Plage Naturiste de la Batterie

Contributor Review – Claudette Perreault
Local Expert. Visited 2024

So, my boyfriend and I decided to visit Plage Naturiste de la Batterie while we were in Cannes. I heard about this local gem online and, honestly, it was the only naturist beach in Cannes, so we had to check it out. There are a lot of well known nude beaches in France, but this one is more low key and not well published. The entrance was a bit tricky to find at first. It's along the highway between Gulf Juan and Cannes (Avenue Marechal Juin). Look for the Total Energies gas station; the stairs down to the beach are just north and south of it.

We ended up parking our car along the road in a nearby residential area since the parking lot is no longer accessible. After asking a friendly local for directions, we found the stairs next to a blue gate. The tunnel under the road leads to the first beach, which is the biggest of the three distinct sections, though still quite small at only about 20 meters wide. This section is a mix of sand and stones and offers a beautiful view of the Bay of Juan les Pins.

We continued to the left, following a dirt path that brought us to two narrow creeks with fine sand. These spots were very charming and provided a bit more seclusion. The third beach, which also has stairs, was our final destination. This beach has no facilities, so we brought a picnic basket, drinks, and towels.

The beach was fairly busy for a sunny day, with around 40 people lounging and enjoying the sun. The crowd was diverse, with a mix of older men, younger couples, and some families. Everyone was so relaxed and friendly. It was refreshing to see such a laid-back atmosphere away from the huge crowds in Cannes.

The water was crystal clear and perfect for a dip, though getting in and out was a bit tricky due to the rocks. I wished the water was more sandy because I didn't bring water shoes, which would have made things a lot easier. We found a flat area to set up our towels, though it was a bit awkward lying on the rocky shoreline. A friendly local lent us some advice on finding the best spots.

As we were setting up, a local approached us and welcomed us to the beach. He explained the unwritten protocols: nudity is expected, and taking photos without permission is a big no-no. We are aware this is the case but appreciated his hospitality and the community's efforts to keep the beach respectful and clean.

The central part of the beach was mostly straight, while gay men tended to gather at either end, particularly the west end. It was nice to see everyone getting along and enjoying the sun and sea together. There were even a few people fishing and having picnics with beer and wine. We didn't see any bad behaviour or creepers, which has occasionally been reported online. If I was a solo female I would have felt comfortable being nude at the beach on this day.

Overall, we had a fantastic time at Plage Naturiste de la Batterie. While it was a bit tricky to find and lacked facilities, the beautiful views and friendly atmosphere made it worth the effort. It is a totally different experience to the nearby glitz and glam at the Saint-Tropez nude beach. If you’re visiting Cannes and looking for a naturist beach, Plage Naturiste de la Batterie the place to go. Just remember to respect the local customs and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique spot. If you're a little sketched out by the talk of bad behaviour or creepers, maybe go on the weekend when it is busier or find a friend. The community seems invested in making this beach a positive place, so hopefully going forward the bad reviews don't exist.