Naturism out of season: campsites open in spring and autumn

Many naturists prefer to travel outside July and August: fewer people, softer light, often lower prices. But most naturist campsites only open for a few months a year. Here are the sites in our selection that open earliest or close latest, and what to check before booking. For the basics, see our guide to naturist camping.

The longest seasons in our selection

These dates are those given by the sites for the current season; they may change from one year to the next, so check them before booking.

Open all year, with conditions

Several club-run sites stay open all year for their members, with holidaymakers welcomed only in the warmer months: Club du Soleil de Touraine, Club du Soleil de l’Essonne, Mayenne Nature, Eden Avesnois, Club du Soleil de la Porte Océane or the Espace naturiste de Bos-Redon. To enjoy them out of season, you generally need to become a member: see our article on the FFN licence.

Others offer year-round accommodation: the gîte at Fern Fields in Normandy, the guest room at Rêve de Poulaines in the Centre-Val de Loire, or the chalets at Lous Suais in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Where to go by season

• In spring, Corsica and the Mediterranean are the mildest: Bagheera, Riva Bella, Calella or Cap d’Agde let you swim from May.
• In September, the sea has stored up the summer’s heat: it is often the best month for swimming on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, with far fewer people.
• In October, head for the South and Corsica, or a site with an indoor pool.

Focus on the Landes: Arnaoutchot in September

On the Landes coast, Arnaoutchot, in Vielle-Saint-Girons, opens from 1 April to late September. September is a good compromise there: the naturist beach is much quieter than in August, and the Bassins d’Arna aquatic area (5,000 m²) makes it one of the best-equipped sites on the coast; check its late-season opening hours before you go. People travelling alone must show a naturist card or be sponsored.

Pitfalls to avoid

• Facilities open later than the campsite. At Domaine Laborde, for example, the campsite opens in April but the outdoor pools run from mid-May to mid-September; at Domaine de l’Escride, the pool only opens in July and August. Restaurants, kids’ clubs and entertainment often follow the same pattern.
• Nights are cool. In April or October, a heated chalet or mobile home is more comfortable than a tent.
• Nudity depends on the weather. Out of season, people cover up more: all site rules allow clothing when it is cold.

The facilities that make the difference

An indoor pool lets you swim whatever the weather: 10 sites in our selection have one, including Euronat, CHM Monta, Domaine de la Gagère, Creuse Nature and Le Petit Dauphin. Sauna, spa and hammam round off an autumn stay perfectly: see our article on naturist wellness.