The Ultimate Guide to Nude Beaches in Camargue, France

When we first heard about nude beaches in the Camargue, we honestly weren’t sure what to expect. This wild corner of southern France, where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean, felt more like cowboy country than a naturist paradise. But after exploring the region’s coastline, we discovered six incredible nude beaches that completely changed our perspective on this untamed delta.

The Camargue is France’s answer to the Wild West, complete with pink flamingos, white horses, and beaches that feel like they exist at the edge of the world. What makes the nude beaches here so special is their diversity. Each one offers something completely different, from national park settings to club-managed facilities to endless wild stretches that’ll make you forget you’re still in Europe.

We started our Camargue adventure at Plage de l’Espiguette, and this beach immediately surprised us. Despite being tucked inside a national park, it was packed even on a Thursday in June. The 350-meter nude section buzzes with activity, but the setting is absolutely worth the crowds. You’re surrounded by pristine dunes and wetlands, and we loved seeing the refreshingly balanced mix of men and women.

Here’s where logistics really matter. Don’t make our initial mistake of parking near the campground, where you’ll find signs prohibiting naturism. Instead, head to the paid parking area near the lighthouse. Once you reach the beach, you’ll spot a cool beach bar on your right. Turn left and keep walking until the official nude section signs appear (or until you see the first naked people).

Stock up on drinks first because the nude area has zero facilities. The same goes for shade, so bring your own umbrella or be prepared to bake under the Mediterranean sun.

Moving east brought us to something completely different. Plage des Saintes Maries de la Mer Est isn’t officially designated for naturism, but we’ve seen few places that looked so much made to be enjoyed in the nude.

Since nudity isn’t technically legal here, the key is walking far enough from the main area until you find your own slice of paradise. This beach delivers everything Espiguette doesn’t: total solitude, raw natural beauty, and that wonderful feeling of having discovered something secret. It’s perfect for those days when you want to work on your tan without any distractions whatsoever.

We have to mention Beauduc Plage too, as it’s known to be an unofficial nude beach, but we can’t confirm this because we never made it there. The road conditions are absolutely brutal, and unless you’re driving a serious 4×4 or are willing to walk for many kilometers, you’ll probably not get to this beach either. We certainly didn’t. Consider it an adventure challenge rather than a practical nude beach tip.

Plage de Piémanson, on the other hand, offers everything you want: a proper concrete road leading to free parking, followed by a pleasant 600-meter walk to the clearly marked nude section. And when we say clearly marked, we mean signs every few meters, so there’s zero confusion about where you can strip down.

The clothes-free zone stretches for about 5 kilometres, all the way to the mouth of the Rhône River, making this possibly one of France’s longest nude beaches. The environment hits all the Mediterranean classics: white sand, shallow waters perfect for swimming, and enough space that you can choose between socializing or finding complete solitude.

Most beaches in the Camargue come without facilities, and this one isn’t any different. So plan accordingly by bringing water, snacks, and shade. The trade-off for this lack of services is pristine natural settings and that wonderful feeling of escaping civilisation.

Just when we thought we’d seen everything the Camargue had to offer, Plage de Figuerolles showed up on our itinerary. Instead of ocean waves, this spot offers a unique lakeside nude experience. While not officially designated for naturism, you’ll regularly find naked sunbathers enjoying this peaceful alternative.

The 20 to 30-minute forest walk from the parking area leads you to what looks like white sand from a distance but is actually composed of fine shells. The shallow saltwater is noticeably warmer and calmer than the sea, creating perfect conditions for a relaxing swim.

You’ll probably encounter some clothed visitors near the main access point, but a short walk along the shore in either direction will lead you to empty spots where nudity feels completely natural. It’s quiet, peaceful, and ideal for escaping crowds entirely.

Our final stop operated on a completely different model. Plage de Bonnieu is managed by a local naturist club, and the 10 euro per person entry fee includes parking and access to proper facilities like showers, toilets, and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

The beach itself is rocky rather than sandy, giving it a distinctly different character from the others we visited. Honestly, it was probably the least picturesque beach in our Camargue tour, but the club-managed approach comes with some advantages. There’s a lower chance of encountering voyeurs, the club members create a genuinely welcoming social atmosphere, and nudity is mandatory, so you won’t see a single bathing suit.

What struck us most about exploring the Camargue’s nude beaches was how each one delivered something unique. There’s the wild national park beauty of Saintes Maries, the excellent accessibility of Espiguette and Piémanson, the distinctive lakeside experience of Figuerolles, and the social club atmosphere of Bonnieu.

Whether you’re seeking pristine solitude, social naturist communities, or simply want to try different types of nude beach experiences, the Camargue region genuinely has something for everyone. It’s not the most obvious choice for a clothes-free vacation, but that’s exactly what makes it special.