Plage de Maguelone (naturist beach)

The beach below the old Maguelone cathedral, at Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone about 15 km south of Montpellier, has been a naturist beach since the 1960s. misterb&b and Queer in the World both list it as a gay beach, and part of it is often marked with a rainbow flag. It is a long natural strip of sand between the sea and the lagoons, with no buildings and almost no shade, so bring water and a parasol. Naturism is allowed on this stretch, but sex in public is an offence in France and the dunes are protected, so keep to the sand.