guide
Being a naturist is not just about swimming naked on a secluded beach. Naturism is a way of life, with its official definition, its code of conduct, its places and a history that goes back more than a century in France. It is also one of the most popular forms of holiday in the country: France remains the world’s leading naturist destination.
Whether you are simply curious or ready to take the plunge, here is what you need to know about naturism: what it is, what it is not, where to practise it and what a first time is like.
| Information | In brief |
|---|---|
| Definition | A way of life in harmony with nature, based on shared nudity and respect |
| Naturist or nudist? | Nudism refers only to the practice of being nude, while naturism adds a philosophy |
| Where to practise it? | Naturist campsites and resorts, authorised beaches, swimming pools and dedicated areas |
| Legal framework | Free in designated places, restricted elsewhere |
| FFN licence | Often required at campsites and clubs |
| Golden rule | No staring, no photos without consent, a towel to sit on |
The reference definition is that of the International Naturist Federation, adopted in 1974 and still written into its statutes: naturism is a way of living in harmony with nature, characterised by communal nudity, which aims to foster respect for oneself, for others and for the environment.
Three ideas follow from this. Nudity is communal and non-sexual: it is shared with family, friends or strangers, without any sexual connotation. It goes hand in hand with a straightforward attitude to the body, whatever a person’s age or shape. Lastly, naturism has always been linked with outdoor living, sport and the protection of the environment.
The two words are often used interchangeably, but they do not quite mean the same thing. Nudism simply refers to being naked, for example on a beach. Naturism adds a framework and values: respect, conviviality, a connection with nature. A naturist is therefore always a nudist, whereas an occasional nudist may not necessarily identify with the naturist movement.
Naturism emerged in Europe at the start of the 20th century, championed by doctors and hygienists who extolled the benefits of sun and fresh air. In France, the first associations appeared in the 1920s. In 1931, the Durville brothers founded Héliopolis on the Île du Levant, which became one of the movement’s emblems.
After the war, naturism spread with the rise of paid holidays and camping. The Centre Hélio-Marin de Montalivet, in Gironde, opened in 1950, and in the 1970s Cap d’Agde became the largest naturist district in Europe. Since then, the practice has diversified: family campsites, walking holidays, swimming pools, wellness stays.
Figures vary according to source and period. The Fédération française de naturisme refers to several million practitioners a year in France, French and foreign visitors combined. According to an Ipsos survey carried out for the FFN, roughly one French adult in four says they have already practised naturism away from home, and a notable share say they are curious to try it.
These holidaymakers are welcomed at several hundred venues: campsites and holiday villages, associations, official beaches and gîtes. This network, unique in the world, is what makes France the reference naturist destination in Europe.
In France, nudity is not prohibited in itself. The Penal Code punishes sexual exhibitionism (article 222-32), a concept distinct from simple nudity. A 1993 circular ruled out prosecutions for naturism practised in venues set up for the purpose. In practice:
Most naturist venues follow the same simple, common-sense customs:
Many campsites and associations also ask for a licence from the Fédération française de naturisme, which serves as a membership card and entitles holders to discounts.
The campsite remains the simplest way in: you will find a secure setting, families, activities and a relaxed atmosphere. Our guide to naturism on campsites explains how to choose and what a stay involves, and our map lists all the naturist campsites by region.
The naturist beaches are the other main setting, with a few iconic destinations such as Cap d’Agde, the Médoc coast or Corsica. Out of season, naturist pools, saunas and spas take over.
The first time, nerves are normal and usually fade within minutes: nobody is looking at anybody else. To ease in, choose a family campsite rather than a busy beach, come outside peak periods and start in areas where nudity is optional. If you are travelling with children, our guide to naturism with the family answers the most common questions.
Naturism is nothing extreme: it is a simpler way to spend your holidays, without swimwear or other people’s eyes, in places designed for it. The hardest part is often making the decision to go. Once there, most beginners wonder why they did not try it sooner.
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