Overlooking the Pertuis Breton where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, La Tranche-sur-Mer is a sprawling seaside resort in the Pays de la Loire region. It has been nicknamed “Little California” due to its sunshine and sandy beaches and is an excellent birdwatching destination.
Things to do in La Tranche-sur-Mer
Sprawling across eight hectares is Parc des Floralies, where you can get up close to a variety of friendly farm animals. Kids will love the educational hive, zip-line and agility course while readers can take advantage of the book box. Pony rides are available and regular exhibitions are showcased by a local photographic association.
La Tranche-sur-Mer is surrounded by beautiful beaches where you can while away your days, including Plage de la Tranche and Plage de la Griere. To the west of town is Plage de la Terrière, a wild, dune-backed beach that stretches for around two kilometres. Swim on its lifeguard-patrolled stretch of sand, head to the northern nudist section or test your surfing skills on the Atlantic waves.
East of Plage de la Griere is Casse de la Belle-Henriette, a 337-hectare reserve managed by the League for the Protection of Birds and the French Biodiversity Agency. It offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of sandy coastlines, with hiking, fishing and swimming among its activities. Further north is the Nature Reserve Michel Brosselin Saint-Denis-du-Payr, with its wetlands providing important habitat for numerous bird species.
Getting around La Tranche-sur-Mer
La Tranche-sur-Mer is around an hour’s drive from the centre of La Rochelle and La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to La Tranche-sur-Mer and the town is small enough to explore on foot.