Plage de Piémanson

Contributor Review – Claudette Perreault
Local Expert. Visited 2024

We recently spent a long weekend at Plage de Piémanson in the south of France, and it was a truly unforgettable experience! The drive out to the beach from Salin-de-Giraud was remote but absolutely breathtaking. The rugged Camargue landscape stretches out in front of you, with the glimmering salt marshes, open skies, and even a glimpse of flamingos along the way. The road was a bit rough, but nothing too serious. We drove a small car and had no trouble, though we had to take it slow in a few spots.

I’d read ahead of time that there were no facilities at Piémanson, so we came fully prepared, but we were pleasantly surprised to find four chemical toilets right by the car park. Now, let’s be real, they smelled pretty bad, but when you’re out here in the wild with no other options, it’s a relief to know they’re available if needed! This beach has a similar feel to Plage de Pissevache which is further south, but it is much more remote here and beach much more spacious.

One of the highlights of our visit was meeting the folks from the naturist club, Camargue Soleil, who set up shop here on busy weekends. They even bring along a mobile library where you can borrow books! How cool is that? Admittedly, all the books were in French, and our French is limited to “un petit peu,” but it’s such a lovely touch. The people from the club were incredibly friendly, offering tips and answering questions about the beach and the surrounding area.

On weekends, this beach fills up quickly, mostly with locals, which gives it an amazing atmosphere. There’s something special about the vibe at Piémanson; it feels both lively and welcoming, and it’s clear that naturism is the norm here. We usually like to get a feel for a place before getting naked, but here it was an absolute given. It was refreshing to feel so comfortable and embraced by the community, surrounded by friendly faces and a relaxed, open attitude. Plage de Piémanson probably has the best 'community feel' of any nude beach in France, we love it here.

The beach itself is beautiful—soft, smooth sand stretches out along the length of this huge place, perfect for lounging or a long walk by the water. And even though it’s a popular spot, the beach is so spacious that it never feels overcrowded. The water was incredibly clear, and on the warm days, it was just the right temperature for a dip.

There aren’t any amenities nearby, so you’ll want to bring everything you need, but that’s part of Piémanson’s charm. It feels wild and untouched, as though you’ve stepped into a secluded natural paradise far from the modern world. For those of us who enjoy a return to basics, Piémanson is an ideal spot.

This place has it all—the natural beauty of the Camargue, a welcoming naturist community, and the kind of calm that only comes from being surrounded by nature. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to unwind, embrace a naturist lifestyle, and experience the true beauty of the French coast. We’ll definitely be back!