Location
France
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to September
About Le Bau Rouge
Le Bau Rouge (also written Les Bau Rouges) is a small rocky beach at the foot of the cliffs west of Carqueiranne, on the Var coast between Toulon and Hyères, towards Le Pradet. It is the commune's only naturist beach and one of the oldest authorised naturist beaches on the French Riviera: Atout France records that it was officially authorised in 1977. The beach is roughly 200 m of stones and large smooth rock slabs rather than sand, below cliffs whose rock shades from beige through violet to wine red. The water is very clear, and the rocky outcrops and seabed make it a favourite with snorkellers, divers and sea-urchin gatherers. There is no lifeguard and no beach service, and swimming can be tricky in wind. Part of the beach, set apart from the rest, is frequented by gay men. Access has been the main problem in recent years: the long staircase that served the beach was reported closed in 2024 and 2025, and visitors have had to use a path further east.
Getting there
The beach is west of Carqueiranne off the coast road towards Le Pradet. It is traditionally reached by a long staircase of about 220 steps, but visitors reported in 2024 and June 2025 that the stairs were closed and access through the housing estate was no longer possible; a path about 300 m further east was being used instead. The descent is steep either way. Parking is limited roadside parking a few hundred metres away. Check with the Carqueiranne tourist office (04 94 23 44 67) before going.
What visitors say
Visitors value Le Bau Rouge for its clear water, snorkelling and quiet, wild setting, and describe it as uncrowded. Recurring complaints concern access: reviewers in 2024 and 2025 report the stairs closed and the town unable to give a repair date, with a rougher path further east in use. Some note that one area is a gay meeting spot. Bring water shoes, shade and everything you need.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Atout France (France.fr) lists the Plage du Bau Rouge as a naturist beach officially authorised in 1977 (article dated 2011), and the regional tourism board describes it as a naturist beach. Nudity is lawful here; outside the beach normal French law applies. The access staircase was reported closed in 2024-2025, which is an access problem, not a ban.
Naturism at Le Bau Rouge sits under France's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: France public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 25 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 43.0802, 6.0367
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 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 Le Bau Rouge an official nude beach?
Yes. France's national tourism agency lists it as officially authorised for naturism since 1977.
Is the staircase open?
Visitors reported it closed in 2024 and 2025, with a path about 300 m further east used instead. Check with the Carqueiranne tourist office before you go.
Is it sandy?
No. It is stones and large rock slabs, good for snorkelling but hard underfoot; bring water shoes and a mat.
Is there a lifeguard?
No. The beach is unsupervised, so take care in windy weather.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…