La Loire Moderne

The villa is situated on the Côte d'Amour in a residential area of the resort town of Pornichet, Pays de la Loire. The town’s name comes from Port Niché which can be translated to “nestled port”, so you just know you’re in for a cosy seaside escape. And thanks to three beaches in close proximity, La Loire Moderne offers no shortage of sandy spots to bask in.

In addition to sandy beaches, in Pornichet you’ll also find supermarkets, restaurants, bars, a renovated promenade and even a casino. But Pornichet itself is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local attractions. The nearby resorts of La Baule and Saint Nazaire (15 minutes by car) offer a change of pace to the cosy appeal of Pornichet.

At 9km long, La Baule Bay boasts one of the longest beaches in Europe and carries a chic reputation thanks to its prestige hotels, historic villas, and bevy of activities. Perhaps most visible is the resort destination’s sailing credentials. Indeed, the nautical world-champion Peyron brothers were raised in La Baule. Sails of all colours bob and sway back and forth and make the coastline the perfect place to try your hand at sailing, dinghy sailing, kitesurfing, or other board sports such as surfing and paddle boarding. If those activities aren’t high octane enough, you can always try out an aquajet!

But seaside fun is not the only natural entertainment on offer. Barely a ten-minute drive from the villa brings you to Parc naturel regional de Brière, a nature park home to one of the largest marshes in France. A haven to explore by water, bike or on foot, the park is a great network of canals, reed beds, water meadows and thatched cottages. Take a flat-bottomed boat, called a “blin”, through this peculiar universe of shimmering flooded plains blossoming with white water lilies, yellow irises and excellent opportunities for bird watching.

Read more about Atlantic Coast

From the Loire estuary to cosmopolitan La Rochelle and historic Saintes, this part of the Atlantic coast and its surroundings attract visitors who come for the region’s superb beaches, charming market towns, delicious oysters and rich history.

Starting just south of the fine city of Nantes, the Marais wetlands are a paradise for keen bird watchers and the perfect place for peaceful nature walks, cycle rides and canoeing through the marshes. Then there’s the blue-flag beaches, seaside resorts and fishing villages of the Côte de Jade alongside walking paths, cycling trails and horse-riding opportunities. The sunsets along this part of the coastline are especially idyllic.

The Atlantic island of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île is loved for its vast beaches, sand dunes and watersports. Admire its incredible landscapes, dig for shellfish, learn about the history of the island’s salt production and cycle to your hearts content passing historic sites, forests, salt marshes and coast – stop off for oysters en route for an authentic island experience.  

Back to the mainland, discover characterful markets in the likes of Machecoul, Challans and La Roche-sur-Yon with Vendée specialities including beef, pork, Challans poultry, oysters, mussels, sardines, salt, white beans and a great range seasonal fruit and vegetables.

The Atlantic beaches of the Vendée coastline are wonderful, ideal for surfing and other water-based adventures, many backed by endless nature and woodland. La Tranche-sur-Mer has earned its ‘Famille Plus’ designation with its blue-flag beach, attractive promenade and family-friendly activities. For a change of scene, explore Le Marais Poitevin by boat and appreciate it’s magnificent natural surroundings -it's known as the ‘Green Venice’,

Puy du Fou is another highlight of this region, often considered one of the best theme parks in the world with its immersive adventures, period villages and spectacular shows.   

Further south, passing La Rochelle and the wonderful islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, head inland in the Charente Maritime and spend time in the historic town of Saint-Jean-d'Angely with its Abbaye Royale, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Santiago de Compostela route.

Historians will also adore the 11th century Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes. The city’s old quarter is a joy to explore whilst the Roman amphitheatre and Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes, another UNESCO World Heritage site, are a must-see during your time. End your day with a cruise along the Charente, a picturesque river that continues east towards Cognac, Jarnac and the vibrant city of Angoulême.