One of the few hotels on the beach in St-Marc-sur-Mer, southeast of La Baule, this comfortable lodging was the setting for Jacques Tati's classic comedy Mr. Hulot's Holiday. It has been updated since and, hélas, the swinging door to the dining room is no longer there. But the view of the sea and the sound of the surf remain. The restaurant—reserve a beachfront table in advance—serves seasonal fish specialties like the choucroute de la mer (sauerkraut with fish). There's also a brasserie for more casual dining. Pros: Silver-screen claim to fame; beachside setting. Cons: old-fashioned; over-run by French families in midsummer.
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