Blue Flag Certified

Plage Centrale

Pays de la Loire, France: Excellent water quality

Bay of Biscay
46.8313°N, 2.1438°W

Plage Centrale is located 1.01 km from Notre-Dame-de-Monts along the coast road in Pays de la Loire, France. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The award is renewed annually by the…

Certification Blue Flag 2026 Excellent Water
Experience

Plan Your Visit to Plage Centrale

The key facts before you go

Blue Flag
Certified 2026
FEE annual certification
Water Quality
Excellent
EU Bathing Water Directive
Best Season
April, May, June
Season: July – September
Location
Notre-Dame-de-Monts
1.01 km from Notre-Dame-de-Monts
Facilities
See below
Confirm on arrival
Family Score
3/10
Based on facilities & safety data

What is Plage Centrale?

Plage Centrale is located 1.01 km from Notre-Dame-de-Monts along the coast road in Pays de la Loire, France. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The award is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The beach operates throughout its designated season. Potable drinking water is available on-site. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water.

April, May, and June offer the best conditions for a visit. July and August are the busiest months.

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.

Bathing Water Quality: Excellent, verified under EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification requires annual water quality monitoring.

Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction

Plage Centrale faces south toward Bay of Biscay. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.

When to Go: Month by Month

Month Air Temp Water Temp Crowds
Jan 7°C 12°C Low
Feb 8°C 11°C Low
Mar 10°C 11°C Low
Apr 12°C 12°C Med
May 15°C 15°C Med
Jun 18°C 17°C Med
Jul 20°C 19°C High
Aug 20°C 20°C High
Sep 18°C 19°C Med
Oct 15°C 17°C Low
Nov 11°C 15°C Low
Dec 9°C 13°C Low

When is the best time to visit Plage Centrale?

The best time to visit Plage Centrale is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 20.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.2°C in July.

How crowded does Plage Centrale get?

Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Plage Centrale sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.

Is Plage Centrale 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.

Swimming and Beach Life at Plage Centrale

Is Plage Centrale safe to swim?

Plage Centrale is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.

What is the water temperature at Plage Centrale?

Peak water temperature at Plage Centrale reaches around 19.2°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7.4°C.

What is the beach like at Plage Centrale?

Plage Centrale on the Pays de la Loire coast of France. The beach operates throughout its designated season. Potable drinking water is available on-site. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water.

Advertisement

Getting to Plage Centrale

How do I get to Plage Centrale by car?

Plage Centrale is approximately 1.01 km from Notre-Dame-de-Monts. 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 Plage Centrale?

The nearest airport is Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), approximately 54.0 km away.

Can I get to Plage Centrale by public transport?

Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Notre-Dame-de-Monts. The nearest recorded bus stop is 283 m from the beach.

Is there a train to Plage Centrale?

Plage Centrale lists Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez as the nearest railway station, 19.53 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.

Find Plage Centrale

Open the map or get directions to the Plage Centrale 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)

Facilities at Plage Centrale

Toilets
Yes
Showers
No
Parking
Available nearby (surface parking). 67 m away, no parking fee
Surface
Sand

These details can change. Check on arrival.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Practical Information

At the Beach
Official Season July – September
Beach Type Coastal beach
Nearest supermarket 1.2 km from the beach
Nearest bus stop 283 m from the beach
Visiting Information
GPS Coordinates 46.8313°N, 2.1438°W
Water Quality Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive)
Blue Flag Operator Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France

Plage Centrale FAQ

Is Plage Centrale suitable for children?

Plage Centrale has a child-friendly score of 3/10. It is Blue Flag certified in France. Families should still check what is open on the day.

Is Plage Centrale free to access?

An entry fee is not listed for Plage Centrale. 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 Plage Centrale?

The best time to visit Plage Centrale is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.

Peak water temperature reaches around 19.2°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.

What is the water quality at Plage Centrale?

Plage Centrale is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent.

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 Plage Centrale?

Plage Centrale is located in Pays de la Loire, France. It is approximately 1.01 km from Notre-Dame-de-Monts. The nearest airport is Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), 54.0 km away.

By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.

From the Zeach Blog

2026
The 33 Blue Flag Criteria Explained

Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.

Read more
2026
Best Blue Flag Beaches in France

Our editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.

2026
How to Read a Blue Flag Beach

What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.

Read more

Sources

Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.

Lotte Hansen , Northern Europe Beach Editor

Lotte Hansen covers Blue Flag beaches in Pays de la Loire for Zeach.net.

Edited by Arjun Nair, Coastal Research Editor | Updated October 2026