Plage des Montilles

A beach as far as the eye can see

The Montilles beach stretches over several kilometers between Place Paul Gauguin and the Coussoules de Leucate beach. Fine sand, gentle slope, open horizon: the place gives an immediate sense of space, rare on the Aude coastline in the height of summer.

You can drive straight onto it from the D 709, with the sand coming almost up to your wheels. This ease of access has a downside though, some visitors complain that vehicles sometimes drive a bit too close to the water.

Naturism recognized since 2001

A municipal decree from May 30, 2001 officially authorizes nudity in this area. Signs mark it, but the beach is so vast that they're easy to miss if you're not looking for them.

In practice, the beach splits into two moods. An identified naturist section sits on the right, over roughly 300 to 500 meters, while the center, closer to the harbor, stays more family friendly and textile.

Who you'll find there

The crowd mixes regular naturists, couples and families, straight and gay alike. Several reviews mention a fairly noticeable gay-friendly vibe in certain spots, within an overall relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The beach's sheer size works in favor of tranquility: everyone can easily find a spot to lay their towel without neighbors right on top of them. In summer, attendance climbs noticeably, out of season the place turns very quiet again.

What you'll find on site

The beach offers decent comfort for a site that's stayed wild.

• Free parking
• Showers and toilets
• Restaurants nearby
• Wheelchair access
• Dogs allowed
• Barbecues allowed

Good to know before you go

There's no lifeguard supervision, neither for swimming nor for anything else, all year round. The water is clear but currents can vary, caution is advised for swimming.

Some visitors also report a lack of vigilance regarding dogs left off leash. Since 2024, vehicle traffic on the sand has been restricted compared to previous years, a change noted by regulars of the place.