An iodized weekend on the Guérande peninsula

Morning: escape to the wild coast of Le Pouliguen

Start your day with an invigorating escape along the wild coast between Le Pouliguen and Batz-sur-Mer. As soon as you set foot on the customs path, you'll feel like you're on the move. The ocean laces the rocks in front of you.

The path winds along the cliffs, offering breathtaking panoramas. Listen out for the sound of waves rushing into the 23 caves carved out by the ocean. Depending on the tide, venture out onto the sandy coves in search of the mythical Rocher des Corbeaux or the famous Grotte des Korrigans, only accessible at low tide.

For those who prefer to explore by bike, the côte sauvage cycle path awaits. A veritable balcony over the Atlantic, it takes you gently to Batz-sur-Mer, Petite Cité de Caractère. Along the way, stop for a moment to admire the yellow cabins that brighten up Saint-Michel beach.

Afternoon: a relaxing interlude in La Baule

Then head for La Baule for a moment of pure relaxation. The famous bay, distinguished as one of the most beautiful in the world with its 9 kilometers of fine sand, welcomes you for a contemplative break.

Treat yourself to a wellness break at one of the thalassotherapy centers in La Baule or Pornichet. Whether at the Thalasso Rivage in La Baule-les-Pins or the Château des Tourelles in Pornichet, let the benefits of seawater envelop you. Seaweed massage, whirlpool bath, hammam or sauna: the treatments distill their soothing virtues for lasting well-being.

To prolong this feeling of lightness, there's nothing like a barefoot stroll along the beach at sunset. The horizon is ablaze, the sailboats silhouetted, and the warm sand gently massages your feet.

Evening: marine flavors at sunset

In the evening, settle into one of the seafront restaurants. It's time to savor the delights of the ocean: delicate langoustines, Kercabellec oysters or grilled sea bass. Let yourself be tempted by a glass of local Muscadet, whose iodized notes blend perfectly with the seafood.

For your first night, choose one of the charming addresses that perpetuate the seaside spirit of the region, such asHôtel Saint-Christophe in La Baule, Villa Flornoy in Pornichet, or the guest house La Guérandière.

Morning: seaweed picking at Jardins de la Mer in Le Croisic

Start your second day with a unique experience at Les Jardins de la Mer, a marine farm nestled on the wild coast of Le Croisic. Put on your boots and join Valérie and Jean-Marie, passionate seaweed gatherers, for a sensory discovery of the riches of the foreshore.

At low tide, follow them over rocks carpeted with multicolored seaweed. Purple dulse, tender green sea lettuce, black nori: learn to recognize and harvest these edible treasures in an environmentally-friendly way.

Back in the dry, the workshop continues around the stove. Seaweed tartar, marine pestos, iodized condiments: under the watchful eye of your hosts, freshly harvested seaweed is transformed into delicate dishes. The tasting that concludes the workshop is a revelation for the taste buds: the caviar of the sea, a subtle combination of several seaweeds, is always a hit.

Before leaving Le Croisic, take the time to stroll along the picturesque harbor, where boats gently rock with the tides.

Afternoon: Discover the salt marshes and Guérande

Continue on to the salt marshes that stretch from Pouliguen to Assérac. This landscape, shaped by the tides, the wind and the hand of man, offers a constantly changing spectacle.

Walk or cycle along the étiers and œillets, the basins where the water slowly evaporates to reveal the precious salt. Light grey in the early morning, sparkling white at midday, the marshes take on a rosy hue at dusk. In the distance, the silhouettes of the salt workers stand out against the horizon, perpetuating age-old harvesting techniques.

Take the time to stop and chat with a salt worker, who will reveal the secrets of his trade and the difference between fleur de sel, harvested on the surface, and coarse salt, taken from the bottom of the basins. Under the watchful eye of egrets and redshanks, the magic happens.

To understand the importance of this white gold that has made the region so rich, head to Guérande. This medieval city, entirely surrounded by ramparts, takes you back through the centuries.

Pass through the majestic Porte Saint-Michel, the town's landmark, and step back in time. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the inner city, admiring the half-timbered facades and craftsmen's stalls. The Collégiale Saint-Aubin, a Gothic gem, is well worth a visit for its stained glass windows and harmonious architecture.

Evening: between land and sea

To round off your stay in style, treat yourself to a gourmet break in one of Guérande's crêperies. Enjoy a buckwheat galette accompanied by a bowl of local cider. For dessert, indulge in a crêpe topped with salted butter caramel, the sweet specialty that has made the marshes famous far beyond the region.

Weather permitting, end your day with a final sunbath on La Baule's long beach. Make yourself comfortable on the still-warm sand and watch the ballet of kite surfers dancing in the wind, as the sun slowly dips into the Atlantic.

Want to extend your trip to the Guérande peninsula?

• Sail the Atlantic on a sailboat: embark for a few hours of sailing off the coast. The wind in your sails, the foam caressing your hull: let yourself be lulled by the rhythm of the ocean. The coastline reveals itself differently from the sea, revealing the wild beauty of the cliffs and the elegance of the seaside villas. An unforgettable experience, accessible even to novices, to feel the maritime soul of this land vibrate.
• Dive into the Océarium du Croisic: here, marine life is revealed in all its diversity. Discover Pacific stingrays, Australian sharks, multicolored fish, translucent baby jellyfish, and even a nursery where octopus, lobster and seahorse eggs hatch. The highlight of the show? The penguin lunch!