10 Best Things to Do in La Baule

La Maison des Paludiers is a discovery centre in the heart of the Guérande salt marshes. Straddling 9 Southern Brittany towns, the 2,000-hectare expanse is an open-air mosaic of reflective salt pools. Local salt-marsh workers still mine the ponds for “white gold” using traditional farming methods.

Travellers can join an hour-long tour to traverse small sections while learning about its history and extraction practices. See how workers channel seawater into the canals and crystallise the white stuff in a saltpan. Photo ops abound, and participants can try freshly refined salt straight from the source.

Château de Careil is a lovely old fortified home on the northern edge of La Baule. The castle-like chateau was constructed in the late 14th century and expanded over the next 200 years. Protestants later used it as a place of worship during the Reformation, which saw the chateau come under attack from the Catholic League.

Visitors can take an hour-long tour of the grounds to learn about its history and admire the lavish décor. A passionate, English-speaking guide leads each trip, incorporating funny anecdotes and interactive games for the little ones.

Market La Baule is the resort town's primary produce market and a great place for self-caterers to stock up on supplies. Even if you don’t fancy cooking during your holiday, it’s worth wandering the market to obtain insight into local life. Animated vendors hawk an assortment of locally sourced wares, from regional honey and Guérande salt to fresh fruit and veggies.

The sprawling market also has a sizeable artisan’s quarter, where local craftspeople exhibit their work. Come here to shop for boutique apparel, pottery, knickknacks, and regional souvenirs. Sunday is the busiest day of the week, so plan your visit accordingly. 

Plage de La Baule is a long beach straddling the city’s southern perimeter. Running 9 km between Pornichet to Pouliguen, this sun-drenched stretch is among the longest beaches in Europe. During summer, thick swarms of sun-bathers gravitate around its ritzy beach clubs, bars, and hotels.

If you’d prefer more privacy, head east or west along the scenic waterfront promenade. It’s easy to find serenity-inducing seclusion in Plage de La Baule due to its sheer size. What’s more, calm lapping waves make the stunning stretch suitable for families with children in tow.

Tropicarium Bonsaï La Baule is a beautiful 5,000-square-metre bonsai garden a quick drive east of central La Baule. You don’t have to be an avid green thumb to appreciate this eclectic collection of pint-sized trees. From agaves to mangaves, the site houses over 2,000 species. Plants herald from all corners of the globe – keep an eye out for the 12-metre-high Japanese Niwaki.

Don’t miss the 600-square-metre greenhouse, where you’ll find some of the garden’s most delicate species. See something you like? Most bonsai are available for sale. Tropicarium Bonsaï La Baule also serves as a wildlife refuge, housing exotic animals like turtles, migrating birds, and Indian stick insects.

Parc des Dryades is one of La Baule’s most serene green spaces. Shaded paths crisscross this hilly park, making it popular for exercising or romantic strolling. Distinct Japanese elements like bronze Buddha statues and bamboo groves give some sections an exotic feel.

Parc des Dryades is also a popular spot for local families, thanks to its impressive playground. Comprising spring rides, slides and swings, the sprawling play area brings the little ones plenty of thrills. During the summer months, ad-hoc concerts take place at the park's open-air amphitheatre.

Espace Culturel Chapelle Sainte-Anne is a small church and cultural space in the centre of La Baule. A lack of funding left the late 19th-century chapel abandoned for many years. Thankfully, the local council renovated the site in the 1980s to serve as a cultural centre and community concert hall.

The space now hosts up to 20 cultural events each year. Shindigs range from concerts to presentations and exhibitions showcasing paintings, sculptures and photography. Check the official website to see what’s on during your visit.

Aviation aficionados might adore the Aerospace Museum in La Baule. The volunteer-run organisation restores donated old planes, fine-tuning each component to bring them back to flying condition. Since opening its doors, the museum has successfully restored around 20 aeroplanes.

Due to space and budget limitations, most re-conditioned aircraft are donated to other institutions. Nonetheless, you’ll find an impressive selection of antique aeroplanes on-site, including a few magnificent wartime machines. Little up-and-coming aviators can learn to fly in the museum’s toddler-friendly flight simulator.

Thalassotherapy Centre Thalgo is an upmarket day spa in a fancy inner-city resort. The soothing oasis of calm forms part of Hôtel Barrière Le Royal, the official lodging of the Casino Barrière La Baule. True to its name, the focus is on thalassotherapy, a popular wellness approach revolving around seawater healing.

The spa offers package deals and an expansive a la carte menu, including face and body care, as well as massages. There’s also a solid selection of medical spa treatments, which harness cutting-edge technology to restore one's vitality.

Casino Barrière La Baule is the resort town’s premiere gambling hall. The stately edifice impresses punters with its glitzy interiors and striking façade. You’ll find a wide array of table games, from blackjack and roulette to Texas hold ‘em poker.

Just want to slide a few euros into the slots? The casino has a wide selection of state-of-the-art options on offer. There’s also a decent onsite restaurant and a stylish sports bar. To ensure entry to the casino, dress respectably (no swimwear or singlets) and bring your ID.