Pornic

The Sablons beach, a little wonder to discover in Pornic

Written by Hugo
April 23, 2026
The Sablons beach, a little wonder to discover in Pornic
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During your vacation at Slow Village Pornicin northwest France, take time to explore the beautiful beaches of this corner of Loire-Atlantique (Pays de la Loire region), in particular plage des Sablonsa little gem on the rocky coast of Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer, just 10 minutes from our open-air hotel.

A little corner of paradise in the heart of Pornic

Away from the hustle and bustle of Pornic's beaches, this small cove with its orange sand nestles at the foot of a cliff. at the foot of a cliff. Mostly frequented by regulars, it's a secret spot a secret spot that you'd like to keep all to yourself. Barely 100 meters long, the des Sablons beach in Pornic promises a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. Framed by rocks that form a bathing area, it offers an unobstructed view view of the carrelets. Its crystal-clear water, although slightly cooler than on other Pays de la Loire beaches, adds to its wild charm.

A real postcard setting, this unsupervised beach presents no major danger, apart from the presence of submerged rocks at high tide.

Hiking and spectacular views

To fully appreciate the beauty of the area, the best way is to hike the coastal trail (GR340) that runs along the cliffs:

The trail 

The trail is well-maintained but retains its wild character. Allow about 45 minutes for the round trip if you’d like to explore the various lookout points around the peaks.

Photography

The light is especially beautiful at the end of the day, at sunset, when the rocks take on orange hues.

Security

You must stay on the marked trails. The cliffs are crumbly, and the wind can blow strongly on this exposed coastline.

The Virgin of the Rock who watches over the beach

For over a hundred years, the Vierge du Rocheralso known as the Vierge Bleue, has watched over bathers on the plage des Sablons, Pornic. Take the stairs winding up the cliff, and you'll discover her statue sheltered in a rock cavity. It was in 1880 that a neighboring landowner, miraculously saved after a fall from the rocks, commissioned the erection of this protective figure as a sign of his gratitude. In 1971, the Virgin was desecrated, and the people of Pornic rebuilt it from the debris found. Today, the Vierge Bleue is protected behind a grille, and a few believers place petitions for mercy or thanks on it.

From panoramas to admire

Between two swims on the Sablons beach in Pornic or siestas on its fine sand, take a stroll and contemplate the magnificent landscapes of this corner of the Pays de la Loire.

Overlooking the Sablons beach, the sentier des Douaniers offers superb views of the wild Loire-Atlantique coastline, cliffs, coves and traditional fisheries. On a clear day, you'll be able to see out to sea the Ile du Pilier, opposite the port of L'Herbaudière, as well as the island of Noirmoutier and the Bay of Bourgneuf.

La plage des Sablons in Pornic practical information

Located on rue des Sablons in Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer (Pornic), the plage des Sablons seduces with its natural setting. Access, however, is quite steepwhich can be difficult for some people. At the top of the beach public toilets are available for your convenience.

A small parking lot is located near the plage des Sablonsbut space is limited, especially in high season. The best way to get there is on foot along the coastal path.

In addition to the idyllic setting, you can take a gourmet break at gourmet break at La Cabane des Sablonsa friendly beach bar offering homemade ice creams, salads, wraps and sandwiches, perfect for a relaxing break between swims.

Other beaches Pornic beaches to discover

In addition to plage des Sablons in Pornicother beaches are well worth a visit during your stay. Put down your towel La Noëveillard beachPornic's largest beach, located at the foot of the marina. You can also visit La Birochère beachbeach, appreciated for its wild aspect, and don't miss the Fontaine aux Bretons beachfar from the hustle and bustle, in the heart of unspoilt nature.

In Loire-Atlantique, you'll also find Gohaud beach in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, Rinais beach in La Bernerie-en-Retz, Saint-Michel beach in Batz-sur-Mer and Porcé beach in Saint-Nazaire.

Between plage des Sablons in Pornic and the other beautiful beaches of Loire-Atlantique, your stay in the Pays de la Loire region promises to be rich in swimming and beautiful scenery!

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The Sablons beach, a little wonder to discover in Pornic

During your vacation at Slow Village Pornic, in northwest France, take time to explore the beautiful beaches of this corner of the Loire-Atlantique region (Pays de la Loire), and in particular the plage des Sablons.

Hugo