Location
France
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Plage de Lourtuais
The Plage du Lourtuais (also spelled Lourtouais) is a sheltered cove on the eastern flank of the Cap d'Erquy in Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, inside the protected classified site of the cape. It is about 400 m long, with fine sand that has a pinkish tint from the local sandstone, and it sits below heath-covered cliffs of gorse and heather with no buildings in view. France's national tourism site singles it out as one of the few Breton beaches where naturism is possible. Only the left-hand part of the beach (looking out to sea) is used by naturists; the right-hand side is for clothed bathers. At low tide the sand widens into a large expanse, but at high tide the beach shrinks considerably, so check tide times. The water is clear and cold by Mediterranean standards. There are no facilities, and the steep path down keeps numbers modest. Cliff walks on the GR34 coastal path around the cape are an easy add-on.
Getting there
From Erquy centre, follow rue des Plages Sauvages, then rue du Portuais, and turn left onto rue de la Plaine Garenne to the car park at its end, where paths lead to the cape and down to the beach. Allow about 900 m on foot; the last part is a steep descent with many steps. Not wheelchair accessible.
Amenities
Legal context
In France, nudity is not banned as such, but exposing oneself in a public place can be prosecuted as sexual exhibition (Penal Code art. 222-32); nude bathing is therefore safe only where it is authorised or clearly tolerated. France's national tourism site names the Lourtuais as one of the few Breton beaches where naturism can be practised, on the left-hand part of the beach. The cove is within the classified site of the Cap d'Erquy, so stay on paths and do not camp (checked 2026).
Naturism at Plage de Lourtuais 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 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 48.6459, -2.4761
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 the Lourtuais a nude beach?
Partly. France's national tourism site says naturism is possible on the left-hand part of the beach; the right-hand part is for clothed bathers.
How do I get there?
Park at the end of rue de la Plaine Garenne in Erquy and walk about 900 m, ending with a steep path and steps.
Is it good at high tide?
The beach gets very narrow at high tide. Go around mid to low tide.
Are there facilities?
None. Bring water and food.
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…