Prefailles, Loire Atlantique (44), France

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General
This beach is about 17Km South of the Pont de St Nazaire and lies between Port aux Goths and Portmain. The web site of the Union des Campeurs Naturistes states that nudity is sanctioned by the Syndicat d'Initiative of nearby La Pleine sur Mer.

Typical of the many sandy coves backed by low granite cliffs on the Cote du Jade, the beach is small. At high tide it cannot be more than 80m wide and can become very crowded. It faces to the South rather than West and is partially protected by the Ile de Noirmoutier to the Southwest so the surf is seldom as heavy as on some Atlantic beaches. Bathing is safe but weak swimmers should be aware that there may be a steep shelf and a shifting line of course sand and fine pebbles at the line where the waves break.

Nudity is not compulsory and, like most French beaches, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. It is very much a family beach patronised by locals and it is obvious that single women feel safe there. If you see the old lady from the farm taking her daily dip (she is reputedly 86 years old) you will know that you have found the right place. The coastal path follows the cliff edge round the cove, and an added entertainment while on the beach is to watch the varied reactions of those who, while walking the path, have clearly stumbled across something totally unexpected. Nudity is also practiced on the rock shelves and tiny coves toward Port aux Goths but, with one exception, these seem to be a predominantly male preserve and are difficult of access.

Access & Parking
Near la Pleine sur Mer, on the D13 in the direction of Pornic, and there is a 5-way junction. It is easy to recognise because the centrepiece of the roundabout is decorated with a full size model of a Jade Coast fishing hut. Take the minor road signposted La Musse. At the next junction turn right and then immediately left (signposted La Raitre). Go past the farm and follow the wide dirt road toward the coast. At the end of this road are a handful of rough field parking areas. Go east (left) as far as your courage and the springs of your car allow. If you push this to the limit you are likely to end up less than 150m from the beach. Go out onto the coastal path, turn left and follow it down the slope.

Facilities
There are none on the beach nor nearby.

Water Quality
When we were there (June 2000) there was little evidence of oil pollution from the tanker sinking last winter. However it was also apparent that work was still in progress at nearby Tharon Plage where heavy equipment was to be seen moving sand around.

• Information supplied by Mike Hopkins - 03/07/00

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