Préfailles

Welcome to Préfailles

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Just 55 km from Nantes, Préfailles welcomes you to a charming seaside resort nestled between Pornic and La Plaine-sur-Mer, on the magnificent Atlantic coast.

Renowned for its unspoilt landscapes, outdoor activities and cultural heritage, Préfailles is an ideal destination for lovers of sustainable tourism, coastal walks and relaxing moments with family and friends. Come and discover this community on a human scale, where sea and countryside come together to offer a unique escape !

Presentation

The unspoilt nature of Préfailles

The coastal landscapes of Préfailles offer a breathtaking spectacle of golden sandy beaches, secret coves and cliffs sculpted by the elements. Each tide reshapes these wild settings, revealing rocky basins teeming with marine life. The customs path (GR8), which runs along the coast, is an invitation to discovery, with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're looking for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, a fishing trip or just a stroll in the sea spray, Préfailles' beaches and coves will appeal to all lovers of nature and wide-open spaces.

At the heart of this natural wealth, the Pointe Saint-Gildas Regional Nature Reserve (RNR) is a veritable ecological sanctuary. This emblematic Préfailles site unveils contrasting landscapes where coastal moors, steep cliffs and rocky foreshores intertwine, harboring exceptional biodiversity. Seabirds, rare insects and typical coastal plants find refuge here, protected by strict conservation measures. Every year, this unspoilt setting attracts large numbers of visitors who come to admire the breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic and the Loire estuary, while respecting the fragile balance of this unique ecosystem.

Préfailles is home to the largest gorse moor in the Loire-Atlantique region, a natural setting of over 40 hectares bordering the wild coast between Préfailles and Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer (Pornic).
Classified and preserved by the Conservatoire du Littoral and the Département, this exceptional site is untouched by urban development, allowing nature to flourish freely. Here, only a few abandoned cottages bear witness to former agricultural activity, while lush vegetation and sea spray shape an authentic landscape. Follow the customs path (GR8) and marvel at this spectacular rocky coastline, where the moor meets the ocean in a wild and bewitching tableau, home to remarkable flora and fauna.

Préfailles' historic heritage

Préfailles is renowned for its magnificent 19th-century seaside villas, nicknamed “Les Dames de la côte” (“The Ladies of the Coast”). These elegant residences bear witness to the growth of the resort, once prized by the Nantes bourgeoisie in search of a holiday. Their elaborate facades, often adorned with wrought-iron balconies and refined decorations, recall the charm of the great seaside resorts of the Atlantic coast. As you stroll through the quiet streets of Préfailles, you can still feel the atmosphere of a time when wealthy families came to enjoy the benefits of the sea air and sea bathing, then in vogue.

But Préfailles' history is not limited to its architectural heritage. Its coastline is marked by the darker vestiges of the Second World War. The blockhouses scattered along the coastline are a reminder of the region's strategic importance during the Occupation. Designed to defend the coast against an Allied landing, these bunkers are now an integral part of the landscape, bearing witness to a past that is still very much with us today. Some are accessible to visitors, offering a poignant immersion in this troubled period of history.

Another must-see site is the Sémaphore de la Pointe Saint-Gildas. Once an outpost for maritime surveillance, this building played a key role in coastal security. Now transformed into a museum, it recounts the history of navigation and maritime communications, while offering an exceptional panorama of the ocean. The site is also marked by an historic tragedy: the sinking of the Lancastria on June 17, 1940. This British liner, requisitioned to evacuate soldiers and civilians, was sunk by German aircraft off Saint-Nazaire, killing several thousand people. Préfailles preserves the memory of this tragedy, a little-known part of the Second World War that still resonates today on these shores.

Local specialities

Préfailles is a destination of choice for gourmets, with restaurants and cafés that celebrate local produce and iodized flavors.

In the heart of the town, the market is a must-see for ultra-fresh seafood, local cheeses and other local specialties.

For a meal overlooking the ocean, the restaurants perched on Pointe Saint-Gildas offer a breathtaking view of the sea, ideal for enjoying fish and shellfish in an exceptional setting.

Last but not least, it's impossible to evoke Préfailles' culinary scene without mentioning the Saint-Paul restaurant, a true local institution distinguished by the Michelin Guide. This gourmet restaurant offers refined cuisine, featuring seasonal produce sublimated by the savoir-faire of chef Maxime Roullier.

