Plage de l'Étang, Sandy beach in Préfailles, France
Plage de l'Etang is a sandy beach that spreads across several distinct coves separated by rock formations and bordered by natural cliffs. Each cove has its own character, with varying amounts of sand and rocky areas that create different sections along the shoreline.
This coastline has remained in its natural state for centuries, maintaining its role as a fishing and shellfish-gathering location for local communities. The area has avoided major development, which has kept its character largely unchanged over generations.
Local families come here at low tide to collect shellfish using techniques that have been passed down through generations, a practice that shapes daily life along this coast. This tradition remains visible in the way people move across the rocks and pools during certain times of the day.
The beach has supervised swimming areas during summer months, with lifeguards mainly present in the afternoon. Plan your visit around low tide if you want to explore the rock pools or move between the different coves with greater ease.
At low tide, natural rock pools form between the boulders, creating temporary habitats filled with small fish and starfish that are otherwise hidden. These temporary pools change and shift depending on the tide cycle, making each visit different.
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