Plage naturiste du Monaco
Small official naturist cove since 2016 in Le Pradet, reached via the coastal path, pine shade and a view over the Toulon roadstead.
- Naturist since 2016
- Access via coastal path
- Natural pine shade
- View over Toulon roadstead
- Family atmosphere
- Address
- Sentier des Douaniers, entre plage des Bonnettes et plage du Pin de Galles
83220 Le Pradet, Var - Website
- naturisme-paca-corse.com
A cove that turned officially naturist
Monaco beach, in Le Pradet, belongs to that family of small Var coves that switched to the naturist side by municipal decision. A decree dated 11 March 2016 sealed the zone's status, with a change of location at the time: the naturist section now sits on the western end of the beach, whereas it used to occupy the other end.
The site remains modest in size, about 400 metres of coastline, but enough not to feel piled on top of each other. The sand is coarse, not the fine white sand of postcards, which doesn't stop regulars from coming back year after year.
The setting
What gives the place its charm is its preserved Mediterranean environment: umbrella pines line the cove and offer welcome natural shade during the hot hours, a real plus when you spend the day naked in the sun. The view stretches over the Toulon roadstead and the Saint-Mandrier peninsula, a panorama that's a nice change from the more urban beaches of the Côte d'Azur.
Access and parking
You can't drive straight here: you need to take the customs officers' path, also called the coastal path, which runs along the shore between Bonnettes beach and Pin de Galles beach. Two car parks let you leave your car nearby, including the one at Pin de Galles, before finishing on foot. Access remains free, with no set hours and no entrance fee.
Atmosphere on site
Word going around about this cove describes a friendly, family-oriented spot, where quiet comes first. The atmosphere is described as respectful, with visitors drawn to classic naturist values rather than any cruising or exhibitionist logic. Being a bit off the beaten path, reachable only on foot, naturally filters out casual passersby and fosters a calmer atmosphere than on the big, busy naturist beaches.
Good to know
No facilities are mentioned on site (no lifeguard, no shops reported), which fits the site's wild spirit. Better to bring water, extra shade if the pines aren't enough, and sturdy shoes for the coastal path, especially if you're carrying gear.
Source: OpenStreetMap and its contributors (ODbL licence). See on OpenStreetMap.