Montalivet, plage naturiste (CHM)
The beach where French naturism was born: kilometres of sand in front of the CHM Montalivet. A powerful ocean and lifeguards at only two points.
4score /5
Key facts
| Status | official, signposted |
|---|---|
| Ground and seabed | white sand with dunes, ocean with strong currents |
| Length | 2-3 km |
| Access | Plage Sud at the end of boulevard de Lattre de Tassigny, past the motorhome area; free and paid car parks. The naturist stretch starts to the left, in front of the CHM. |
| Services | on Plage Sud: two rescue posts, WC, showers, disabled access, restaurants; the naturist stretch is supervised only at two points in front of the CHM |
| Season | all year; supervised in the summer season |
| Verified from sources | 2026-10 |
| Coordinates | 45.375, -1.165 |
| Campsites nearby | Euronat |
Our scores
- Nature and scenery 4.5Kilometres of white sand and dunes on the Atlantic, pine forest behind.
- Cleanliness 4Large ocean beach, clean according to reviews; no reports to the contrary.
- Ease of access 4Car park and boardwalk, then sand; 'difficult access' according to plages.tv because of the distance.
- Services 3.5Full services on Plage Sud; on the naturist stretch you rely on the CHM.
- Atmosphere and peace 4.5First official naturist beach in mainland France (1966), in front of the world's oldest naturist centre: family naturism, long established.
- Space and crowds 3Crowded in August (plages.tv, Wikipedia); the length still lets you find space.
Our verdict
Who it's for
Families and anyone wanting 'normal' naturism with a town behind them.
Who should skip it
Inexperienced swimmers: currents are strong and the nude stretch is not fully supervised.
Practical tip
Swim only between the flags in front of the CHM; elsewhere the Médoc ocean is unforgiving.