Location
France
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Pebble
Best season
May to early October
About Plage naturiste de Bonnieu
Bonnieu is a naturist beach on the Côte Bleue at Martigues, between the EDF power station at Ponteau and the fishing villages of Carro and La Couronne, west of Marseille. Unlike most French naturist beaches it is run by a club: the association Martigues Nature Soleil (MNS) manages the site, and in season it is reserved for members, with nudity required everywhere except for children. The shore is gravel and rock rather than sand, with clear water and rocky points on either side. The association keeps toilets, a pétanque and volleyball area and a small snack bar that often hosts themed evenings, giving it the feel of a family naturist club by the sea. The atmosphere is family oriented and the club's internal rules are strictly enforced, with permanent exclusion for serious breaches. The beach is not supervised by lifeguards, and dogs are not allowed.
Getting there
From Martigues take the D5 or D9 towards Carro and La Couronne; after the EDF power station a small sign points to the beach (Chemin de Bonnieu). There is parking at the site. Open daily from 1 May to 6 October in 2026. Entry is for MNS members: annual membership costs 50 EUR per person and needs a sponsor; non-members may try it for up to two days at 10 EUR per day; under-18s are free. Payment by cash or cheque. Contact: 04 42 42 04 40.
Amenities
Legal context
In France nudity is not an offence in itself; only sexual exhibition (Code pénal art. 222-32) is punished, and courts and prefects have long accepted nude bathing where it is customary. Bonnieu is a recognised naturist beach listed by the Martigues tourist office and Provence Tourisme (2026), managed by a naturist association under its own rules.
Naturism at Plage naturiste de Bonnieu 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. 43.3440, 5.0195
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
Can anyone go to Bonnieu?
In season it is reserved for members of Martigues Nature Soleil. Non-members can try it for up to two days at 10 EUR per day before joining.
How much is membership?
50 EUR per person per year in 2026, with a sponsor (parrainage); under-18s enter free.
Is nudity required?
Yes, nudity is required across the whole site, except for children.
When is it open?
Daily from 1 May to 6 October in 2026.
Are there facilities?
Toilets, a snack bar, and pétanque and volleyball areas. There is no lifeguard, and dogs are not allowed.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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