Location
France
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to October
About Crique de la DOUANE
The Crique de la Douane is a small cove on the protected coast south of Ramatuelle, on the Saint-Tropez peninsula. It lies on the coastal path about 200 m past the Escalet headland and 600 m before Cap Taillat. The cove has fine white sand and clear, emerald water, between low rocky points covered in maquis and umbrella pines, with no buildings in sight. It is also called the Plage de l'Amour or Criques de la Douane, after the old customs house (douane) on the path. Ramatuelle's tourist office describes it as unsupervised and notes that naturism is tolerated there. Beach guides say nude bathing is accepted along the whole stretch from beyond Escalet beach to the customs house before Cap Taillat. The cove is little known and is used mainly by regulars and walkers on the sentier du littoral, so it rarely has the crowds of Pampelonne. There are no services, so bring water and shade.
Getting there
Drive to Plage de l'Escalet south of Ramatuelle. The Escalet car park is paid in summer, but there is free parking on the road before the barrier. Follow the coastal path (sentier du littoral) west towards Cap Taillat. Guides estimate about 10 minutes to the cove, while the tourist office suggests allowing up to 40 minutes. The path is rocky with some ups and downs, so wear proper shoes. There is no public transport to Escalet and no wheelchair access.
Amenities
Legal context
Ramatuelle's tourist office beach brochure (2022) describes the cove as unsupervised with naturism tolerated. It is not a formally designated naturist beach, unlike the authorised naturist sections at Pampelonne. The coast is protected Conservatoire du Littoral land, so stay on paths and do not camp or light fires.
Naturism at Crique de la DOUANE sits under France's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: France public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 43.1801, 6.6398
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in France
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at the Crique de la Douane?
Yes. Ramatuelle's tourist office says naturism is tolerated at the cove, and nude bathing is common along the Escalet to Cap Taillat stretch.
How long is the walk?
From the Escalet car park, about 10 minutes according to beach guides, though the tourist office suggests allowing up to 40 minutes.
Is parking free?
The Escalet car park is paid in summer. Free spaces can be found on the road before the barrier.
Are there facilities or a lifeguard?
No. The cove is unsupervised and has no services, so bring water, food and shade.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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