Van road trip on the Guérande peninsula and in La Baule-Escoublac: 5 must-see gems
From dream beaches and salt marshes to medieval villages, the Guérande peninsula and La Baule-Escoublac are packed with treasures perfect for a van adventure. Here are our top picks for an unforgettable road trip.
The Guérande peninsula and La Baule-Escoublac offer the perfect blend of untouched nature, historic heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Travelling by van or motorhome, you can explore iconic sites, sample local specialities like Guérande salt or Piriac oysters, and soak up the laid-back Breton way of life. Here are five unmissable spots to add to your itinerary for an authentic and immersive journey.
Plage de La Baule
© Wikimedia CommonsWith its 8 km of fine sand and Art Deco seafront, this legendary beach is a must for a swim or a barefoot stroll along the shore. The ever-changing colours of the beach huts add a picturesque touch to this idyllic setting.
Where to sleep nearby
Cité médiévale de Guérande
© Wikimedia CommonsSurrounded by 15th-century ramparts, this fortified town takes you back to the Middle Ages with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the Saint-Aubin collegiate church and its stained-glass windows, or the Saint-Michel gate, a symbol of the city.
Where to sleep nearby
Marais salants de Guérande
© Wikimedia CommonsListed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, these salt marshes offer a unique spectacle of shimmering water basins and salt mounds. A guided tour with a salt worker will reveal the secrets of salt harvesting, a tradition dating back thousands of years.
Where to sleep nearby
Pointe de Pen Bron
© Wikimedia CommonsThis wild natural site, with its heathland and cliffs, provides a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and the islands along the coast. Ideal for a hike or a picnic by the waves, with the wind in your hair.
Where to sleep nearby
Port de Piriac-sur-Mer
© Wikimedia CommonsThis authentic fishing port, with its traditional boats and rocky coves, is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood. The flower-lined streets and maritime atmosphere make it a charming and delicious stop.
Where to sleep nearby
Écomusée de Saint-Nazaire
© Wikimedia CommonsHoused in a former submarine, this museum traces the industrial and maritime history of the region with interactive exhibits. An unusual visit to understand the working-class and port soul of Saint-Nazaire, just a short drive from La Baule.