Naturist hiking: where and how to walk nude in complete peace of mind

Walking naked in the open air, along a garrigue path or beside a river, is one of the most powerful experiences of naturism. The French even have a word for it: the “randonue”. But unlike the beach or the campsite, naturist hiking takes place on paths open to everyone, which calls for knowledge of the legal framework and a few rules of common sense.

Where to hike naked without risk, how to organise yourself, who to go with and which campsites offer their own trails: here is our guide to naturist hiking.

Naturist hiking in brief

What does the law say?

In France, nudity is permitted in designated places: campsites, naturist centres and naturist beaches. On a public path the situation is more delicate. The Penal Code punishes sexual exhibition, not mere nudity, but a naked walker who meets other walkers may be reported. Most naturist hikers therefore follow a simple rule: choose isolated routes and get dressed again when other walkers approach.

To practise with peace of mind, the safest option is still to hike within a naturist estate or on outings organised by an association, which chooses suitable routes and sometimes coordinates with the local authorities.

Hiking on naturist estates

Several large naturist estates spread over dozens of hectares of countryside and offer their own trails, where you can walk naked in complete freedom:

• in the Gard, on the edge of the Ardèche, the Domaine de la Sablière, at Barjac, on the banks of the Cèze and its gorges;
• at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Domaine de Bélézy, at Bédoin, in a wooded park;
• near Lac d’Esparron, the Verdon Provence naturist campsite, ideal for combining hiking and swimming;
• in the Nice hinterland, Origan Village, at Puget-Théniers, in a medium-mountain setting.

Outings with associations

Many naturist associations, affiliated to the Fédération française de naturisme, organise naked hikes in spring and summer, mainly in the south of France. This is the best way to start: routes already scouted, a friendly group and shared rules. Get in touch with the federation’s regional committees and remember to take out a licence from the Fédération française de naturisme.

Our tips for a successful naturist hike

• Protect yourself from the sun: sun cream over your whole body, reapplied often, a hat and sunglasses.
• Wear good shoes: naked hiking is not done barefoot.
• Bring a light garment to pull on quickly if you meet other walkers.
• Take plenty of water and set off early in the morning to avoid the heat.
• Watch out for ticks and prickly plants: check yourself after the outing.
• Respect other users and do not take photos of other hikers.

Our view

Naturist hiking offers an unrivalled sense of freedom, but it requires judgement on public paths. For a first experience, choose a naturist estate with its own trails or an outing led by an association. To discover other ways of practising, read our guide to naturism.