guide
With its long sandy beaches fringed by pines and dunes, the island of Oléron is one of the favourite destinations of naturists on the Atlantic coast. Several stretches of beach have traditionally been frequented without swimwear, away from the resorts, in a setting that has stayed very wild.
Where to find the naturist beaches of Oléron, how to get there, which precautions to take and where to stay: here is our guide.
| Beach | In brief |
|---|---|
| Les Saumonards | East coast, near Boyardville, reached on foot through the pine forest |
| La Giraudière | South-west, Le Grand-Village-Plage, wild beach facing the ocean |
| Grande Plage de Saint-Trojan | Far south, long beach bordered by forest |
| Season | From June to September |
| Precaution | Strong currents on the ocean side, swimming not supervised |
On the east coast of the island, near Boyardville, the Saumonards beach stretches opposite Fort Boyard and the Île d’Aix. You reach it on foot or by bike along paths that cross the state forest, which makes it quieter than the resort beaches. Facing the Pertuis, it often has calmer water than the west coast, which families appreciate. Naturist bathing takes place on one section of the beach, away from the family areas where swimwear is worn.
In the south-west of the island, the wild coast unrolls kilometres of sand facing the ocean. Around La Giraudière, at Le Grand-Village-Plage, and on the Grande Plage de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, areas have long been frequented by naturists, far from the main access points. The setting is superb: dunes, pine forest and Atlantic rollers.
Caution: this coast is exposed to swell and strong currents. Bathing is rarely supervised in the naturist areas: only swim with care, never alone, and stay close to the shore in rough sea.
On the island as elsewhere, naturist practice is tolerated on identified stretches of beach, sometimes marked by signs, and may be governed by municipal orders. Boundaries change: check with the town halls or the tourist office before settling in. On site, the usual rules apply: discretion, no photos, respect for other users and for the dunes, which must not be walked on outside the marked paths.
Between beach days, the island is best explored by bike thanks to its network of cycle paths. Don’t miss the port of La Cotinière and its fish auction, the colourful huts of the oyster farmers at the port des Salines, the citadel of Le Château-d’Oléron and the Chassiron lighthouse at the northern tip. Markets and the oysters of Marennes-Oléron round off the stay.
On the mainland, at Les Mathes, near La Palmyre, the naturist campsite Le Petit Dauphin lets you explore Oléron, the wild coast and the Coubre forest, about half an hour from the island. You can also find all our naturist campsites in Charente-Maritime and our selection of the most beautiful naturist beaches in France.
Oléron offers simple, natural naturism, on immense beaches where there is always a quiet corner. The Saumonards suit families best thanks to their calmer waters, while the south-west coast suits lovers of wide open spaces. Come in June or September to enjoy the island in peace, and always respect the caution required in the face of the ocean.
Campsites marked “Partner” are Aimer Camper members and are shown first. All results match your search.