Things To Do
in Escoublac

Escoublac is a charming coastal commune in western France just west of La Baule. It blends seaside ambiance with quiet residential streets and easy access to the Atlantic beaches. The town serves as a gateway to the Côte de Jade and the nearby marshlands of Brière, offering nature, gastronomy, and easy day trips.

Visitors will find markets, a relaxed pace, and scenic coastal views year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Escoublac
morning
:

Arrive in Escoublac and settle into your charming accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Take a stroll to familiarize yourself with the quaint streets and atmosphere of the village.

afternoon
:

Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and sample local delicacies. Browse through artisan shops to find unique handmade souvenirs and gifts. Spend some time relaxing in the shade of a nearby park, enjoying the serene landscape.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional French bistro, indulging in regional specialties. As the sun sets, take a peaceful walk along the coastline, soaking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. End the evening with a glass of wine at a local bar, engaging with friendly locals.

day 2
Exploring La Baule
morning
:

Begin your day with a short trip to La Baule, known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Take a morning walk along the coastline, breathing in the salty air while enjoying the early sun. Stop by a beachside café for a light breakfast with a view of the ocean.

afternoon
:

Rent a bike and explore the coastal paths that meander through La Baule and its surroundings. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant serving fresh seafood and local favorites. If time permits, visit the nearby casino for a bit of fun and entertainment.

evening
:

Return to Escoublac and attend a local event or festival if available. Grab dinner at a cozy restaurant known for its artisan dishes. Later, unwind at a local wine bar, sampling different French wines and cheeses.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🫖Coffee at a cafe$3-5
🧃Bottle of water (1.5L)$1-2
🛟Mid-range restaurant (three-course)$25-40
🧾Public transport day pass$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to beaches
  • Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with good food
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Some services concentrated in La Baule, requiring short trips
  • "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Où est la plage ?" - Where is the beach?
  • "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
  • "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
  • "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Escoublac

Visit one of these nice places.

La Baule Beach at Sunrise

A long arc of sandy shore with early light and social dunes along the promenade.

Promenade de La Baule and Marina

Picturesque harbor views with boats and pastel facades, ideal for golden hour shots.

Dunes and Pine Forests near Escoublac

Coastal dunes with sea grasses and pine silhouettes for moody landscape photography.

Marais de Brière Boardwalks

Wooden walkways through the marshlands offering birdlife and tranquil reflections.

Culinary Guide

Food in Escoublac

The La Baule-Escoublac area celebrates seafood, Atlantic fish, crepes, and light pastries. You'll find fresh oysters, mussels, and salads featuring regional produce, with many spots offering outdoor terraces in the warmer months.

Escoublac Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moules marinières

Mussels simmered in white wine, shallots, and parsley, a seaside classic often served with fries.

Must-Try!

Crêpes and galettes

Savory galettes and sweet crêpes made with local butter and buckwheat flour.

Gâteau Nantais

A rum-soaked sponge cake unique to the Nantes region, perfect with coffee.

Fouées

Fluffy bread puffs baked in a wood-fired oven, great for dipping into local soups or rillettes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de La Baule

Daily market with seafood stalls, vegetables, cheese, and regional pastries.

Marché du Pouliguen

Coastal market offering fresh catches, small bites, and ready-to-eat treats.

Street food by the promenade

Seasonal vendors offering crepes, sandwiches, and grilled seafood near the beach.

Climate Guide

Weather

Escoublac has an oceanic climate with mild winters, warm summers, and relatively even rainfall throughout the year. Winters rarely drop below freezing, summers are pleasant with daytime highs typically in the 20s Celsius. The coast can be breezy, especially in spring and autumn; bring layers for variable conditions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' when entering shops or cafes; use 'S'il vous plaît' and 'Merci'.

Dining etiquette

Wait to be seated in restaurants; bread is shared; keep voice level respectful in public spaces; tipping is modest.

Environmental respect

Dispose of litter properly; protect dunes and marsh habitats; avoid feeding wildlife.

Safety Guide

Safety

Escoublac is generally safe for visitors. Take standard coastal precautions: monitor sea conditions and follow lifeguard flags on beaches, keep valuables secure in busy areas, and be mindful of traffic when cycling or walking along roads. In marsh areas, respect restricted paths and wildlife areas.

Tipping in Escoublac

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service compris is common in restaurants; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and Apple Pay are common; cash is useful for smaller shops or markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds; great for walks and markets.

Summer

Warm, sunny days with crowded beaches and lively nightlife; expect higher prices and busier streets.

Autumn

Crisp air and turning leaves; pleasant for coastal hikes and estuary strolls.

Winter

Cool and windy with occasional rain; coastal scenery still dramatic and quiet.

Nightlife Guide

Escoublac at Night

The nightlife in Escoublac is relaxed and low-key, centered around seaside bars, terraces, and live music venues in nearby La Baule. Seasonal performances and beach clubs appear during peak summer, with occasional clubs or late-night venues in nearby Saint-Nazaire or Nantes. Expect a friendly, laid-back atmosphere rather than large-scale clubbing.

Hiking in Escoublac

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal trail along Côte d'Amour

Scenic seaside walking route with views of the Atlantic and dunes.

La Brière marsh boardwalks

Wooden walkways through reed beds, ideal for birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Escoublac by plane.

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)

Main international gateway to the Loire Valley and Pays de la Loire region; about 70-90 minutes by car or train to Escoublac.

Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport (SNR)

Small regional airport offering limited flights; convenient for specific routes and private charters.

Getting Around

Walkability

Escoublac is walkable in the town center with good pedestrian access; many attractions and beaches are reachable by foot or short bike rides, though some coastal paths are best explored with a map or map app. The area around La Baule has a well-developed promenade for long walks and biking.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families and retirees who enjoy the coastal lifestyle.

Seasonal tourists

Large influx during summer months, supporting local hospitality and services.

Young professionals

Some residents commute to nearby Nantes for work; seasonally active in tourism and services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing

Nearby maritime conditions support traditional sailing on the Atlantic coast.

Surfing and bodyboarding

Occasional surf spots further north; calmer bays near La Baule for learners.

Tennis and cycling

Local clubs and coastal paths provide ample opportunities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light outside peak summer months; summer weekends see rising coastal traffic into La Baule and nearby beaches. Public transport includes TER trains and local buses; cycling is popular along the coast and through nature reserves.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Escoublac.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for vegetarian plates in bistros; many menus feature vegetable tarts, salads, and cheese-based dishes; ask for grilled vegetables or fouées stuffed with mushrooms.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local healthcare includes pharmacies, general practitioners, and clinics in nearby La Baule and Saint-Nazaire; hospitals are available in Saint-Nazaire and Nantes for more complex needs. Carry health insurance information and reasonable travel insurance as you would in France.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide