Visit Préfailles and the surrounding area in Loire-Atlantique

Beaches
Cycle paths
and hiking
Fishing and activities
nautical
Cultural tours
Leisure activities

During your stay at camping Eleovic, come and discover the region’s must-sees! Take advantage of the many cycling and hiking trails to discover Pointe Saint Gildas, a listed tourist attraction and the second most visited site in Loire-Atlantique, and much more besides.

Discover the fascinating history of Pays de Retz. The Sémaphore de Préfailles, the Château and Faïencerie de Pornic and the Musée du Pays de Retz in Villeneuve-en-Retz are good examples of the many tours on offer to learn more about our beautiful region!

To make your stay pleasant and memorable, the Préfailles campsite, near Pornic, opens its doors to you. This 4-star campsite enjoys a privileged location. Located 10 km from Pornic in the Loire-Atlantique region, the Eleovic campsite gives you direct access to the sea for endless swimming and sunbathing sessions! You’ll be amazed by your walks to Pointe Saint-Gildas and the Côte de Jade.

This quiet campsite is all about green tourism. This campsite in the 44 region of France offers accommodation solutions to meet the needs of visitors, as well as fun activities for young and old. Our campsite in the Loire Atlantique region, with its indoor swimming pool, promises relaxation and fun all year round!

Discover the beaches of Côte de Jade and Pays du Retz

Préfailles offers a natural environment along its 8 km coastline, with a mix of long sandy beaches and intimate coves. The Côte de Jade in Loire-Atlantique is an Eden for lovers of idyllic views:

Discover those beaches

La Raise beach: commonly known as Anse du Sud beach, this beach is located south of Pointe Saint-Gildas and has been awarded the Blue Flag* label. Passing this beach, you’ll reach the campsite directly. Along your walk, fill your lungs with a big bowl of iodized air.
La plage des Châtelets: just 2 minutes from the campsite, this beach is just beyond La Roche Percée. It is surrounded by the Douaniers trail (GR8) and the Vélocéan itinerary. The shots you’ll take of the L’Isnain and Sémaphore points are worthy of the greatest postcards.
Port Meleu beach: 7 minutes from the campsite, this beach with a strong character has also been awarded the Blue Flag* label. The toddler bathing area is completely safe, leaving you free to pursue other interests. Party-goers will love the evening entertainment!
Tharon beach: 15 minutes from the campsite. The sweetness of life and charm are guaranteed! It’s the ideal place for a change of scenery.

*The Blue Flag is an international environmental and tourism label awarded to municipalities and marinas that make efforts in terms of environmental management.

More beaches

La Grande Plage* , 900m from the campsite: Located as close as possible to the town center, this beach offers the same services as the Port-Meleu and Anse du Sud beaches (first-aid station, public toilets and raft), as well as access for people with reduced mobility.
In addition to lifeguard surveillance in July and August, the Grande plage is also home to a children’s beach club and beach volleyball net (booking required).
Plage de la Raize and Plage Margareth, close to the campsite’s immediate vicinity: More intimate and family-friendly, these two beaches welcome you with simplicity. Close to shops and campsites, they are easy to access but not supervised in season. In addition to these five family beaches, from the wild coast to Pointe Saint-Gildas, the commune boasts numerous coves framed by cliffs and shale rock.

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Explore the region on foot or by bike

This cycling route lies between the Vilaine estuary and the Côte d’Amour. There are many sights along the way to catch your eye. The route also includes lanes shared with vehicles. If children are accompanying you, be sure to choose the route that suits their ages and abilities.

Vélocéan

Situated between the Vilaine estuary and the Côte d’Amour, the Vélocéan cycle path is the perfect way to discover the Pays de Retz coastline, with its breathtaking views of the ocean and a few little sights that might just catch your eye…

The Vélocéan departmental itinerary starts at Pointe Saint-Gildas and takes you to the towns of La Plaine-sur-Mer, Pornic, Saint-Brévin-les-Pins and down to the Vendée , or north of the Loire to Saint-Nazaire and the La Baule-Guérande peninsula. Whether on dedicated bike lanes or on small coastal and rural roads, you’ll be able to enjoy our tourist area in complete peace and quiet.

Pointe Saint-Gildas has been designated a Regional Nature Reserve Bicycles are therefore prohibited on this part of the coastal path. Be sure to get off the bike to pick up the Vélocéan route.

