Plage du Métro
Naturism permitted≋Beach details
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Location
Naturism
Beach characteristics
Overview
Plage du Métro near Tarnos in the Landes is a wide Atlantic sand beach reported as permissive for naturist use, with nudity tolerated on parts of the strand rather than formally designated. The beach faces the open ocean with a dune-backed shoreline and seasonal lifeguard supervision in summer. Visitors find a long, open stretch where space increases away from the main access, and conditions reflect typical Landes surf with wind and currents. The setting is natural and exposed, with little shade on the sand and shelter only behind the dunes. Access is on foot via marked dune paths, and the beach remains open at all times with supervision only during seasonal hours.
Visiting the beach
Plage du Métro lies on the Atlantic coast at Tarnos, just north of the Basque coast, with access on foot through marked paths across the dunes. Staying on the designated routes helps protect the fragile dune system and keeps the approach straightforward. The beach is public with no admission fee and no gate, open at all times, while lifeguard supervision is seasonal during the summer months with daytime coverage. Outside those hours swimming is unsupervised and Atlantic surf conditions apply. The shoreline is sand backed by dunes that offer some wind shelter behind the beach but little shade on the sand itself. Sun exposure is high, so bring water, sun protection and a windbreak if needed. Basic seasonal toilets and showers may be available near the supervised area in peak season, but facilities are limited outside that period and there are no permanent shops on the sand. Seasonal kiosks may operate in summer, otherwise food and drink options are in Tarnos and the surrounding area. Water conditions are typical for the Landes Atlantic coast, with surf, currents and cooler temperatures and waves common. Families and less confident swimmers should use the lifeguarded area when supervised and remain aware of surf. Mornings and late afternoons are generally quieter with softer light, while midday is busiest in high season. A typical visit lasts a half day for beach use or shorter for walks. Dogs are often restricted on supervised sandy beaches in Landes during summer, more tolerated off-season on a leash, so check local signs.
Getting there
Access: Public access on foot via marked dune paths; stay on designated paths to protect dunes
Parking: Parking near dune access points with short walk to beach via paths
Public transport: Limited public transport; regional bus connections to Tarnos area then walk or cycle to beach
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to dune paths and soft sand
Facilities
Naturist rules
Naturism at Plage du Métro is described as permissive and tolerated on parts of the beach, not as a formally designated naturist beach. Visitors choosing to be nude usually move away from the main supervised access toward less frequented stretches where space allows more privacy. Respect other beach users, keep a reasonable distance, and avoid staring or photography without clear consent. Textile and naturist use coexist, so be prepared for a mixed environment where expectations differ across the strand. Leave dunes and sand clean, stay on marked paths, keep noise low, and follow any posted signs and lifeguard guidance regarding where different uses are tolerated.
Visitor overview
Plage du Métro offers a long, sandy Atlantic beach with a natural dune setting and seasonal supervision. The atmosphere is open and coastal, with Atlantic breezes and surf shaping the experience. Crowding is moderate to busy at midday in high summer and quieter in mornings, late afternoons and outside peak season. Facilities are basic and seasonal, so visitors should plan to be self-sufficient with water, food and shade. The beach suits adults and families who are aware of surf conditions and comfortable with an exposed, natural environment where naturist use is tolerated on parts of the strand. Space increases away from the main access, giving room for quieter time on the sand.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plage du Métro an official naturist beach?
No. It is listed as permissive for naturism, meaning nudity is tolerated on parts of the beach but it is not formally designated as an official naturist beach. Expect mixed textile and naturist use and choose a spot away from the main access for more space.
What is the beach surface and water like?
The beach is sand backed by dunes, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Water conditions include surf, currents and generally cooler temperatures with waves common. Little natural shade is available on the sand, and dunes provide some wind shelter behind the shoreline.
When are lifeguards present?
Lifeguard supervision is seasonal during the summer months, typically from mid-June to mid-September with daytime coverage. The beach itself is open at all times, but swimming outside supervised hours and areas is unsupervised and requires caution in Atlantic surf.
How do you access the beach?
Access is on foot via marked dune paths. Visitors should stay on designated paths to protect the dunes. Parking is near the dune access points with a short walk to the shoreline. Public transport is limited, with regional bus connections to the Tarnos area.
Are there facilities and food options?
Facilities are basic and seasonal, with toilets and showers possibly available near the supervised area in peak season. There are no permanent shops on the sand, though seasonal kiosks may operate in summer. Otherwise bring supplies and use options in Tarnos and nearby towns.