Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Plage de Joalland sits in the kind of coastal fold that French families guard quietly. You reach it by threading through La Plaine-sur-Mer, a village of shuttered holiday homes and a single boulangerie, then following a lane that dead-ends near maritime pines bent sideways by prevailing westerlies. The beach itself is modest—a crescent maybe three hundred metres wide at low tide—but its geology gives it character: granite shelves jut from the sand like half-buried tables, their surfaces slick with green weed and dotted with mussels. The water here is Loire-Atlantique honest: slate-grey most days, choppy when wind picks up, cold enough in June to make you gasp. But the tides are the real choreography. At slack water, children crouch over pools trapped in the rocks, netting translucent shrimp. When the ocean retreats, it leaves ribbons of kelp and the occasional cuttlebone. Locals arrive with canvas bags to gather ormeaux—abalone—though you need to know the regulations and the right moon phase. Sunset is the currency here. The beach faces west-southwest, and on clear evenings the horizon becomes a gradient of salmon, rust, and violet. Couples spread blankets near the tideline. Dog-walkers pause mid-throw. Even in August, you'll find empty sand if you come after seven, when the day-trippers have drifted back to Pornic or Préfailles, and the light turns everything—dune grass, wet rock, your own forearms—gold.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Joalland.
Photos
Plage de Joalland is generally safe for swimming during calm conditions, though as a smaller beach it may not have lifeguard supervision year-round. Check local tide times and weather conditions before entering the water. The Atlantic coast can have strong currents and waves, particularly during windy periods. Swim only when conditions are favorable and stay within designated swimming areas if marked. Always supervise children closely and avoid swimming alone at quieter beaches like this one.
While accessible year-round, Plage de Joalland is best visited from May through September for beach activities and swimming, when temperatures are warmest. Sunset visits are particularly rewarding throughout the year, as this quieter beach offers scenic views without crowds. Summer months (July-August) bring warmer water temperatures but also more visitors. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions for walking and photography with fewer people. Winter visits appeal to those seeking dramatic coastal scenery and solitude.
Plage de Joalland is located in La Plaine-sur-Mer along the Loire-Atlantique coast, accessible by car from Pornic (approximately 10 km north) or Saint-Nazaire (about 30 km). Follow local coastal road signage toward La Plaine-sur-Mer beaches. Parking is typically available near the beach access points, though spaces may be limited during peak summer season. The beach is not served by major public transport, so a car or bicycle is recommended for access to this quieter coastal spot.
La Plaine-sur-Mer village offers local restaurants, cafés, and small shops within a short distance of Plage de Joalland. Accommodation options include vacation rentals, chambres d'hôtes (B&Bs), and small hotels in the village and surrounding area. For more extensive dining and lodging choices, nearby Pornic provides a wider range of restaurants and hotels. This quieter beach area is ideal for visitors seeking a more local, less commercialized coastal experience compared to larger resort towns.
Plage de Joalland stands out as a quieter, less developed alternative to the larger resort beaches in Loire-Atlantique. Its hidden character appeals to visitors seeking a more peaceful coastal experience away from major tourist concentrations. The beach offers particularly scenic sunset views over the Atlantic, enhanced by its relatively unspoiled setting. Its location on the Côte de Jade provides characteristic rocky coastal features alongside sandy stretches. This beach rewards those willing to venture beyond the main tourist beaches with a more authentic local atmosphere.
