Naturist Beaches on the French Riviera and in the Var: Coastal Spots to Discover

FRENCH RIVIERA – There is a French Riviera of yachts, waterfront promenades and busy beaches. And then there is another Riviera, quieter and more discreet, discovered by following coastal paths, reaching small coves and choosing to experience the sea in a more natural and uncomplicated way.

This is the world of naturist beaches, found at various points along the coastline stretching across the Alpes-Maritimes and Var. According to the map published by the Fédération Française de Naturisme, the two departments are home to 27 sites and areas dedicated to naturism.

There is no single type of naturist beach. Some are tiny coves surrounded by rocks, while others are located along wider stretches of coastline. What they share is the Mediterranean setting: clear water, vegetation, cliffs and views across the French Riviera.

Naturism between rocks and coves east of Cannes

The journey can begin around Théoule-sur-Mer, where the red rocks of the Esterel coastline create one of the most distinctive landscapes on the Riviera. The Crique de l’Aiguille lies within this spectacular setting, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and rugged coastline.

Near Cannes, the Plage de la Batterie is another location associated with naturism. Further east, the coastline becomes increasingly rugged, revealing a succession of rocky stretches and secluded spots.

At Cap-d’Ail, just before Monaco, the Plage des Pissarelles is another destination listed for naturism. The scenery changes again at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where the Plage du Phare lies along one of the most picturesque sections of the Alpes-Maritimes coastline.

Nice also has a designated area, the Plage de la Plateforme. For those looking to combine swimming with an island setting, the Lérins Islands offer another option. On Sainte-Marguerite Island, opposite Cannes, the Plage des Pierres Hautes provides a completely different experience from the nearby city.

Other naturist locations can be found around Èze and Cap Estel, where the coastline is characterised by smaller and more secluded areas.

The Var offers even more choice

The naturist map becomes particularly extensive in the Var.

The coastline between Saint-Raphaël and the Esterel alternates between beaches, cliffs and small bays. Around Dramont, the rocky landscape creates a very different atmosphere from the broad sandy beaches found further west.

The journey then continues towards Ramatuelle, home to the famous Pampelonne Beach. Known worldwide for its glamorous atmosphere and its links to the history of cinema and tourism on the French Riviera, the long sandy beach also includes areas dedicated to naturism.

Secluded coves around Saint-Tropez

Despite the international fame of Saint-Tropez, its surrounding coastline still offers quieter and more secluded corners.

Among the locations listed for naturism are the Crique de la Douane and Plage de la Moutte, two places where visitors can experience a more private side of the gulf.

The landscape is quintessentially Mediterranean, with coastal paths, low vegetation, rocks and small openings onto the sea. These locations offer an alternative to the area’s busiest beaches during the summer season.

The coastline around Le Lavandou

Another important part of the Var’s naturist map is Le Lavandou, a coastal town surrounded by numerous bays and coves.

Among the listed locations are Plage du Layet, Crique du Layet and Jean Blanc – Plage de l’Éléphant.

Together, these locations illustrate the diversity of the Var coastline: not only large sandy beaches, but also small coves where the sea meets rocks and Mediterranean vegetation.

From Hyères to Toulon

Naturist sites are not limited to the best-known areas of the Var. The map also includes locations around Hyères, Bandol and La Seyne-sur-Mer.

Closer to Toulon, the Plage de la Mitre and Batterie Basse are among the listed locations, along a stretch of coastline where natural landscapes coexist with historic features.

The result is almost a parallel itinerary along the French Mediterranean: a route passing through some of the best-known destinations on the French Riviera while also leading to less familiar corners of the coast.

Check local regulations before visiting

The presence of a naturist area does not necessarily mean that every part of a particular beach is always authorised for naturism. Local regulations, designated areas and access conditions may change, particularly during the bathing season.

Before visiting, it is therefore advisable to check official information and local signs and to respect any areas specifically designated for naturist use.

For those who choose this type of tourism, the coastline between the Alpes-Maritimes and Var offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes. From the red rocks of the Esterel to the coves of Le Lavandou, passing through Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne and the Lérins Islands, the French Mediterranean reveals a quieter and more natural side.

A coastline to explore at a leisurely pace, where the landscape remains the main attraction: the sea, the light of the Riviera and the freedom to experience the beach according to one’s own preferences.