Location
France
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Plage Naturiste de Jaunais
Les Jaunais is a pair of beaches on the western edge of Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique), on the coast road towards Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, where the Loire estuary opens to the Atlantic. The main beach is a broad sweep of sand sheltered by a high dune, supervised in July and August and holding a Blue Flag. The naturist beach is the second, smaller beach to its east, hidden behind a rocky spur: the Saint-Nazaire tourist office states that this second Jaunais beach is reserved for naturists. It is a sheltered sandy cove framed by rocks, reached by a long flight of steps down the cliff, which keeps numbers down and gives it a secluded feel. Tides matter here, as on the whole Atlantic coast: at high tide the sand shrinks considerably. Reviewers report a mostly male crowd and a gay presence, alongside couples. There are no facilities in the naturist cove itself; toilets and a picnic area serve the main beach.
Getting there
The beaches are on route de l'Océan (no. 140) west of Saint-Nazaire centre. Bus line U3 stops at 'Les Jaunais', about 300 m away. Visitors report free parking close by. From the top, a steep staircase (reviewers count about 100 steps) leads down to the naturist cove, so it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Dogs and other animals are banned from Saint-Nazaire's supervised beaches from 15 June to 15 September.
What visitors say
The few public reviews describe a pretty, sheltered cove that rewards the steep descent with peace and quiet. The steps are the main drawback and rule it out for anyone with limited mobility. Reviewers mention a predominantly male crowd and that the area is popular with gay men; some couples still find it pleasant. Watch the tide times, as the beach narrows at high water.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Saint-Nazaire tourist office states that the second beach at Les Jaunais, east of the supervised beach behind a rocky spur, is reserved for naturists (page seen 2026). 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 Naturiste de Jaunais 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. 47.2350, -2.3005
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
Which part of Les Jaunais is naturist?
The second, smaller beach east of the supervised main beach, behind a rocky spur. The tourist office says it is reserved for naturists.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take Saint-Nazaire bus line U3 to the 'Les Jaunais' stop, about 300 m away.
Is it accessible?
No; access is by a steep staircase of around 100 steps.
Are there toilets?
Toilets and a picnic area are at the main Jaunais beach, not in the naturist cove.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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