Our Visit
Contributor Review – Claudette Perreault
Local Expert. Visited 2024
So, my boyfriend and I decide to spend a sunny day at Montalivet Naturist Beach while we’re exploring the French coast. We hear it’s one of the well-known nude beaches in Europe, and we’re excited to check it out. Since we’re not staying at the CHM Montalivet resort, we need to find parking on our own. After a bit of searching, we find a spot in a nearby area and start our walk towards the beach.
As we approach the entrance, a lifeguard politely informs us that nudity is mandatory beyond this point. This catches us off guard because at other nude beaches we’ve visited, getting undressed on the beach itself is the norm. We’re planning to get naked once we find a spot, but apparently, we need to embrace the naturist lifestyle right away! Feeling a bit surprised but open-minded, we undress and continue our walk to the shoreline. The beach is absolutely vast—CHM Montalivet is HUGE! It’s clear that most of the visitors are from the resort. Even though we don’t have access to the resort facilities, we discover we can still enjoy the beach bar, which is a nice perk. In the morning, the beach is quiet and serene. We set up our towels and take in the beautiful surroundings—the expansive sandy beach, the sound of the waves, and the fresh ocean breeze. As the day progresses, more people start to arrive. The crowd is mostly Scandinavian and young French families. We notice how comfortable and natural everyone seems, which helps us relax even more. Despite the increasing number of visitors, the atmosphere remains friendly and laid-back. We feel completely at ease as a couple among the families and other beachgoers. We take a dip in the ocean—the water is a bit chilly, but it’s refreshing once we’re in. We spend the afternoon lounging, reading, and even strike up a conversation with a friendly couple from Denmark. It’s interesting to hear about their experiences and what brings them to this particular nude beach in Europe. When we get hungry, we head over to the beach bar. It’s convenient to have this option since we can’t access the resort’s restaurants. The food is simple but tasty, and it’s nice to sit and enjoy a meal with an ocean view. By late afternoon, the beach is quite lively. Even though it’s busier, it doesn’t feel overcrowded because of the sheer size of the beach. We watch as kids play by the water’s edge and surfers catch waves in the distance. The sense of community here is palpable, and we appreciate how everyone respects the naturist etiquette. As the sun starts to set, we pack up our things and begin the walk back to our car. Reflecting on the day, we’re glad we made the trip. The initial surprise of being asked to undress by the lifeguards turned into an experience that helped us fully embrace the naturist spirit of the place. Montalivet Naturist Beach offers a unique and genuine family naturist experience that we haven’t found elsewhere. If you’re considering a visit and are open to fully immersing yourself in naturism, we’d highly recommend it. Just be prepared for the mandatory nudity policy, and know that you’ll be among a friendly crowd of families and couples. It’s definitely a standout spot on our tour of nude beaches in French, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return again – hopefully staying at CHM Montalivet next time. Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!
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Getting There
Montalivet Naturist Beach is nestled in the coastal village of Vendays-Montalivet, in the Gironde department of southwestern France. Located about 80 km north of Bordeaux along the "Côte d'Argent" (Silver Coast), this beach offers 2 km of sandy shores and over 6,000 hectares of pine forest. The area is not only a naturist's paradise but also close to attractions like the Médoc vineyards and Hourtin Lake.
Be prepared to embrace the naturist lifestyle—you may be expected to undress upon entering the naturist area. If you're staying at CHM Montalivet, don't forget your access badge; you'll need it to re-enter the holiday center after your beach visit.
By Car:
From Bordeaux, the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. Head north on the D1215 towards Lesparre-Médoc. After reaching Lesparre-Médoc, follow the signs for Vendays-Montalivet via the D102. Once in Vendays-Montalivet, continue towards Montalivet-les-Bains and look for Avenue de l'Europe. You'll find parking areas before the entrance of CHM Montalivet, the naturist holiday center. If you're staying there, you have the perk of direct access to the beach. Otherwise, park before the center and take the path on the right side of the entrance to reach the beach. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season to secure a parking spot, as it can get busy.
By Public Transport:
Starting from Bordeaux, take a train from Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to Lesparre-Médoc; the journey lasts about an hour. From Lesparre-Médoc, catch Bus 711 to Vendays-Montalivet, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Upon arriving in Vendays-Montalivet, head towards Avenue de l'Europe. Walk towards the entrance of CHM Montalivet but take the path on the right before the entrance to access the beach. Remember to check the latest train and bus schedules ahead of time, as services may be less frequent on weekends and holidays.
Nearby Attractions + Events
- 12 km of Pristine Beaches: Enjoy miles of sandy shores awarded the prestigious "Pavillon Bleu" label for their exceptional cleanliness and water quality.
- 6,000 Hectares of Pine Forests: Explore the lush Landes du Médoc forest, perfect for hiking, biking, and immersing yourself in nature.
- The Médoc Vineyards: Visit world-renowned vineyards and indulge in wine tastings amidst picturesque landscapes.
- Lake Hourtin (21 km Away): Discover France's largest freshwater lake, ideal for swimming, sailing, and family picnics.
- Historic Cordouan Lighthouse (26 km Away): Visit the "King of Lighthouses," dating back to 1611, and soak in panoramic ocean views.
- Charming Town of Royan (37 km Away): Explore this vibrant seaside resort with its bustling markets, cafés, and beautiful architecture.
- Lacanau Lake (44 km Away): Enjoy water sports like windsurfing and paddleboarding on this serene lake surrounded by nature.
- Bordeaux (80 km Away): Take a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and, of course, exquisite wines.
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