Nude beaches are not uncommon in France; many beaches on the French Riviera and along the Mediterranean are either topless or naturist. The south-west Atlantic coast of France is almost one vast nude beach, stretching over 100 miles from Biarritz to the Gironde. According to Sunlovers magazine, "They say you cannot go further than two miles along the French Mediterranean coast without seeing nudists.

Since 1950 France has been at the forefront of the Naturist movement, and as the home of laissez-faire, just about every beach in southern France is topless.

In addition to these beaches listed below there are almost a thousand nudist colonies spread throughout France (see related links for a map-based tool to find a nudist colony).

Some of the best nude beaches include:

Montalivet Beach on the Atlantic CoastTravelers looking for an authentic nude beach experience should go to Centre HÃ©lio Montalivet, the birthplace of the international naturist movement. Established in 1950, this nude beach resort on France's Atlantic Coast provides a safe and legal wilderness setting for nudists and their families. Within the complex are more than 1,800 camp sites, 172 bungalows, shops and facilities for art classes, yoga, soccer and more. No other nude beach or camp on earth rivals Montalivet's family-friendly environment. Cap d'Agde, Vermeille Coast - Mediterranean

Cap d'Agde is much more than just a nude beach: it is the "World Capital of Nudism." In the "naturist quarter" of this Mediterranean resort town, nudity is legal not only on the beach but also in banks, restaurants and shops. Of course, While the clothing optional atmosphere here is as wholesome as anywhere, there are sections of the beach at night where friskier activities are reported to take place. www.capdagde.com

Leucate Plage - Mediterranean coastThis superb bare beach has 1 km of fine golden sand, the classic Mediterranean beach. The water is normally calm and the shore shelves gently into the sea making it popular with families. Three naturist resorts share the coastline but the beach is open to all and there's plenty of space for first-time skinny-dippers and lifelong nudists alike.

Go north from Perpignan on the main N9 and turn right on to the D83, signposted Port Bacares. After 9 kms turn left on to the D627, drive through Port Leucate and the bare beach is on the right. Park on the road - easy public access between Aphrodite Village and Club Oasis, the naturist resorts.

Euronat -Atlantic coastThe south-west coast of France is almost one vast nude beach, stretching over 100 miles from Biarritzto the Gironde. Among stiff competition, the nude resort beach of Euronat stands out for its clean golden sand, supervised swimming and friendly atmosphere. Thousands of happy families gather here, and the beach is open to both nudist campers and day visitors alike. Other highly regarded resort beaches heading south are Montalivet CHM, La Jenny and Arnaoutchot.

From the seaside town of Montalivet-les-Bains, drive north on the D102 coast road. After 3 kms the road turns sharply right inland. Park and walk on to the beach - the main bare area is to the right.

Vieux St. Giron - Atlantic coast

Vieux St. Giron is located in the Landes region, just north of Biarritz. Here's where you can surf nude. The waves are intense and not very far from Arcachon beach which is well known for its surfing. Unlike Mediterranean sea beaches, you'll find sand dunes and a very laid back atmosphere.

Berck sur Mer - Atlantic CoastPlage des Sables d'Opale is a family beach with a zone of 250 metres set aside for clothing optional swimming and sunbathing. Go just past the building in ruins along the dunes. Merville-franceville - Atlantic CoastPlage de la Redoute Calvados, Normandy. The prefecture has authorized nude sunbathing in a limited zone of 250 meters. As an added bonus Calvados is the home of the most excellent and eponymous Apple Brandy. Fouesnant - Atlantic Coast

Plage de Kerler was fficially authorized in 2004, Kerler's natural beauty makes this a great place to experience memorable moments 'en famille'.

Le Grau du Rois- Atlantic CoastPlage de l'Espiguette is an idyllic southern beach with a family feel. This beach is very popular because it has a gay section. Saint Tropez - Mediterranean CoastSaint Tropez is known for its beaches. Almost all are topless tolerant beaches and there are plenty of options for folks with families who wish to keep their modesty intact.

Plage de Tahiti is noted for its clothing-optional policy and risquÃ© atmosphere, its name a tip of the hat to laid back (French) Polynesian culture. Go in Summer to see celebrity tanners.

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