Jon_V

Any suggestions on a place to stay on the western coast of the Loire region?

Jon V

MyriamC

Les Sables d'Olonne has kept some of its old-fashioned charm. Can get pretty crowded in high season, though.

ckenb

The Island of Noirmoutier. La Rochelle. Other islands: Ré, Oléron.

cigalechanta

I second Ken's suggestions. I've been to all except for Oléron and have read it is very peaceful.

cigalechanta

Myriam, one year we spent the night in Les Sables d'Onne and from our balcony window facing the beach, we watched the circus parade.. I have a poster they gave me of Le Jardin des Salines. We were to be a few of the last guests there because it was going to be conveted into condos.

StCirq

I've been to both Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oléron and enjoyed them both, though they are very different. The architecture on Ré is reminiscent of Greek islands or Spanish white villages - whitewashed houses with brilliant blue shutters and bougainvillea everywhere. The "capital" town of St-Martin is very pretty, but all of the little villages are lovely.

Oléron is more working class, but it's got good beaches, a nice lighthouse, and a couple of towns with loads of good cafés, restaurants, and shops. In July and August it can take HOURS to get over the bridge that separates it from the mainland.

I love La Rochelle - marvelous setting, beautiful architecture, lots of interesting museums, great restaurants. It's a gem. There are good beaches nearby, but the sand is very sticky and at low tide you can walk almost a mile out without reaching water.