La Serre de Portelas is an association-run naturist campsite in Chadrat, in the municipality of Saint-Saturnin, in the Puy-de-Dôme, about twenty kilometres south of Clermont-Ferrand. The site, at the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, has been managed since 1963 by the Club du Soleil of Clermont-Ferrand, a non-profit association that today counts more than two hundred volunteer members.
The association is affiliated with the French Naturism Federation (FFN) and holds its Quality Label. An FFN or FNI licence is requested of adult campers; failing that, a daily federal ticket of one euro applies. Membership of the club itself remains reserved for residents of the former Auvergne region (Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire): it is not a requirement to come and camp. Naturism is practised here as a family, and discovery days let the curious visit the site before taking the plunge.
Pitches, which cannot be booked in advance, are allocated on arrival with an optional electrical connection. Six mobile homes and two caravans complete the rental offer. The campsite relies on eco-friendly management: an independent treatment plant, rainwater harvesting, composters and solar panels on the reception building.
In season, reception welcomes holidaymakers in the morning from 8am to 12.30pm and in the afternoon until 7pm; out of season, staff are on duty on Wednesdays from 2pm to 5.30pm.
What the site says about its approach to naturism: “Campsite affiliated with the FFN and holder of its Quality Label: FFN/FNI licence mandatory for those over 18, or a daily federal ticket (€1) otherwise. Membership of the association, reserved for residents of the former Auvergne region, is not required simply to camp.”
La Serre de Portelas has no bar or restaurant on site: meals are prepared at the pitch or in the mobile home, both fitted with an electrical connection. At reception, a selection of local jams and preserves is sold in season.
The heat-pump heated pool stays open all summer, and access is included in the price of the stay as well as in that of the rentals. A washing machine is available on site, for an extra charge. The sanitary facilities are fitted with thermostatic taps for hot water, and electricity is available at most pitches for those who want it, by the day or by the week.
The campsite pursues a committed eco-friendly approach: an independent bio-treatment plant, rainwater harvesting for watering the garden, composters set up in two spots on the site in partnership with the local waste collection authority, and solar panels on the reception building since 2022. An insect hotel welcomes bumblebees, wasps, butterflies and ladybirds in the garden and orchard.
The site retains the sports facilities built up by members over the decades: pétanque and volleyball courts, play equipment for children and an archery range opened in the 1980s. Club volunteers also run yoga workshops on Mondays and qi gong on Fridays, alternating with shiatsu sessions, as well as organised walks, on booking at reception.
The activities on offer through the summer, run free of charge by members, are announced on the campsite’s noticeboards and on social media. The campsite offers free stays to children every year, and occasionally organises awareness days, such as the Handi’Nat day dedicated to welcoming people with disabilities.
Nearby, the Puy chain of volcanoes can be explored on foot or by bike just a few kilometres away, with swimming possible at Lake Aydat, 10 km away, or further at Lake Chambon, Lake Guéry, Lake Vassivière and Lake Pavin. Clermont-Ferrand, with its cathedral and the Michelin Adventure museum, is nearby, as are the Vulcania park, the Gergovie archaeological site and the châteaux of Murol and Saint-Saturnin.
📍 4 Route du plateau, 63450 Saint-Saturnin
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