Devoid of fame, this small village is nonetheless home to the beautiful and grand hotel-restaurant ‘Hôtel de l’Océan, A. Boussenot’, followed just a few steps away by the Saint-Marc Chapel, a pilgrimage site where all the inhabitants of Saint-Nazaire gather to celebrate Saint-Marc. The Hôtel Boussenot proudly bore the name of its owner from 1910 to 1938.
For years, it was a lively venue, welcoming revellers for an apéritif-concert after exhilarating days filled with bicycle races, slow races, obstacle courses, swimming competitions, sandcastle contests, miniature boat races, and shooting tournaments—often concluding with a flower parade.
After being sold, the establishment was given a new name, one that remains well known to this day: “Hôtel de la Plage.”
During the Second World War. The Germans fortified this small stretch of land, built camps, and requisitioned houses. The inhabitants were scattered, archives were destroyed, and the memory of this small village gradually faded with time.
But gradually, since 1999, under the impetus of Walter Buffoni, founder of the Francitalia Association, efforts have been made to retrace this adventure.
Shortly after the Second World War, Crépelet became a popular destination for British tourists, who were attracted by its unmistakable seaside charm. It took the name of its chapel and became Saint-Marc-sur-Mer.
The local bourgeoisie soon took an interest in this unspoilt corner of the sea. The first grand villas, known as “chalets”, often surrounded by magnificent wooded gardens, appeared, characteristic of this first seaside period, known as the “Picturesque” period.
As the years passed, the benefits of the sea were rediscovered and the development of railways and roads made access to the coast easier and more democratic. More modest villas were built on housing estates, and orphanages and holiday camps sprang up here and there.
Growing enthusiasm for the seaside reached a more modest class in search of less mundane seaside resorts.
Jacques Tati, recognising its charm chose this location to shoot his new film, Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot, in 1951.
“As a child, I had heard my parents mention it. To be certain, I contacted the filmmaker’s daughter and was able to piece the story together. My grandfather was the architect of the building where Jacques Tati lived. Whenever there was a problem, the caretaker would say: ‘You need to call Monsieur Hulot!’ It became a sort of catchphrase. It seems my grandfather had a distinctive silhouette that caught Tati’s attention. So, when he created his famous character, he remembered the name and asked for permission to use it.”
In September 2021, the town, proud to have hosted the filming of an iconic French film, celebrated its 70th anniversary, attracting fans from all over the world.
Today, in 2025 , the Hôtel de la Plage, part of the international Best Western chain since 2008, welcomes guests all year round. It is the only hotel on the Guérande peninsula to offer such an exceptional location – a place of well-being, set in an authentic and elegant environment, where you can relax while overlooking Monsieur Hulot’s beach, with the ocean as your only horizon. The Hôtel de la Plage is a place of comfort, whether for family stays or business trips.
You will find it truly unique. In a refined yet authentic setting, with uninterrupted ocean views and your feet in the sand, guest comfort is our top priority.
All you need to do is choose from our 31 individually styled rooms, where old-world charm meets modern hotel comforts. Some even feature large private terraces, perfect for a breath of fresh air.
The entire team at the Best Western Hôtel de la Plage is at your service to ensure your stay is a memorable one.”
