Location
France
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Plage des Lays
Plage des Lays is a remote Atlantic beach in the south of La Barre-de-Monts (Vendée), on the long dune coast between Fromentine and Notre-Dame-de-Monts. It sits at the end of a 2.5 km track through the pine forest, with no buildings in sight, and is one of the few beaches in the Saint-Jean-de-Monts area where the official tourist office says naturism is permitted. The tourist office describes nude use as tolerated on the southern part of the beach; naturist guides say the naturist sector starts roughly 200 m to the left of the access path. The beach is a wide expanse of fine sand backed by dunes, with large tidal range typical of the Vendée coast; the water can be far out at low tide. Its neighbour to the south, Plage de la Parée Grollier, has similar status. The walk keeps crowds modest, though some visitors complain of voyeurs and say it is less suited to families than official family naturist beaches.
Getting there
Cars cannot reach the beach: from the forest roads south of La Barre-de-Monts a track of about 2.5 km leads through the pine forest, which most people cycle or walk. Parking near the start of the track is limited in high season, so arriving by bike is recommended. Dogs on a lead are allowed only at low tide and, from 15 June to 15 September, only before 9am and after 7pm. No facilities or lifeguard at the beach.
What visitors say
Visitors like the wild, empty setting and the bike ride through the forest to reach it. The naturist part is described as calm, but several reviewers mention voyeurs in the dunes and say it is not especially family-oriented. Lack of parking in summer and the long approach are the main practical complaints. Bring water and shade; there are no services.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Pays de Saint-Jean-de-Monts tourist office lists Plage des Lays as a nudist beach where the practice is tolerated on the southern part. No municipal decree text was found. In France simple nudity is not itself an offence, but 'exhibition sexuelle' (Penal Code art. 222-32) can be charged where nudity is imposed on others, so nudity is safest on beaches authorised or tolerated by the commune.
Naturism at Plage des Lays 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. 46.8632, -2.1472
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 nudity allowed at Plage des Lays?
Yes, on the southern part of the beach. The official tourist office says naturism is tolerated there.
How do I get there?
Walk or cycle about 2.5 km along a track through the pine forest; cycling is recommended because parking is limited.
Are dogs allowed?
On a lead at low tide only; between 15 June and 15 September only before 9am and after 7pm.
Are there facilities?
No; there is no lifeguard, toilet or café.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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