Côte d'Amour: this is THE seaside destination to discover in France

On your next trip to France, forget Paris or the French Riviera. If you love seaside scenery, great food, and charming small towns, there's a "new" destination worth exploring.

The Côte d'Amour, a region bordering southern Brittany and the Loire-Atlantique coastline on the Guérande peninsula, includes a host of towns and seaside resorts perfect for an unforgettable holiday.

Here are 5 small towns that have everything to charm us on the Côte de l’Amour: 1. La Baule-Escoublac

The town of La Baule-Escoublac, or simply "La Baule," is a chic seaside resort populated by charming traditional beach clubs, historic villas, and pretty boutiques. Listed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, La Baule Bay owes its fame to its beach, which, at 9 km, is one of the longest in Europe.

For a typical Beauloise stroll, head to the 2-km-long Avenue du Général de Gaulle. Lined with shops and restaurants, it's the city's liveliest street. You can also continue your stroll beyond the avenue to admire the many villas with their unique architecture and prestigious hotels for which the city is renowned.

2. Guérande

Made famous for its salt marshes, Guérande is also a fortified medieval city that can be discovered by crossing the famous Saint-Michel Gate and its walls. You'll find iconic monuments and historic sites dotted with artisan shops and charming terraces.

To explore the salt marshes, head to La Maison des Paludiers , which offers an immersion into this little-known world on our side of the Atlantic. From April to October, tours of the marshes are organized to allow you to observe the salt workers at work and witness the salt harvest.

3. Pornichet

Want to spend your vacation with your toes in the sand? Head to Pornichet, where the beach is a true art of living! Whether you want to lounge around watching the waves, try surfing or paddleboarding, or enjoy a sunset cocktail, you'll be spoiled for choice with the town's three beaches.

Another gem not to be missed is the Remblai, a veritable seaside boulevard of more than 2 km which allows you to stroll, on foot or by bike, while admiring the ocean.

To continue exploring nature, head to the Pointe du Bé, where you can see the legendary Château des Tourelles amidst narrow avenues and period villas. At the end of the point, put on your walking shoes to begin the 13 km coastal path.

If you prefer a little more lively life, head to the station area where you'll find plenty of friendly restaurants and bars.

For an unforgettable sunset, head to the port. From the Market Square, take the bridge to the marina and sit on a terrace to enjoy golden hour with a drink in hand.

4. Batz-sur-Mer

A pretty seaside resort, Batz-sur-Mer (pronounced Ba-sur-Mer, like the locals!), you will find not only beaches, but also a rich historic center and, of course, salt marshes .

We love its wild coastline with its rocky cliffs and golden sandy beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Those with a sweet tooth absolutely must visit the Biscuiterie Saint-Guénolé , which for over 100 years has been offering delicious palets, galettes and other Breton delicacies made, of course, with their delicious butter!

To end the day in style, head to the Coco restaurant for a gourmet meal with a breathtaking view of the cliffside.

5. Le Croisic

Located at the tip of the Guérande peninsula, Le Croisic became the first seaside resort on the coast with the arrival of the railway in the ^19th century. Well known for its fishing port, this charming little coastal town was for a long time the main trading point for white gold, the precious sea salt of Guérande.

For a lovely stroll along the coast, take the Sentier des Douaniers (be careful, bicycles are prohibited) to admire the wild coastline for 10 km.

To feel like you're walking on the sea, a stroll along the Tréhic pier is also worth a visit. At the end of the 858-meter stretch, you'll find the Tréhic lighthouse, from where you can admire the city from a new perspective.

You haven't had your fill of beaches yet, no worries, Le Croisic has no fewer than six!

For those who love lively little streets, shops and restaurants offering delicious local products, head to the charming port district.