How exciting it is to go on a road trip along France’s western coast? Photographer Tommy Clarke shares his adventures from Brittany’s seaside cities to the stunning waves in Biarritz.
With his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4, he headed to Biarritz from Saint-Malo via Nantes where you’ll find shoreside landscapes, delicious cuisine, and budget-friendly beach campgrounds.
Here are five stunning places to explore on the western coast of France.
Located on the island of Nantes the Gribiche is a restaurant 100% fresh produce with many local products.

Credit: Tommy Clarke
Grande Dune du Pilat is a famous tourist destination. It is 60 km from Bordeaux and is located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area, France.

Credit: Tommy Clarke
The Banc d’Arguin nature reserve is an iconic local site! It is constantly moving and changing shape depending on the wind and ocean currents.

Credit: Tommy Clarke
I love the diversity of this drive: the artiness and Breton history of Nantes, the sleepy elegance of Cap Ferret and the surf scenes and energy of Hossegor and Biarritz.
La Cabane du Penon is a perfect spot for tapas, surfboards, and sunset.

Credit: Tommy Clarke
I tend to live off-grid during these trips, but there are few grander places to ride waves than in the shadow of Villa Belza, the neo-Medieval mansion off the Côte des Basques.

Credit: Tommy Clarke
La Grande Plage in Biarritz still has that old-world French seaside vibe, with its striped umbrellas and the Hôtel du Palais, once home to Napoleon III, sitting imperiously above.

Credit: Tommy Clarke
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