A coastal town with character, sun, and beaucoup de fun
If you're looking for a laid-back beach town with lots of character and even more sun, La-Tranche-sur-Mer is just the ticket. This cute little coastline in the Vendee department of western France has miles of wide golden beaches, boardwalks, and charming streets lined with terracotta houses and open-air markets. There are also fishing ports where you can sample fresh shellfish harvested in the area. Its gently sloping beaches and the Atlantic winds create waves that surfers will love. And it's practically all coast, so most La-Tranche-sur-Mer vacation rentals will put you within walking distance of the beach.
Forget dinner and a movie; try swimming and a movie!
Traveling with les enfants? Your kids will thank you for bringing them here. They're sure to enjoy the rides and games at L'ile aux Pirates. You can also take them to l'Aunisceane swimming complex, because what kid wouldn't want to float on an inner tube while watching a movie? Farther north there's a themed aquarium, and about 15 miles inland is the Marais Poitevin, a system of wetlands with boating canals sometimes called France's "Green Venice". Speaking of boats, you can also take 1 to the nearby island of Ile-de-Re or the lively coastal town of La Rochelle.
Brioche and beachfront dining for days
La Trenche is in the Vendee department, which happens to be France's largest brioche producer. If bread is not your bag (but is that even possible?), there are creperies, pizzerias, and bistros all over the city, many of which offer beachfront dining on the promenade. There are also street markets with charming open-air shops. The wide beaches gently slope into the sheltered bay, making them perfect for little ones. If you're rarin' to ride some waves, the surf gets more intense as you head north or farther into the water. There's also a coastal lake where you can take sailing lessons.
In the good ol' summertime, this tiny town is in its prime
For most of the year, La-Tranche-sur-Mer is a mellow seaside town, but everything heats up in July and August, including the weather and the level of activity. The beaches are radiant, and the town springs to life with street entertainment, shows, and plain ol' fun. When winter rolls around, you're looking at lows in the upper 30s. Expect cold rains in November, although it does rain in small amounts throughout the year. The water is coldest, about 50 degrees, in March, so if you want to swim, it's best to book La-Tranche-sur-Mer vacation rentals in the summer.
Exploring the natural landscape of La Tranche-sur-Mer
Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, La Tranche-sur-Mer is a great place to get outside. Here are some of the area’s most stunning sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Griere Beach (0.5 mi / 0.8 km)
- Grande Plage (5.1 mi / 8.3 km)
- National Nature Reserve of St-Denis-du-Payré (9.8 mi / 15.7 km)
- Plage du Four à Chaux (9.9 mi / 15.9 km)
- La Couarde Beach (10.5 mi / 16.8 km)
- Pointe de l'Aiguillon (12.3 mi / 19.9 km)
Transportation to and around La Tranche-sur-Mer
Fly into La Rochelle (LRH-La Rochelle - Île de Ré), the closest airport, located 16.5 mi (26.5 km) from the city center.
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