Location
France
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Plage Naturiste des Saumonards
The Plage des Saumonards is a long, undeveloped sandy beach on the sheltered east coast of the Île d'Oléron, facing the Pertuis d'Antioche, just north of the harbour village of Boyardville in the commune of Saint-Georges-d'Oléron. It runs for close to 3 km along the edge of the Saumonards state forest, with low dunes and maritime pines behind it and a clear view across the water to Fort Boyard and the Île d'Aix. Because it faces the sheltered strait rather than the open Atlantic, the water shelves gently. France's national tourism site says the northern part of the beach is given over to naturism; a beach guide describes a stretch of roughly 500 m where nudity is tolerated, but places it differently (in the middle of the beach, or toward Gautrelle at the north-west end), so expect to find the nude area by sight rather than by signs. There is no road along the shore, which keeps it quieter than the island's resort beaches. The beach has no bars or beach clubs; bring water and shade. Reports of men lingering in the dunes are a recurring complaint.
Getting there
There is no road to the shore: the beach is reached on foot or by bike along forest tracks. From Boyardville, follow the Route des Saumonards toward the campsite and old fort (about 3 km); from the north you can come in on paths from Gautrelle beach. Two small car parks in the Saumonards forest, one near the fort and one north of the point, fill up quickly in summer, so arrive early or cycle (the island's cycle network passes nearby). The final approach is on sandy paths through the pines and over the dune, unsuitable for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a wild, uncrowded beach with fine sand, gently shelving water and good views of Fort Boyard and the Île d'Aix. Several reviewers complain about voyeurs and men hanging around the dunes behind the nude area. Opinions differ about exactly where the nude stretch starts, so walking along until you see others undressed is the usual tip. Parking is the main headache in high summer, and there are no services on the sand.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
France's national tourism agency (france.fr) states that the northern part of the Saumonards beach is dedicated to naturism, so nudity there is accepted practice; elsewhere on the beach and in the forest normal dress rules apply. In France, exposing oneself sexually is an offence (Code pénal art. 222-32), and voyeurism or sexual behaviour in the dunes is not covered by naturist tolerance. No local enforcement conflicts were found as of 2026.
Naturism at Plage Naturiste des Saumonards 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. 45.9900, -1.2608
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 the Plage des Saumonards?
Yes, in its naturist stretch. France's national tourism site says the northern part of the beach is dedicated to naturism; the rest of the beach is textile.
Where exactly is the nude section?
Official tourism information puts it in the northern part of the beach; one guide speaks of a 500 m tolerated zone. There is no clear signage, so look for other naturists as you walk along.
Can I drive to the beach?
Not directly. Park in one of two small forest car parks (one near the fort, one north of the point) or cycle in, then walk through the pines.
Are there facilities?
Very few: basic toilets near the parking and no bars or beach clubs on the naturist stretch. Boyardville, 3 km away, has shops and cafés.
Is it safe for swimming?
It faces the sheltered Pertuis d'Antioche, so the water is usually calm and shelves gently, unlike the Atlantic beaches on Oléron's west coast.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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