Restaurants in Préfailles

Discover Préfailles along its trails and cycle paths

Préfailles is an ideal destination for nature-lovers, offering a varied landscape of wild coastline, secret coves and unspoilt countryside. On foot or by bike, numerous itineraries allow you to explore the natural and cultural wealth of this charming seaside resort.

Hiking : between land and sea

Préfailles' hiking trails offer exceptional panoramic views of the ocean and coastline.
The La Pointe Saint-Gildas circuit is accessible to all and promises an invigorating stroll along the ocean's edge, between breathtaking cliffs, turquoise coves and flower-filled moors.
Our favorite? The La Vallée de Pasquin circuit. This picturesque escapade starts in Port Meleu and takes you to Port-aux-Goths, through unspoilt countryside far from urbanization.
Whether you're a seasoned walker or a casual stroller, these itineraries offer a unique immersion in the unspoilt environment of the Côte de Jade.
More info

By bike : in the footsteps of the Vélodyssée

For lovers of two wheels, the Vélodyssée passes through the Préfailles area, offering a wonderful escape between beaches, marshes and bocage. The inland section offers a safe route to the town, suitable for cyclists of all levels. Whether following the coast or venturing inland, the cycle routes are an excellent way to discover the region at your own pace, while enjoying the sea air.
More info

What to do in Préfailles ?

Préfailles is a real invitation to discover, where every moment is lived to the rhythm of the ocean and local traditions. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, nature enthusiast or history buff, the seaside resort is packed with activities to suit every taste.

Gliding and thrills on the water

Paddle a kayak along the jagged coastline and marvel at the secret coves and cliffs sculpted by time. For an unforgettable experience, opt for a kayak outing at sunset, when the sky blazes with golden hues and the ocean reflects its last glimmers. For surfing enthusiasts, Margaret Beach is the ideal spot to learn or perfect your surfing skills in a wild, unspoilt setting.

Fishing traditions and pleasures

Immerse yourself in local authenticity by renting the “pêcherie communale”, a typical coastal hut on stilts, for a fishing session. This traditional practice offers you a moment of relaxation facing the ocean.
For a more playful exploration, head off in search of shellfish on a fishing trip on foot at low tide, or join Xavier Gautier for a professionally supervised boat fishing session to try and catch sea bass, sea bream and other Atlantic fish.

Discover Préfailles' heritage

Préfailles is also a land of history. Immerse yourself in the town's past with the new guided tour of the town, led by our expert guides from the Tourist Office. From maritime heritage to local anecdotes, this cultural stroll will reveal the secrets of this charming village.

The major events of 2025

Throughout the year, Préfailles vibrates to the rhythm of convivial events that bring residents and visitors together. Between art, traditions and festivities, these not-to-be-missed events are an opportunity to discover the town in a new light and share unique moments with family and friends.

April 26 and 27 : the book fair to celebrate the world of with several cultural events, including a poetry competition.
May 9, July 26 and autumn : Les Musicales de Préfailles.
May 30-31 : Jazz à Préf is a music festival featuring jazz in all its forms.
June 21 : the village fête is a not-to-be-missed event featuring traditions and festivities.
July to September : the Rendez-vous de l'Hêtre is an open-air exhibition offering visitors an artistic immersion in the heart of Prefecture's natural environment.
July 13 : Préfailles celebrates its national holiday with festive entertainment and a fireworks display.
August 3 : the Port Festival, with a 100% seafaring program (and the Salon des écrivains at the same time).
August 15 : the Corso Fleuri livens up the summer with a parade of floral floats accompanied by musicians and dancers.
August 18-21 : the amateur theater festival, with several theater troupes competing to win the competition.
November 1st : the November 1st bath closes the summer season and opens the winter season

See agenda

The team's favorite

Adeline, a tourist advisor at the Préfailles tourist office, is passionate about discovery and authentic moments. Always ready to share her good tips, she enthusiastically welcomes you to discover the treasures of the region, and more particularly of Préfailles.

Adeline's local nugget : La Roche percée, a natural feature that is so emblematic of Préfailles.
It's at its foot, at low tide, that many children like to measure themselves to feel... very small! Often compared to a pachyderm because of its atypical proboscis, it always offers us different faces depending on the season, the tide or the time of day.

In September, we love to contemplate it at the end of the day, when the sun plays hide-and-seek with the hollow of the rock. A magical moment guaranteed !

Discover La Roche Percée

To know

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