Plage de Pampelonne

Contributor Review – Candice Pelton
Local Expert. Visited 2024

We decided to visit Plage de Pampelonne, one of the most popular nude beaches in France, on a beautiful summer day. I went with my boyfriend, and we arrived around 10 AM. The beach was really chill at that time, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space to choose a good spot.

By noon, the vibe started to shift as more people arrived for lunch. The beach clubs along the shore, like the world famous Nikki Beach, began to fill up, and the noise level increased with DJs playing lively tunes. Despite the growing crowd, the beach remained a pleasant place to be, especially if you enjoy people-watching and a more vibrant scene. You can also pop that 500 euro bottle of champagne on the beach if you want!

One of the unique aspects of Plage de Pampelonne is the mix of public and private beach sections. You can freely walk along the beach between the clubs, enjoying the different atmospheres each one offers. For lunch, we headed to Neptune Beach Club further up the beach. This club is also clothing-optional, but we only saw one person taking advantage of this. We chose to keep our clothes on because we were only here for lunch, as did most other patrons. The food was excellent, and it was a nice break from the sun.

Back at the designated nude section of the beach, things had gotten busier. Surprisingly, there were more textiles in the afternoon. I couldn’t help but wonder why some people come to the nude section if they’re not going to get naked. It’s a bit puzzling, but to each their own.

Overall, I would recommend Plage de Pampelonne. It might not be the most authentic nude beach in the world, but it’s pretty enough, and it caters to people who also want world-class amenities right next to them. Just be prepared for the loungers at some of these beach clubs to cost over 100 euros!

Parking was quite reasonable at 4.50 euros for the whole day. We found a spot easily and enjoyed the scenic walk to the beach.

Insider Tip: If you prefer a quieter experience, arrive early like we did. The beach is less crowded and more relaxing in the morning. Also, if you're visiting during the summer, the DJs start playing in the afternoon, which can be a bit noisy if you’re looking for a peaceful spot.

Another tip is to explore different sections of the beach. The nude section is located near Cabane Bambou, but there are also other naturist areas like the one in front of Neptune Beach restaurant. Just remember, walking along the water between the clubs is allowed, but nudity is only tolerated in specific areas.

If you're nervous about getting naked, it’s worth noting that most people here are topless, but the textiles outnumber the fully nude in the afternoon. However, the atmosphere is generally relaxed, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to strip down if you’re not comfortable.

In conclusion, Plage de Pampelonne offers a mix of natural beauty and upscale amenities, making it a unique spot for a nude beach experience in France. Whether you’re a seasoned naturist or just curious, it’s a great place to enjoy the sun and sea.