Unforgettable Water Experiences in Western France

Western France is bordered to the North and West by the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. Our three regions – the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Brittany – each boast a magnificent and unique coastline.

Normandy and the Loire Valley also feature major French rivers: the Seine for the former, which also runs through Paris, and the Loire, Europe’s last wild river, for the latter.

These coasts and rivers promise wonderful experiences on and along the water!

Here are some ideas for discovering and making the most of the waterways of Western France.

©Loire Evasion

Sea and river experiences in Western France

In Western France, you will be delighted by the many experiences around the sea and rivers.

Sea experiences in Brittany: Discover this magnificent region of France from the sea, by boat. Aboard an authentic fishing boat or a privatized boat, explore the coasts and the sea.
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River experiences in the Loire Valley: On the Loire and the Cher, enjoy beautiful experiences in traditional Loire boats, electric boats or kayaks, close to the Châteaux de la Loire.

The loveliest harbours in Western France

In Western France, you will find some magnificent ports to discover during your stay in France.

Normandy:
– Honfleur: With its colorful houses and picturesque Vieux Bassin, Honfleur is a must-see.

– Dieppe: A fishing port renowned for its scallop fishing, Dieppe offers an authentic and lively setting.

– Fécamp: Known for its abbey and fishing port, Fécamp is a charming town steeped in history.

©PORIEL Thibault

Brittany:
– Saint-Malo: A fortified corsair town, Saint-Malo boasts an impressive port and a unique atmosphere.

– Concarneau: With its walled town and fishing port, Concarneau is one of Brittany’s jewels.

– Vannes: Situated at the head of the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes boasts a charming marina and a medieval old town.

Loire-Atlantique:
– Pornic: A renowned seaside resort, Pornic boasts a lively marina and a medieval castle overlooking the sea.

– Le Croisic: A typical fishing port on the wild coast, Le Croisic offers an authentic, unspoilt setting.

The most beautiful beaches in Western France

Brittany:
– The beaches of the Côte de Granit Rose: Along this magnificent coastline, large rocks sculpted by nature offer extraordinary shapes. These islets are only accessible at low tide.

– The Ile Vierge beach on the Crozon peninsula: Located near Morgat, this sublime beach is one of the wildest in Brittany. It is possible to see this beach from a coastal path overlooking the sea, but access is forbidden to preserve its wild aspect.

– La Mine d’Or beach in Penestin: This pretty beach is bordered by a high cliff with ochre tones. At the end of the day, at sunset, the cliff reveals all its reflections, unveiling a magnificent spectacle.
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Normandy:

– Étretat beach: Discover the magnificent pebble beach between the town’s emblematic cliffs.

– Deauville beach: With its colorful umbrellas and planks branded with American directors and actors, this beautiful beach is emblematic of Normandy.

– Omaha Beach: This large beach, known as one of the landing beaches during the Second World War, is steeped in history. It’s a place of remembrance, but also an ideal beach for a stroll.
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Atlantic Loire Valley:

– Port-Lin beach in Le Croisic: Nestled along the Wild Coast, this beach is distinguished by its natural beauty. Its smooth sand and unique rocks emerging from the water create a picturesque setting. Elegant villas are also located nearby.

– La Rinais beach in La Bernerie-en-Retz: The beach and nearby cliffs display a rich blend of colors, where shades of gray melt into deep rust and golden amber. These striking tones come from iron-rich water that flows through the rocks. It’s a truly unique sight along the Atlantic shoreline.

– Fontaine aux Bretons beach in Pornic: Renowned for its traditional fishing spots and distinctive rock formations, this beach is one of the highlights of Loire-Atlantique. Surrounded by golden sand and unspoiled scenery, it offers an authentic escape into nature.