La Plaine-sur-Mer

Add to my selection

La Plaine-sur-Mer

  • Govogne fishery, La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Mélanie Chaigneau

FICHE_INFO_TITRE_ACCESSIBILITE

Located between Préfailles and Pornic, facing the Loire estuary, La Plaine-sur-Mer invites you to slow down, breathe and savour every moment. Here, the coastline reveals itself in all its diversity: fine sandy beaches, secret coves, cliffs, fishing villages built on stilts... A landscape shaped by the sea and the wind, where people come to recharge their batteries, hike, fish on foot or simply admire the sunsets.

But La Plaine-sur-Mer is not just about its landscapes. It is also a lively village, with a discreet but vibrant heritage, passionate producers, inspired artisans, and a quality of life that you can appreciate from the moment you arrive. Whether you love nature, gastronomy, walks or family activities, this town promises you a simple and authentic seaside break in the heart of the Jade Coast.

Follow us on a complete discovery of this charming destination, still somewhat secret... but unforgettable.. 

Presentation

A preserved and charming coastline

With its wild and varied coastline, La Plaine-sur-Mer charms visitors with the beauty of its coastal landscapes and the richness of its beaches. Between cliffs sculpted by time, sheltered coves and large stretches of sand, the town offers an ideal setting for a seaside holiday.

One of the highlights is Cormier Beach, a vast family beach equipped with a lifeguard station in season and a Tiralo ramp to facilitate access to the water for people with reduced mobility.

A few steps away, Port Giraud is an iconic spot in La Plaine-sur-Mer, popular with shellfish gatherers at low tide.

For those seeking tranquillity, Govogne beach offers a more intimate setting, with the added bonus of an exceptional view of the Loire estuary and the Saint-Nazaire bridge. On site, the N°13 Govogne fishing hut, typical of the Jade Coast, can be hired for a spot of fishing with family or friends.

Finally, the small beaches of Joalland and La Tara complete this coastal picture, perfect for swimming or simply enjoying the calm and the sea air. La Plaine-sur-Mer is a destination that combines nature, accessibility and authenticity, in tune with the rhythm of the tides.
 
  • La Plaine sur Mer beach - © Mélanie Chaigneau

A discreet but unique heritage

In La Plaine-sur-Mer, heritage can be discovered along the paths between the town centre and the coastal trail.

Dominating the central square, the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church stands out with its simple and elegant silhouette. Built in 1869 on the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman religious building, it combines architectural simplicity with local history. Its bell tower, visible from the surrounding area, guides visitors to the centre of the village, where they can stroll among the market, cafés and shops.

By the sea, two unusual sights arouse the curiosity of walkers. The analemmatic sundial, installed on the coastal path, is an interactive work that allows you to tell the time using your own shadow. Fun and educational, it is a delight for families and astronomy enthusiasts alike.

A little further on, around a bend in the coast, you can see the Euler buoy, a yellow and black metal monument standing facing the ocean. This former maritime beacon pays tribute to the memory of sailors and offers a landmark that is as symbolic as it is photogenic.

In La Plaine-sur-Mer, heritage is not revealed all at once: it is discovered slowly, between nature, the sea and the memory of men.
  • Church in La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • Govogne Beach, La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Mélanie Chaigneau
  • Port-Giraud Beach, La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Angélique BETTON
  • Cormier Beach, La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Mélanie Chaigneau

Local flavours and great places to eat

In La Plaine-sur-Mer, culinary delights are closely linked to the sea and the land. Here, people have a taste for fresh, local and sometimes surprising produce.

Seafood delights

The symbol of the town, the bouchot mussel is farmed on stakes planted in the foreshore: plump and briny, it can be enjoyed all summer long, by the sea or on your plate.
More unexpected is Retz spirulina, cultivated a few kilometres away, which appeals for its nutritional benefits and sustainable production methods.
On the coast, edible seaweed, harvested at low tide, can be enjoyed in salads, tartares or condiments: innovative cuisine that draws on the riches of the ocean.
More info...

Gourmet restaurants to try

When it comes to restaurants, La Plaine-sur-Mer has some wonderful surprises in store.
In an exceptional setting facing the Atlantic, the Anne de Bretagne restaurant, awarded two Michelin stars, offers refined cuisine inspired by the sea and local produce.
More intimate but just as delicious, Au Retour du Marché, located in the village, focuses on a creative menu and seasonal produce. A welcoming place, ideal for a tasty break after a walk along the coast. Whether you're a foodie or just curious, La Plaine-sur-Mer has everything to delight your taste buds.
 
  • Anne de Bretagne Restaurant La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Emeline Boileau

Explore La Plaine-sur-Mer on foot or by bike

🚶 Hiking: between coves and panoramic views

La Plaine-sur-Mer is a paradise for those who enjoy walks by the sea. The famous Sentier des Douaniers coastal path, the GR®8, runs along the coast and offers spectacular views of the ocean, cliffs and stilted fisheries. This coastal path, accessible to all, winds its way between beaches, sheltered coves and rock formations. Along the way, you may encounter a fisherman on foot, a colony of seabirds or a sunrise over the estuary. The marshes inland complete these nature trails, where silence, sea breezes and birdsong mingle. Ideal for reconnecting with the essentials.
More info...

