Key facts
| Country | France (Vendays-Montalivet, Gironde, Médoc) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD), roughly 1.5 hours by road |
| Best time | June and September; the 2026 season ran 28 March to 27 September |
| Type | Naturist holiday village with bungalows, camping pitches and shops |
| Adults only | No — family-oriented naturist centre |
| Clothing | Full nudity expected in common areas (beach, pools) when weather permits |
| Founded | 1950 by Christiane and Albert Lecocq |
| Best months | May–September |
CHM Montalivet, known to regulars simply as "Monta", is a naturist holiday village on the Atlantic coast of the Médoc peninsula, north of Bordeaux. It was founded in 1950 by Christiane and Albert Lecocq, making it one of the oldest naturist holiday centres in the world. Its place in naturist history is secure: the International Naturist Federation, conceived in 1951, formally came into being at its first congress, held at Montalivet in 1953.
Today the centre covers about 175 hectares of pine forest behind a three-kilometre white-sand beach. It is organised into around twenty "villages" of privately owned bungalows and caravans, touring pitches and camping areas, with more than 12 kilometres of internal roads, a shopping centre, sports facilities and a cultural centre with a library.
Who it suits
- Naturist families and couples who want a traditional, community-style naturist holiday.
- First-time naturists, because the centre's long history and clear rules make it an easy introduction.
- Lifestyle couples looking for a quiet, nude holiday in nature, who are comfortable with a strictly family, non-sexual environment.
It is not a lifestyle destination, and singles should note that, according to Wikipedia, individual guests have traditionally been admitted only if introduced by an existing client; check the current policy with the centre.
Life at Monta
Days revolve around the beach, the pools and water park, sport and the forest. The Atlantic beach is wide and wild, with supervised bathing zones in season. Many guests get around the centre by bicycle. Evenings are sociable but low-key: restaurants, community events and cultural activities rather than nightlife.
Rules and etiquette
The centre's own guidance is clear: full nudity is mandatory in most common areas, such as the pool, the beach and the water park, when the weather allows. Photography should be limited to personal and family use, and never include other people without consent. A detailed naturist charter is available from the centre, and guests are expected to read it. As at any naturist site, always use a towel on seats and loungers.
Best time to go
CHM Montalivet is seasonal. For 2026 the centre opened on 28 March and closed on 27 September; dates change each year, so check the official site. July and August bring the warmest weather and the busiest atmosphere, with many European families. June and September are calmer and often sunny. The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean.
Getting there
- By air: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) is roughly an hour and a half away by road.
- By train: Trains run from Bordeaux into the Médoc; the nearest stations are some distance away, so a car or pre-arranged transfer is easier.
- By car: Follow the routes north-west from Bordeaux through the Médoc to Vendays-Montalivet.
Legal notes
In France, naturism is lawful in designated places such as naturist centres and official naturist beaches. Sexual exhibition in public view is a criminal offence under the French Penal Code. At a family naturist centre like Montalivet, any sexualised behaviour in common areas is unacceptable and can lead to expulsion.
Safety
Atlantic surf and currents can be strong. Swim only in supervised zones, respect the flags and listen to lifeguards. Use high-factor sunscreen; the sea breeze hides how quickly you burn. In the forest, follow fire-safety rules in dry summers.
Nearby
Just to the north, Euronat is another large naturist resort on the same coast. The famous wine villages of the Médoc, including Margaux and Pauillac, are within driving distance, and the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer lies further north. Compare with the Mediterranean Cap d'Agde naturist village, or browse naturist places in France.