Location
France
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
mid-April to September (naturism authorised 15 April to 30 September)
About Plage de l'Espiguette
L'Espiguette is the great wild beach of Le Grau-du-Roi in the Gard, at the eastern edge of the Camargue beyond Port-Camargue. The protected site covers close to 10 km of shoreline and up to 2 km of dunes, from young mobile dunes by the sea to older fossil dunes inland, with the listed Espiguette lighthouse standing behind. It is part of the Camargue gardoise Grand Site and a Natura 2000 area, and there are no buildings on the sand. The commune authorises naturism only on one sector of beach it has set aside, from 15 April to 30 September, under a municipal order of 9 April 2015. Visitors place this naturist sector on the wilder stretch beyond the last paid car park toward the Pointe de l'Espiguette, a few hundred metres past the end of the lot among sandy coves, with dunes that give shelter from the wind. The sand is fine and golden and the water shallow; there is no shade. It is one of the best-known naturist beaches on the French Mediterranean.
Getting there
Follow the Route de l'Espiguette from Le Grau-du-Roi and Port-Camargue to the large natural car park, which is paid in season (visitor-reported prices of roughly €6 to €15 per day vary by year and vehicle); arriving very early or late avoids the fee. Walk to the far end of the lot and continue along the beach toward the point; from the car park it is up to about 800 m through the dunes to the sea. A free car park near the campsite at the start of the beach adds a long walk. A cycle route links Le Grau-du-Roi and La Grande-Motte. Dogs are banned on all the commune's beaches.
What visitors say
Naturists describe the Espiguette naturist sector as beautiful, wild and roomy, with a calm, friendly atmosphere and plenty of space between groups; the walk and paid parking are said to filter casual visitors. Long-running complaints include voyeurs in the dunes, lone men seeking encounters, car break-ins and a costly car park whose staff some find unfriendly. Strong winds, especially the mistral, can make the sand unpleasant. Many recommend arriving by bike or going on quieter weekdays.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Le Grau-du-Roi's 2026 beach guide states naturism is authorised ONLY on the sector granted by the commune, 15 April to 30 September, under the municipal order of 9 April 2015. Dogs are prohibited on the beaches, and forum reports mention regular police patrols of the car parks.
Naturism at Plage de l'Espiguette 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.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 43.4750, 4.1600
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 on all of l'Espiguette?
No. The commune authorises naturism only on its designated sector, from 15 April to 30 September; visitors place it beyond the last paid car park toward the point.
How much is parking?
The natural car park is paid in season; visitor reports range from about €6 to €15 a day depending on year and vehicle.
Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are banned on Le Grau-du-Roi's beaches, even on a lead.
Is there a lifeguard?
A lookout post operates at the Pointe de l'Espiguette in high summer (late June to end of August, afternoons in 2026).
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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