Naturist beach in France
Although naturism is based around principles such as self-respect, respect for others and the environment, you can’t just practise it anywhere. In France, permitted naturist sites are regulated. There are nearly 500 in France, including more than 100 naturist beaches. These offer naturists the chance to feel free, in harmony with both their body and the surrounding countryside, far from the restrictive nature and judgments associated with clothes (and indeed swimwear!).
How many naturist beaches are there in France?
There are between 100 and 150 naturist beaches in France. This figure changes every year, as the designation of a naturist area or beach falls within the ambit of local councils. A given town or village may allow naturism on one of its beaches one year, then prohibit it the next. It is also important to distinguish between beaches where naturism is permitted from those where it is simply tolerated. On the latter, spaces intended for naturists are generally remote creeks or wild beaches.
In reality, naturist beaches are not necessarily marked out or officially designated as such. However, some beaches specifically dedicated to naturism may offer facilities such as showers, toilets and sometimes even naturist restaurants or bars. The busiest naturist beaches may even be supervised by lifeguards during the high season, especially if they run alongside establishments located by the sea, as with some campsites in the France 4 Naturisme group.
In Occitanie, the Languedoc-Roussillon coastline conceals lovely naturist beaches. In the Hérault department, the naturist beach running alongside the Le Sérignan Plage Nature campsite, is acknowledged for the wild beauty, peace and dunes, enabling naturism with privacy, far from prying eyes.
In Nouvelle Aquitaine, although you’ll find a few naturist beaches on the Basque coast and in Charente-Maritime, the main resorts and loveliest naturist beaches, are concentrated particularly in the Landes and Gironde departments. To combine water sports and naturism, favour the famous surfing spots such as Hossegor, Seignosse (Les Casernes beach), Vieux Boucau (Plage des Sablières and Nord beaches), Lacanau (Plage du Lion and Super Sud beaches) or Vielle Saint Girons (Arnaoutchot). The Dune du Pyla sand dune is also a sought-after destination (Plage de la Lagune beach). In addition the Médoc has several naturist beaches, notably in Le Verdon-sur-Mer (Saint-Nicolas beach) and Grayan-et-l’Hôpital (Euronat).
A special mention for Corsica which has 15 naturist beaches, the majority with superb inlets or heavenly beaches, as is the case on Riva Bella.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) is the French region with the largest number of naturist beaches (35). The Var department alone has 19 such beaches, making it the department which provides the most areas for those wishing to sunbathe naked on the beach. The beaches of Le Lavandou and Ramatuelle are enjoyed for their easy access. If you’re seeking unspoilt and peaceful beaches, head for the Le Levant island.
Having 100 to 150 naturist beaches spread over around 3,500 kilometres of coastline, France is often considered heaven for naturism enthusiasts. From the mild Mediterranean climate to the invigorating winds on the Atlantic, the country offers a wide range of beaches where you can practise naturism in peace, complying with current legislation.
French naturist beaches are renowned, particularly for their beauty and privacy. From sandy stretches to more discreet and peaceful beaches, such as those on the Le Levant island, there is a vast choice for holidaymakers looking to reconnect with nature. All these beaches, combined with the quality of the facilities and services running alongside them, strengthen France’s status as a favourite destination for naturists in Europe and elsewhere.
What criteria should you take into account when choosing a naturist beach?
When choosing a naturist beach, it is important to take into account several criteria, such as the climate, season, access, nearby parking areas, whether there is a first-aid station and facilities (toilets, play areas, bars, restaurants, campsites, motorway services accommodating camper vans). You should also consider the size and features of the beach (wind, current, depth, dunes, shaded areas, water sports activities). Naturally, a couple seeking privacy will be willing to walk for an hour to discover their dream deserted creek, whilst families will instead head for an easily accessible beach, where they can safely swim.
Naturist beaches by the river, an alternative not to be overlooked
In a world where peace and tranquillity are becoming an increasingly precious luxury, naturist beaches by the river emerge as havens of peace and a notable alternative to the naturist beaches of the Mediterranean or Atlantic coast. Of course, the latter are more popular and at times thus louder and busier. Whether meandering through deep gorges or crossing green valleys, quite often rivers offer idyllic settings for practising naturism. Some naturist campsites have been set up by these, such as the Domaine de La Sablière in the Gard department. The campsite is in the Cèze gorges offering holidaymakers a lovely wild naturist beach. The natural setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast, favours an atmosphere of relaxation and meditation. Here the noise of the waves is replaced by the murmur of water running over the pebbles, creating a relaxing soundtrack for a day’s swimming and idleness!