History of La Baule

Dive into the past of a city born from sand and become the pearl of the Côte d'Amour.

The Burial of Escoublac

The history of La Baule begins with an ecological disaster in the 18th century. The old village of Escoublac (discover our guide on the Escoublac Forest) is gradually swallowed up by shifting sand dunes, pushed by the violent winds of the Atlantic. To stop this relentless progression, a radical solution is needed: fixing the sand.

In 1840, a monumental project is launched: the planting of thousands of maritime pines. This forest, the "pinewood", will not only save the lands but also create the microclimate and landscape that will make La Baule famous.

Path in the pines and sand dunes
Old steam train of the Golden Age

The Train and the Golden Age (1879)

The arrival of the railway in 1879 changes everything. Visionary investors like Jules-Joseph Hennecart or Édouard Darlu smell the exceptional potential of this 9-kilometer long beach (one of the most beautiful in the world). The "Côte d'Amour" becomes the favored destination of the Parisian and Nantes bourgeoisie.

It is the era of the construction of majestic casinos, grand hotels, and above all, the famous "Belle Époque" villas (explore their architectural charm) with eclectic and fanciful architectures that still punctuate the shaded avenues of the city today.

Live the History Today

Renting a typical villa or an apartment with a sea view in La Baule is offering yourself a piece of this exceptional heritage. Discover the best offers for your holidays.

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