One of the geographic perks of Nantes is the fact you’re never far from the ocean. There are dozens of easily accessible seaside towns to explore for a day or more.
On a sunny weekend, I picked Le Croisic, just an hour from Nantes by train. I’ve been there a few times as a kid and most recently in 2015 with Mark but it was always to visit the popular oceanarium, never for the beach.
Just as well—as I found out, there are no great beaches in Le Croisic, just a few sandy hidden coves. This is not the place to be if you’re looking for traditional beach activities and swimming opportunities. However, if you fancy a long walk atop cliffs and along the coast with great viewpoints on deep-blue waters, you won’t be disappointed.
The first thing I saw when I arrived was salt marshes on the age of the Atlantic. The train stopped in the tiny station a few blocks from the harbour and the centre of the town. Slate roofs, several crêperies, fishing boats and a menhir… yep, felt like Brittany.
Le Croisic is a peninsula, so I started north and just followed the coast. It was picturesque with wild flowers, cliffs, a lighthouse and a few landmarks.
However, the rare social interactions I had were… weird. People, locals and tourists alike, looked miserable and some were borderline rude. Saint-Gilles—another popular seaside town—welcomes tourists with open arms and always feels lively and fun. So, why the long face, Le Croisic?
Maybe it’s the salt marshes making people… salty.
Share this article!
Leave a reply