La Source
Pays de la Loire, France: Excellent water quality
La Source is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 0.99 km from Pornic. The Blue Flag designation means the beach meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to La Source
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is La Source?
La Source is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 0.99 km from Pornic. The Blue Flag designation means the beach meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety.
The best time to visit is May, June, or September, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season. Check local water safety conditions before swimming.
The beach welcomes visitors year-round and is a solid choice for families and swimmers who care about environmental standards.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Pays de la Loire, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
La Source faces south toward Bay of Biscay. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 11°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 9°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 12°C | 12°C | Med |
| May | 14°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 17°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 19°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 17°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 14°C | 16°C | Low |
| Nov | 11°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | 13°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit La Source?
The best time to visit La Source is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.8°C in July.
How crowded does La Source get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, La Source sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is La Source open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at La Source
Is La Source safe to swim?
La Source is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at La Source?
Peak water temperature at La Source reaches around 17.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.9°C.
What is the beach like at La Source?
La Source on the Pays de la Loire coast of France. The best time to visit is May, June, or September, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season. Check local water safety conditions before swimming.
La Source sits on the Bay of Biscay: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to La Source
How do I get to La Source by car?
La Source is approximately 0.99 km from Pornic. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to La Source?
The nearest airport is Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), approximately 37.1 km away.
Can I get to La Source by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Pornic. The nearest recorded bus stop is 692 m from the beach.
Is there a train to La Source?
La Source lists Pornic as the nearest railway station, 0.75 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find La Source
Open the map or get directions to the La Source pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
On the beach
Facilities at La Source
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 5 m away
- Surface
- Sand
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | August – August |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 750 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 692 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 47.1078°N, 2.0970°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France |
Frequently Asked Questions
La Source FAQ
Is La Source suitable for children?
La Source has a child-friendly score of 4/10. It is Blue Flag certified in France. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is La Source free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for La Source. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Pays de la Loire, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit La Source?
The best time to visit La Source is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 17.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at La Source?
La Source is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to La Source?
La Source is located in Pays de la Loire, France. It is approximately 0.99 km from Pornic. The nearest airport is Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), 37.1 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for La Source
- FEE France (Pavillon Bleu)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.