www.pornic.com A popular summer weekend escape for the Nantais, this pretty little fishing port is a useful starting point for a run down the coast. The harbour is guarded by one of Gilles de Rais’s (aka Bluebeard) castles, this one dating from the 14thC. Foot passengers can catch summer season ferry services from here across to the Ile de Noirmoutier. For beaches, head west to the Plage Mombeau and Plage des Sablons en route to Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer (3 km W).