And back on my local road warrior mode, this time going south to old Brittany in the Loire Atlantique dept 44 of the new Pays de la Loire region. A wonderful coastal trip of my belle France just south of me with plenty of architecture, history, and beaches, Let me tell you about the Grande plage of La Bernerie en Retz !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The town of La Bernerie en Retz is part of historic Brittany, in the traditional country of the country of Retz and in the historic country of the Nantes. Located 36 km from Saint-Nazaire ,46 km from Nantes, and 150 km from my house. The Pays de Retz or country of Retz extends to the department of Loire-Atlantique 44. It is one of the traditional countries of Brittany of the Ancien Régime (monarchy), erected as barony then as a duchy. The country of Retz was the stronghold of the different families of the lords of Retz, most of whom were not Breton, and who have followed families since the 11C, The Pays de Retz was one of the main fiefs of Gilles Retz, companion in arms of Jeanne d’Arc and Maréchal de France. It was also the stronghold of the Gondi family, of Italian origin, located in France under the regency of Catherine de Médicis in the 16C, and for whom it became duchy. It was still one of the main places of deployment of the Vendée wars during the French revolution. The country of Retz is currently made up of 40 towns, therefore, Villeneuve-en-Retz, composed of the old town of Bourgneuf-en-Retz, itself encompassing the ancient village of Saint-Cyr-en-Retz, and the old town of Fresnay-en-Retz, Also, La Bernerie en Retz, Pornic and Préfailles,(see posts).
And the beaches of course, The Grande plage is the largest beach near Pornic. On the left side, there is a secure body of water then the beach with its supervised area and an area less frequented on the right extending to the cliffs, almost 700 meters of sand. At low tide, swimming is very difficult , the beach is then used for foot fishing. At high tide, the available space is large. In summer, the beach has an emergency spot and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. A children’s club is also located there. The plage Roche Marie at low tide offers an incredible panorama! Long stretches of sand, welcoming a few fisheries, then the sea on the horizon … to enjoy the sun or for the ride.
A beach in the middle of the city of La Bernerie-en-Retz ! The Grande plage or large beach extends over 800 meters and runs along the entire city center. Several alleys allow you to access it on foot. If you arrive by car the parking lot is done in the City/town hall parking lot and the Bellevue parking lot. But as it is not far we can also park in other parking lots in town and come on foot or by bicycle. Besides, in season it is better to arrive early because the nearest places are quickly occupied. Shops are a few steps away! So you can stay all day on the beach and you will not miss anything. Part of the beach is watched by the SNSM in July and August, the sand is fine and descends in a gentle slope towards the sea and there are no currents or large waves. It is reassuring with children, Practicable as well as a stroller or in armchair, but also authorized for scooters and bikes thanks to the decking access is easy. All wooden arrangements, games, pergolas and sunbaths offer an additional appeal to swimming and nautical pleasures. Nice indeed.
The town of La Bernerie en Retz on its beaches : https://mairie-labernerie.fr/decouvrir/plages-peche/
The Pornic tourist office on La Bernerie en Retz : https://en.pornic.com/la-bernerie-en-retz-la-bernerie-pornic-destination-la-bernerie-en-retz.html
There you go folks, a short but pleasant trip to the beautiful old Bretagne, that is Loire Atlantique dept 44. The sea at its best, nice monuments, and pleasant road warrior driving were all that was needed, we have been back !!!! Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Grande plage of La Bernerie en Retz as I.
And remember happy travels, good health,and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 