The best beaches for families

Plage de Pont Mahé - Mediterranean feel

You won't believe your feet – having dipped them into the water, which can reach 28°C in summer due mainly to its shallow depth, you'll understand why some call this place the "Mediterranean of the West"! Tucked away in a peaceful bay in Assérac (44), between dunes and pine forests, this Natura 2000-classified site offers total safety. That said, be careful when the sea is very low, as bathing can be difficult.

Bassin Dombret - Open air swimming pool

Swim in a seawater pool! Far from the hustle and bustle of the big beach at Sables d'Olonne (85), this huge pool, surrounded by rocks and regularly emptied and cleaned, welcomes bathers in La Chaume, a small fishing village on the wild coast. There are no waves here, so no risk for children, whose parents can bask peacefully on the sand...

Grande plage de Saint-Nazaire - Playground

An armada of driftwood play equipment occupies the sand on the Grande Plage de Saint-Nazaire (44), by the harbour master's headquarters, where children can let off steam by hanging onto the big ropes, balancing on the logs or climbing the ladders. Sitting on the surrounding benches, adults can keep an eye on their offspring before going for a dip.

Plage du Marais Girard- Happy fishing

The perfect place for families in the quiet seaside resort of Brétignolles-sur-Mer (85). Highlights include a beach club called Les Dauphins (The Dolphins) and a rocky corner perfect for fishing for crabs and whelks, at low tide!

Plage des Vieilles - Buckets and spades

Here you are, on one of the most beautiful beaches of the île d'Yeu (85)! Located to the South, shallow water laps between the rocks at this big cove, which offers myriad activities such as surfing lessons or dugout and canoe hire. Feel free to wander a bit further to have a look at the charming port des Vieilles, one of the smallest ports in France.