🚴 By bike: on the Vélodyssée and local trails

Cycling enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for in La Plaine-sur-Mer, which is crossed by the unmissable Vélodyssée, the great Atlantic cycle route. This section of the route allows you to discover the town at a leisurely pace, between the coast and the countryside. Marked cycle paths also criss-cross the area, perfect for family rides or more athletic escapades. From the town centre to hidden coves, via marshes and typical ports, cycling is an excellent way to explore all the different facets of La Plaine-sur-Mer. Don't forget to plan a picnic break facing the ocean — it's one of the greatest pleasures of the area.
More info...
  • Cycling tour of La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Mélanie Chaigneau

Top 5 activities to try in La Plaine-sur-Mer

Want to get active, explore and enjoy some unique experiences? Here is our selection of the top 5 activities to try in La Plaine-sur-Mer, with something for all tastes and ages!

1. Kayaking with Kayak Nomade

Set off on an adventure along the coast with Kayak Nomade : hidden coves, cliffs, sea caves... A gentle and immersive way to discover the coastline. The trips are accessible even to beginners and are completely safe, accompanied by a passionate guide.

2. Fishing and foraging with Echos Nature

Put on your boots and follow Echos Nature on a guided trip to the foreshore. On the agenda: shellfish gathering, seaweed foraging and discovering the marine ecosystem. Fun, educational and environmentally friendly, this is an experience to enjoy with family or friends.

3. Create ceramics with L'Atelier de la Musse

In a peaceful and inspiring setting, learn the art of ceramics with L'Atelier de la Musse. Modelling, decorating, firing... each participant leaves with their own handmade creation. An ideal workshop to let your creativity run wild and take home a unique souvenir of La Plaine-sur-Mer.

4. Make a lamp with J’ai demandé à la lune 

Fancy a crafty and poetic activity ? Head to J’ai demandé à la lune, an original workshop where you can make your own decorative lamp. Driftwood, paper, repurposed objects... let your imagination run wild and leave with a unique and luminous piece.

5. Explore with the family on a Yakavélo bike rally

Equipped with a game booklet, set off on an independent bike rally through the paths of La Plaine-sur-Mer. Organised by Yakavélo, this fun circuit combines puzzles, observation and heritage discovery. A great way to cycle together while having fun!

  • Kayak Nomade, L Plaine-sur-Mer - © Mélanie Chaigneau

End the day in a friendly atmosphere

In La Plaine-sur-Mer, late afternoons are also enjoyed in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Whether after a walk by the sea or a day at the beach, certain places become real gathering points to enjoy the last rays of daylight.

A summer must-visit, La Guinguette de La Plaine sets up its deckchairs and guinguette lights in a friendly atmosphere. People come here to listen to an open-air concert, share a platter with friends or simply have a drink with their feet in the grass. The atmosphere is family-friendly, musical and always warm. 

Another original and charming spot is O'Beurre d'Huîtres, a place that is both unusual and typically local. Located by the sea, this oyster bar offers a selection of oysters, shellfish and crustaceans to enjoy facing the ocean in a relaxed and cheerful setting. Raise a glass at sunset, with the sea spray as your backdrop.

These two festive venues perfectly embody the spirit of La Plaine-sur-Mer: simple, cheerful and resolutely focused on the sea.
  • Guingette La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Claudia Cassano Dromain

Major events in 2025

  • In April : Plantes en Fête celebrates local flora, while the Fête du Vélo invites visitors to explore the region on two wheels.
  • 5 July : Le Plain’Apero brings residents and visitors together in a festive atmosphere to kick off the summer holidays.
  • In July and August : Mercredis aux Lakas and Jeudis des P’tits Loups offer family activities, while the Fête de la Moule and the Concert du Littoral appeal to foodies with local tastings and musical evenings.
  • concert in the garden at La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Claudia Cassano Dromain

Our favourites in La Plaine-sur-Mer 💙

🌿 Le Jardin des Lakas : a green lung in the heart of the village

In the centre of La Plaine-sur-Mer, Le Jardin des Lakas is a veritable green lung, surrounded by hedgerows and a row of hundred-year-old ash trees, as well as ancient fruit trees. Its name means ‘little lakes’ or ‘water holes’, referring to the water features dotted around the site. This extraordinary garden hosts events throughout the year, such as Plantes en Fête in April and the Mercredis aux Lakas family concerts in summer. It is also the starting point for several hikes, including the Gravette and Tabardière trails.
For families, the garden offers practical facilities: playgrounds, boules courts, picnic tables and a fitness trail to make the most of this friendly space.

🕯️ La Bougière : the poetic world of a local designer

La Bougière is first and foremost Emma, a brilliant artisan based in La Plaine-sur-Mer, who crafts scented candles and decorative objects inspired by nature, the sea and emotions. Her world combines delicate scents, natural materials and sensitive messages. In her workshop-boutique, each piece is handmade with particular attention to detail and meaning. Vegetable wax candles, scented hangings, gift boxes... you always leave with an object that has a soul. A real favourite for those who like to support local craftsmanship and bring back a warm souvenir of their visit to the Jade Coast.
  • Jardin des Lakas, La Plaine-sur-Mer - © Mélanie Chaigneau

To know

For more inspiration :