French Riviera Summer Nude Beach Update

Summer feels like it is practically here already in the French Riviera and for those not already hitting the nude beaches, I thought I’d provide a little bit of an update now that Coronavirus restrictions are slowly being lifted.

Locally, between Nice and Monaco, the most popular gay nude beach near Monaco is situated close to the family oriented, Plage de St Laurent à Eze.

https://www.gayfrenchriviera.com/2011/10/stlaurent-eze-gay-nude-beach.html

Seen by many as the obvious natural choice due to its discreet location and the best known in the area meaning men from all backgrounds, shapes and sizes will be in attendance on a daily basis. 

Having just visited this beach in early April, I was surprised how many men were there taking in the Springtime sunshine while also going for a dip in the sea. 

There are two ways to get to this beach, but please, for your safety use the directions listed in my post link above. There is another way to reach the beach near Cap Estel but it is not on a very safe path and will take you just as long to get to the beach if not longer.

Men of every nationality go to this beach and everyone is welcome. My advice, you can sun yourself on any of the large rock areas jutting out at the sea but if you want to relax on the actual beach, get there early to get your spot, no matter the day of the week, obviously weekends are busier.

Wear athletic shoes to get there for ease over the rocks on the trail and bring lots of fluids and a snack as there are no concession stands set up for obvious reasons.

Next up, the nude beaches of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.

The most popular one of these being Plage du Phare, at the sea under the white villa by the lighthouse.

https://www.gayfrenchriviera.com/2011/12/saint-jean-cap-ferrat-gay-nude-areas.html

Very easy to get to but there have been some changes over this past winter season.

When you get to the lighthouse, head towards Villefranche-sur-Mer but almost immediately under the lighthouse you will see a small white, slightly hidden villa to your left and below it is the beach.

You used to be able to follow the fence line protecting the villa and jump a step down and into the villa owner’s stairs towards the beach. This year though he has recently updated his garden and with that has erected a new fence barrier so that people cannot get on to his stairs to the sea as easily.

It might get removed over the next few summer months and so if it has, I will update this post, otherwise, make your way along the usual hiking trail a bit further north away from the owner’s fence line and you will see a couple of stairs leading to some greenery where you will see a slight trail (that should get more worn through this summer) that will take you down to the beach.

This beach is the most popular location for nude sunbathing and although those from above near the lighthouse will be able to see you, unless they have binoculars, they won’t see much.

Since this beach is also below Villa Santo Sospir, while enjoying the sunshine and dips in the sea, keep in mind back in the day this was also a popular spot for the artist Jean Cocteau and his lover Jean Marais and their gang.

Again, further north towards Villefranche-sur-Mer, from the hiking trail you will come across the also unmarked Rochers Crau Nao, Crique Crau Nao and Plage de la Cuisse.

These beaches though are more so rocky enclaves and to be honest, I have hiked this trail for many years and have only encountered one or two nudists sunbathing. They are known but not really used by those looking to suntan nude and it’s not recommended to swim in all those locations due to the rough waters and rocks.

Plage du Phare is your best bet. There seems to always be room for lots of people yet it doesn’t get too crowded and is mainly known only in the local gay community.

Bring your sunscreen, water and enjoy your summer!