Plage de La Redoute

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Tags: Europe and France
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Nudity is optional

The Good

  • Beautiful Natural Setting: The beach offers a beautiful, natural setting with fine sand and picturesque dunes, making it a pleasant spot for a nude beach day.
  • Well-Marked Naturist Section: The naturist section is well-marked and respected, providing a safe and welcoming area. There are normally representatives from Fédération Française de Naturisme on hand during the weekends - to answer qestions and help newbies.
  • Quiet and Peaceful: Despite its popularity, the beach remains relatively quiet and peaceful, especially during off-peak hours.
  • Historical Interest: The area is rich in history, with remnants of the Atlantic Wall and the Merville Redoubt adding an interesting element to your visit.
  • Convenient Parking: Large free parking areas make it convenient to access the beach.

The Bad

  • Swimming Prohibited: Swimming is prohibited in many areas due to strong currents, especially near the mouth of the Orne.
  • Windy Conditions: The beach can be very windy, which might be uncomfortable during your visit.
  • Lack of Facilities: There are no facilities such as toilets or trash cans, which can be inconvenient for beachgoers.
  • Presence of "Meerkats": Some reviews mention the presence of "meerkats" or single men loitering in the dunes, which can be unsettling. Although this behaviour has been happening less since the Fédération Française de Naturisme has started patrolling the area.

The Naked Truth

Plage de La Redoute in Merville-Franceville is great nude beach choice, offering a serene and picturesque environment with fine sand and beautiful dunes. While the strong currents mean you can't swim in many areas, the natural beauty and historical significance make it worth a visit. However, the presence of single men in the dunes and the lack of facilities can be drawbacks. The reputation of Plage de La Redoute has improved greatly within the last few years since the Fédération Française de Naturisme has started patrolling the beach. If you're looking for a quiet, natural beach experience with a touch of history, this spot is a great choice. Maybe visit on a weekend if you are a newbie or unsure.

Insider Tip

Bring your dog! This is one of very few beaches in the area that allow dogs during summer and on weekends.

Who's Here

Lots of single men with more couples and younger people on the weekends

Beach Surface

Sand

Access Difficulty

Easy
Booking.com
Booking.com

Photos

Our Visit

Contributor Review – Claudette Perreault
Local Expert. Visited 2024

We spent a chill Saturday at Plage de La Redoute in Merville-Franceville, and it was quite an adventure. My boyfriend and I decided to check it out for the first time, we’ve been to plenty of nude beaches in France but never here. He was all in for going fully naked, but I was a bit unsure at first. The beach had a bit of a reputation in the past among locals as a ‘pick-up place,’ with “meerkats” (people who stand around watching others from the dunes) in the sand dunes. But once we got there, I felt much more comfortable.

Getting there was a breeze, and we easily found the large free parking area. Just a heads up, there are no showers or toilets, even at the car park, so plan ahead. The walk through the dunes to the beach was really nice and calming. When we arrived, we saw two friendly reps from Fédération Française de Naturisme (known locally as FFN) patrolling the beach. They were approachable and seemed to be doing a good job. The beach was quite busy with lots of couples and young families, which made me feel more at ease.

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Despite its reputation, the beach felt safe and welcoming. The FFN reps were clearly making a positive impact, and it showed in the atmosphere. The dunes provide a lot of privacy from the car park, which is nice if you’re feeling a bit shy. My boyfriend went naked right away, and after seeing many other people doing the same, I decided to give it a try too. It was liberating and very relaxing.

The beach is pretty big, with beautiful dunes and fine sand. Just be careful with the tides – they can come in quickly. We spent most of the day lounging and soaking up the sun. There were no facilities around, so we had to plan our bathroom breaks accordingly. The closest place with restrooms was Plage de Franceville, a long walk away, or the restaurant bathrooms, but you need to buy something to use them.

We noticed some textiles walking the length of the beach, but nothing that disturbed the peaceful atmosphere and they weren’t gawking. The water was clear and inviting, though swimming is prohibited in some areas due to strong currents. The beach’s wild and natural feel is a big plus, and we enjoyed the sense of freedom it offered.

Overall, Plage de La Redoute turned out to be a great spot for a relaxing day out. The dunes provided just the right amount of privacy, and the presence of the FFN reps helped keep things safe and pleasant. It was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a laid-back beach experience in a beautiful setting, I highly recommend it. Just remember to bring everything you need, as there are no amenities available.

Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!

Map

Getting There

Plage de La Redoute in Merville-Franceville is relatively easy to access. Once you’ve reach the car park, it's a short walk through the marshes and dunes to the beach. Follow the paths and signs to reach the different sections of the beach. For the naturist area, head west after reaching the beach. but here’s a detailed guide to make sure you find your way:

By Car:
From the town center of Merville-Franceville, head west along the D514 towards Ouistreham. Look for signs directing you to "La Redoute." There are two main access points to the beach:

  • The first access point is via Kennedy Boulevard. You’ll find some parking spaces on Wattier Boulevard. This is where the supervised swimming area is located.
  • For the naturist section, continue on the D514 and follow the signs for "La Redoute." Take a small street on the right with billboards advertising the harbor and a restaurant. You'll find a large free parking area here. The naturist beach is further west of this point, towards Ouistreham.

Public Transport:
There are limited public transport options directly to Plage de La Redoute, so driving is your best bet. If you’re relying on public transport, the nearest major town is Caen, from which you can take a taxi or a local bus to Merville-Franceville.

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