Domaine de Lambeyran

The Domaine de Lambeyran is a naturist campsite set in the hills above Lodève and the Hérault valley, around 50km north-west of Montpellier. The estate covers 348 hectares and presents itself as the largest naturist area in Europe, with some sources even mentioning recognition in the Guinness Book of Records. Nestled at the heart of a valley classified as Natura 2000, around 5km from the UNESCO-listed Causses and Cévennes regional nature park, the campsite itself occupies only around twenty hectares of the estate: several separate clearings, ringed by oaks, maples and chestnut trees, host the pitches, some of which are arranged in successive terraces.

The site has 130 pitches, 100 of them with electricity, for tents, caravans and motorhomes, in a private or sociable style depending on preference. The estate also offers 8 mobile homes, 2 chalets and a gîte for rent, with covered terraces. It is rated 3 stars and listed as an FFN site (Fédération française de naturisme).

Founded in the early 1980s, the estate is celebrating its 45th year of naturist holidays this season. More than 30km of waymarked trails cross the property, inviting naturist hikes through an unspoilt Mediterranean landscape. The estate is open from 20 June to 30 September.

The heart of the estate brings together a bar-snack bar, a restaurant serving cooked dishes and a small convenience store for everyday shopping. A laundry and a library complete the practical services, along with Wi-Fi access and a shared television on the estate.

For relaxation, a large solar-heated swimming pool is accessible in season, at the heart of the wooded valley. The rented mobile homes and chalets have covered terraces.

Payment is by credit card (Visa, Mastercard), holiday vouchers, cheque or cash. After an administrative procedure lasting nearly twenty years against a project to build seven wind turbines 300 metres from the estate, a ruling ordered their demolition in 2024, currently being contested before the Court of Cassation by the developer. The estate, which welcomes many families every year, used this episode to launch a fundraiser for the renovation of its paddling pool and the upgrading of its hiking trails.

More than 30km of waymarked trails cross the estate, inviting naturist hikes through a wooded valley classified as Natura 2000. On site, holidaymakers also have access to a pétanque court, a volleyball court, a table tennis table, table football, ball games and a children’s playground. Evening entertainment enlivens the season.

The nearest supermarkets and shops are 5km away. The surrounding area is also suited to cycling, fishing, horse riding, canoeing and tennis. 12km away, Lake Salagou, known for the red colour of its shores caused by ruffe, allows naturism in a few secluded coves. The Cirque de Mourèze, a protected site of dolomite rocks shaped by erosion, is around fifteen kilometres away, and the Causses and Cévennes regional nature park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, around 5km away.

The town of Lodève, awarded the Plus Beau Détour de France label, completes the visit with its market, the Musée Fleury and its local vineyard.