The world's first naturist destination, France attracts all followers of this way of live. From the Mediterranean coasts to the Breton coves through the fine sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast, the French seaside is quite extensive and the people's minds are open to the practice of naturism.
Nearly 150 naturist beaches listed in France
According to the Plages.tv guide, there are currently 137 naturist beaches in France. Yet, this figure changes every year because the qualification of a naturist area or beach is the responsibility of France's local administrations or municipalities. The latter can tolerate naturism on one of their beaches one year and ban it the following year. It is also important to distinguish the beaches on which naturism is allowed from those where it is simply tolerated. On the latter, the spaces designed for naturists are generally coves that are difficult to access, or wild beaches.
Var and Cap d’Agde, true champions of naturism in the Mediterranean area
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur (or simply "PACA" as it is referred to in France) region is the region with the largest number of naturist beaches (35). The Var department alone hosts 19 of these beaches, which makes it the department with the most opportunities for people who want to sunbathe on the beach without a swimsuit on. The beaches of Lavandou and Ramatuelle are appreciated for their easy access. If you are looking for pristine and peaceful beaches, head to Île du Levant at sea. Further west, in the former Languedoc-Roussillon region -now Occitanie -, Cap d´Agde is a true natursits paradise. This seaside resort has a wide range of naturist centers and facilities that guarantee comfortable stays. Its 14 kms of beaches offer the opportunity to meet the needs of all vacationers. We'll make a special mention for Corsica which has 15 naturist beaches, most of which are superb coves sheltered from the wind and prying eyes.
Landes and Gironde, most popular destinations on the Atlantic coast
Of course, you will find some naturist beaches on the Basque coast, in Charente-Maritime, Vendée and Loire-Atlantique. However, the Landes and Gironde department concentrate the most naturist centers and beaches. To combine water sports and naturism, choose famous surf spots such as Hossegor, Seignosse (Casernes beach), Vieux Boucau (Sablères beach, North beach), Lacanau (Lion beach, Super South beach). The Pilat dune is also a popular destination (Lagoon beach). The Médoc area also has several naturist beaches, notably at Verdon-sur-Mer (Saint-Nicolas beach) and Grayan-et-Hôpital (Euronat).
Brittany, main naturist region in Northern France
With their spray, their salty sea air and their cliffs, Brittany's coastline are a great, beloved spot for naturist lovers. The north west region has 28 naturist beaches - almost as many as on the entire Atlantic coast! Most of them are located in Morbihan (Île de Groix, Ploemeur, Pénestin, Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys, Locmaria, Bangor) and Finistère (Roscoff, Le Conquet, Tréguennec, Plouarzel, Tréflez, Plougoulm, Fouesnant , island of Batz). You will also find some beaches in Normandy and in Hauts-de-France (former regions of Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais).