Préfailles VTC circuit

In the heart of gorse moorland and close to the coast, the VTC circuit (8km) starts at Port-aux-Goths, crosses the Pasquin and Choiseau valleys (localities la Palette and Ker Bidet). Follow the engraved wooden signs.

Hiking

The coastline of the Prefecture is bordered by the customs path (sentier des douaniers), classified as a Grande Randonnée (GR8) itinerary. Since its origin during the French Revolution, this path has been entirely dedicated to pedestrians.

Préfailles is home to a number of other hiking trails:

Circuit de la Vallée de Pasquin: this walking trail takes you through the most extensive coastal moorland in Loire-Atlantique! From Port Meleu to Port-aux-Goths, it runs through an area that has remained natural and protected from urbanization. The flora and fauna are remarkable.

After Port-Meleu, in the Port-aux-Goths area, this tour takes you through the coastal moorland, the largest in the département. The Conservatoire du Littoral and the Département de la Loire-Atlantique are the main owners of this preserved natural area, protected from urban development. The natural heritage (flora and fauna) is remarkable.

Le Tour de la Pointe Saint-Gildas: this walking tour takes you around the Pointe Saint-Gildas to discover the Prefecture coastline and its magnificent scenery. It will eventually lead you to the sandy shores of La-Plaine-Sur-Mer.

You’ll follow the coast from the Grande Plage (town center) towards Pointe St-Gildas, a rocky coastline. The route takes you to the coastline of La Plaine-sur-Mer, at the entrance to the Loire estuary, where the coast is naturally sandier. At “La Prée”, you’ll cross the countryside on dirt tracks to return to the center of Prefecture (beware, you’ll have to cross the RD 313).

Discover bike paths

Fishing and water sports in Loire-Atlantique

Préfailles and the Loire Atlantique have so much to offer: from fishing to hiking to water sports, there’s always something to do, and all with a smile! It’s the ideal playground for trying out new practices too. If you’re a beginner, you can take advantage of a qualified guide who will take you step by step:

Fishing on foot

Another essential part of your stay in Préfailles: fishing on foot! Just a few metres from the campsite, you’ll find coves and rocks hiding all sorts of shellfish and seafood to catch (oysters, mussels, periwinkles, curlers, clams, shrimps…), an activity to share with friends or family! You can also rent a fishing boat for plaice fishing.

Cultural visits in the Préfailles area

Let yourself be charmed by the tourist towns near Préfailles. Discover Pornic and its castle. The town is famous for its fisheries and its harbour, which offers a beautiful promenade. Here you can admire the moored boats, talk to the fishermen and buy fresh produce from their morning catch.

The city of Saint-Nazaire opens its arms to you, so come and visit the submarine or discover the Escalatlantique.

You can also explore the Breton marshes, the salt marshes and the medieval town of Guérande…

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, La Plaine sur Mer and its wild coastline will satisfy all your desires. It’s the perfect destination to recharge your batteries and recharge your batteries. The town is packed with famous landmarks such as Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church.

Looking for a gourmet vacation? Don’t hesitate to come and discover the region’s gastronomy! Between the Galettes Saint-Michel and its store, l’Usine de Fromage du Curé Nantais de Pornic or the many grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Merlot and Gamay for wine lovers.

The center of Guérande is a stunning medieval city with 15th-century ramparts. It’s one of the main attractions for tourists. Last but not least, the tourist resort of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins boasts a true masterpiece: the Serpent d’Océan on the Nez de Chien beach. Created by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping, it shows its head at the whim of the tides.

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Leisure activities in Loire-Atlantique

The Planète Sauvage zoo transports you into the world of exotic fauna, while Pornic Aventures offers thrilling tree-climbing challenges, perfect for thrill-seekers.

Cultural exploration and family fun

Immerse yourself in fantastic worlds at Puy du Fou or Légendia Parc, enjoy breathtaking shows and captivating attractions. Don’t miss the Curé Nantais, a renowned local cheese factory, or the Machines de l’île de Nantes, a unique artistic and mechanical experience.

Family fun and relaxation

The Parc des Naudières and Pop Corn maze offer outdoor activities for the whole family, while the Thalasso de Pornic offers relaxing wellness treatments. Speed enthusiasts can enjoy thrilling races at the Saint Michel Chef go-karting center.

Near the campsite you’ll also find a cinema, casino, bowling alley and golf course.

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