Les villas brévinoises

What would Saint-Brevin be without its villas?

Majestic or discreet, hidden behind the branches of maritime pines, they tell the story of the town’s development as a seaside resort.
With the rise of sea bathing, the expansion of railway lines, and later, with the introduction of paid holidays in 1936, seaside vacations quickly became a must!

While many hotels and family guesthouses opened to welcome the newcomers, some preferred to invest and establish their own holiday retreats in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins.

Thus began the fashion for seaside villas.
Inspired by other countries, regions or even historical periods, these villas embraced whimsical and picturesque styles.
The variety of layouts, colours, and materials makes each villa unique and full of charm.
Everyone imagined their own slice of paradise, and they were often given affectionate nicknames.
The newly planted pine forest and the long stretches of fine sandy beaches offered an ideal setting for families.

Behind ornate metal gates or fences sometimes lie lush gardens, home to a wide variety of trees—from maritime pines to mimosas and tamarisks—releasing their fragrant scents.
Whether chalet, castellated villa, or cottage, each one promises delightful moments.
Turn a corner and a turret may appear, hinting at a beautiful residence just ahead.

A few terms to better understand seaside architecture

• Lambrequins (bargeboards): finely cut and often pierced wooden or metal ornaments that decorate roof edges or the upper parts of windows.
• Bow-windows: windows projecting outward from the façade.
• Épis de faîtage (finials): ornamental pieces, often made of terracotta, composed of several decorative elements placed at the top of roofs.
• Marquises and awnings: glass canopies above villa entrances or balconies; marquises are made of glass, while awnings are covered with tiles or slate.

Today, Saint-Brevin-les-Pins is fully aware of the heritage value of these seaside villas and works to protect them through an Architectural, Urban and Landscape Heritage Protection Zone (ZPPAUP).
They remain a symbol and a promise of the town’s gentle way of life and rich history.

To learn more about the origins of the seaside resort and discover many of these villas, follow our villa trail through the Ocean district.
In summer, explore the seaside villas with guided tours led by the Tourist Office in partnership with local historian Véronique Mathot.
You can also find, in our tourist offices, a book by Agathe Aoustin dedicated to the villas of the Jade Coast.