Why this penchant for naturism? There are so many reasons! Naturism frees not only the body and movement, but also the mind. It helps to relieve stress, overcome everyday problems and tame your own body.
Naturism helps you to accept yourself as you are, and has the ability to transform your relationships with others. By getting rid of our clothes, we reduce social differences and learn to respect other people's bodies. Respect for others, for oneself and for the environment is the cornerstone of the natural spirit, and the fundamental value of serene, free and authentic naturism.
What is a naturist campsite?
Non-naturists would be surprised to enter a naturist campsite and find that life here is exactly the same as on their traditional campsite. With one difference: visitors bathe and shop naked.
Nude at the campsite: how should you behave at a naturist campsite?
The first rule at a naturist campsite is respect for yourself and others. The aim is not only to enjoy the freedom of nudity, but also to create a respectful family atmosphere. Here are a few things to remember:
- Nudity is generally required, except in certain circumstances (cold, female menstruation, etc.).
- It is crucial to avoid any behaviour with sexual connotations. Voyeurism and exhibitionism are prohibited. Naturism is not the same as libertarianism.
- Avoid staring at other campers or making comments about their bodies.
- It is forbidden to take photographs without the explicit consent of the persons concerned.
Adopting these behaviours will enable you to experience naturism with respect and harmony. Each rule of naturism on a campsite is listed in the naturism charter drawn up by the campsites of the Fédération des Espaces Naturistes (FEN).
Nudity on a campsite
On a naturist campsite, total nudity is ideal everywhere and essential in bathing areas (swimming pools, lagoons, beaches, spas, etc.). However, campers are of course free to cover up if the weather does not allow them to remain naked or if they wish to take part in a sporting activity.
Please note: each naturist campsite has its own set of rules, which are available to holidaymakers, usually at reception.
What's the difference between nudist and naturist?
The distinction between nudism and naturism is subtle but real. Nudism is essentially the practice of going without clothes, whether indoors or outdoors. It's a personal choice, often motivated by a desire for freedom and physical comfort.
Naturism, on the other hand, goes beyond simple nudity. It's a way of life that embraces nudity, but also respect for oneself, others and the environment. Naturists seek to live in harmony with nature, and nudity is one way of achieving this balance.
Naturist campsites allow campers to be in total communion with nature: life in the open air and freedom are two elements common to both camping holidays and naturism.
Family naturism
Naturist campsites focus on welcoming families and the healthy, family atmosphere of naturism.
Naturism is entirely natural for young children, which is not quite the case for pre-adolescents and teenagers. Children and teenagers are often free to wear shorts, a sarong or a towel to protect their modesty.
Naturist campsites in France
105 naturist campsites in Occitanie, the Landes and throughout France
There are 105 naturist campsites in France, mostly 2-star, 3-star and 4-star village campsites. 84 naturist campsites have at least one swimming pool, 12 have an indoor pool and 7 have water slides.
Every region of France has at least one naturist campsite, but some have more, notably 3 large coastal regions in the south, south-east and south-west of France: there are 29 naturist campsites in Occitanie, 25 naturist campsites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and 13 naturist campsites in PACA. You'll also find 11 naturist village campsites in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Beach and nature: naturist campsites by the sea with access to a naturist beach
Didn't you know? Naturism by the sea gives you a greater sense of freedom! In fact, it's great fun to swim in the ocean or the Mediterranean without a swimming costume. We've selected two naturist campsites for you to discover!
Naturist campsite in Gironde: CHM de Montalivet **** in Vendays-Montalivet in Gironde
This 1,735-site campsite is set in 200 hectares of unspoilt pine forest on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It offers rentals and pitches for your tent or camper van.
For swimming, the naturist beach at Montalivet les bains is 1.5km from the campsite. Camping Hélio-Marin de Montalivet also has a semi-open-air swimming pool with water slides and water games.
Naturist campsite in the Hérault: Le Sérignan plage nature / le clos de Ferrand ***** in Sérignan
At this naturist campsite by the sea, you'll find all the charm of the Mediterranean and the south of France along a large naturist beach of fine sand 5 kilometres long, to which you have direct access.
You can also enjoy the open-air balneotherapy area at Le Sérignan plage nature, as well as the 500 m² family swimming pool, where you can sunbathe in complete freedom. Holidaymakers staying at Le Sérignan plage nature naturist campsite also have access to the facilities of the neighbouring Sérignan plage, a "textile" campsite where you'll need to wear a little something to visit.
When it comes to accommodation, choose a mobile home or a nature tent.
Where to spend a naturist weekend?
Most naturist villages will welcome you on a weekly basis, but also for short breaks such as weekends. Don't hesitate to choose Cap d'Agde and its famous naturist beach.
What is the biggest naturist camp in France?
The EURONAT campsite ****, located at Grayan-et-l'Hôpital in Gironde, is the largest naturist campsite in France, with 335 hectares of parkland. In terms of accommodation, you can choose between 1,400 pitches and 500 rental units.
It is located on the seafront with direct access to the Dépée naturist beach.
Nature and ecology campsites
Naturist camping and ecology have always shared common values and complement each other harmoniously:
- Respect for the environment: naturism emphasises respect for nature, which often translates into eco-friendly practices at naturist campsites.
- Sustainable practices: waste management, renewable energy and water saving are among the practices promoted by naturist villages.
- Blending into the landscape and respecting biodiversity: naturist campsites are often located in unspoilt natural environments and are designed to blend harmoniously into the landscape, respecting local biodiversity. The various accommodation and rental facilities are as sustainable as possible.
- Local and organic consumption: naturist campsites often favour the use of local and organic products in their restaurants and shops. These short circuits help to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods and support the local economy.
- Education: many naturist campsites organise activities to raise awareness and educate people about ecology. These may include biodiversity workshops, nature excursions or participation in a permaculture farm.