and play on the dreamiest beaches, then a holiday rental in La Bernerie-en-retz is a rather good idea, indeed...
