How a forgotten marsh became France’s chicest coastal retreat
La Baule, once a stretch of neglected marshland, has grown into one of France’s most stylish seaside resorts. Known for its mix of grand villas, sleek Art Deco buildings, and striking modernist designs, the town attracted nearly one million visitors in 2025. Its transformation from swampy wasteland to an architectural gem began with the railway’s arrival in 1879.
Before the late 19th century, the area called La Bôle in Breton was little more than marsh. Everything changed in 1879 when the railway connected the coast to major cities. Wealthy tourists soon arrived, sparking a building boom. The Belle Epoque era saw ornate villas spring up, including Symbole, Ker Vary, Louisic, and Pax, each showcasing intricate craftsmanship and regional influences like neo-Basque gables and Breton granite.
La Baule’s architecture tells a story of reinvention, from marshland to a sought-after destination. The mix of Belle Epoque charm, Art Deco sophistication, and modernist innovation continues to draw crowds. With nearly a million tourists in 2025, the town remains a testament to how design and history shape a coastal retreat.
