The Western Loire coast is a sun-drenched tapestry of endless beaches, plus a rugged shoreline studded with hidden coves, classic fishing harbours and trendy marinas. Here and there, ancient salt pans glisten mysteriously.
Many of the seaside resorts are world-famous: La Baule, les Sables d'Olonne and the island of Noirmoutier, where thousands flock to enjoy themselves each summer.
Other are less well-known, quieter and more family-oriented, such as l'île d'Yeu, a tiny island where whitewashed fishermen's cottages have bright blue shutters, and the landscape is unspoiled, undisturbed.
There is so much to do along the 280 miles (450 km) of the Vendée and the Loire-Atlantique coast. Centre stage are the beaches. Ideal for doing nothing more energetic than sunbathing or building sand castles, they are also perfect or surfing, sand yachting or sea kayaking.
As for sailors, there's nowhere better to hone your skills, whether you are a beginner or dream of sailing single handed round the world, like the stars of the Vendée Globe race that starts in les Sables d'Olonne.
The sea is also home to fishermen from small ports such as la Turballe and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, where their boats return each day for the quayside fish auctions. At low tide, visitors search the beaches for shellfish.
Walkers love to hike the coastal paths, breathing in the bracing, ozone-rich air. Or let themselves be pampered, with thalassotherapy. This is the seawater spa treatment that eases away the stresses and strains of everyday life, then tones up your body before you go home.
For more on the joys of the Atlantic in the Western Loire region, visit www.westernloire.com
