Naturism with the family: children, teenagers and rules for a successful holiday

Many parents wonder whether naturism is compatible with children. In fact, families are its historical core: France’s large naturist centres were built around family holidays. Here is how to prepare a first stay, talk about it according to age and choose a suitable site. The general rules are explained in our guide to naturist camping.

A setting designed for families

Of the 100 campsites in our selection, 82 describe themselves as family-friendly, 8 as mixed and only 2 are adults only. The atmosphere is close to that of a conventional campsite: pool, playground, entertainment, ice creams at the snack bar. The difference is the absence of swimwear. The presence of children also contributes to the non-sexual atmosphere, and it is often what reassures first-time parents.

The right approach for every age

• Up to around 6 or 7, nudity is usually experienced without any questions. Toddlers often adapt faster than their parents.
• Between 7 and 11, it helps to explain the principle simply before leaving: at this campsite, everyone swims without a costume, you do not stare at others and you do not take photos.
• In the teenage years, modesty is normal and must be respected. Most house rules allow a teenager to stay covered outside the swimming areas; at Arnaoutchot, for example, a sarong or towel is accepted for shy children and teenagers. Forcing makes no sense: many young people come back to naturism of their own accord as adults.

In any case, tell your children before you arrive rather than presenting them with a fait accompli, and give them time to find their bearings.

How minors are protected

Families’ trust rests on rules applied without exception.

• No photos of other people: the strictest rule, designed above all to protect children. Some sites also restrict phones around the pools.
• No inappropriate behaviour: voyeurism and exhibitionism lead to exclusion.
• Controlled entry: several sites ask people travelling alone for a card or an introduction, precisely to preserve the family atmosphere.

As at any campsite, keep an eye on the youngest, agree on a meeting point and teach your children to report any behaviour that makes them uncomfortable.

Card and budget

The French Naturist Federation card, required by clubs and some centres, costs €26 per adult for 2026 (plus a €10 handling fee online, no fee when bought at a club) and is free for minors. Many commercial campsites also offer a discovery pass for a first stay: check the rule when booking.

Choosing a campsite with children

• A kids’ club. 26 sites in our selection offer one, such as Euronat, CHM Monta or La Genèse.
• Suitable water play. 22 have a paddling pool and 11 have water slides, for example Bélézy at the foot of Mont Ventoux, La Sablière in the Cèze gorges or Domaine Laborde in the Lot-et-Garonne.
• A heated pool for children who feel the cold and for the start or end of the season: 34 sites have one.
• An optional clothed area if a family member is hesitant: 7 sites in our selection have one.
• The size of the estate. Large villages offer everything on site but require supervision; small, quieter countryside campsites suit young children well.

In the children’s suitcase

• very high protection sunscreen and a hat: children’s skin, fully exposed, burns quickly;
• a UV T-shirt for the hottest hours, often accepted outside the swimming areas (check the house rules);
• a towel per child to sit on, just like the adults;
• sandals, a sarong or shorts for cool evenings or for the teenager who prefers to stay covered.

To find a suitable site, see the naturist campsites with entertainment or filter all campsites by your criteria.