Home › Naturist Campsites in France: Law, Etiquette and Regions
Naturist Campsites in France: Law, Etiquette and Regions
Naturist camping (FKK) in France has a long tradition: the country is regarded as a stronghold of naturism in Europe, and according to travel portals, the continent's first naturist centre opened in the Gironde in 1950. Today there are around 80 naturist centres, mainly on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Here you will find out what the law says, which rules are customary among naturists and what to bear in mind regarding season and planning. Below, you can compare naturist campsites in France, including sites of the France Espaces Naturistes chain.
The law: where nudity is allowed
Nudity in places open to the public is not generally permitted in France. Under Article 222-32 of the Criminal Code, sexual exhibition in places accessible to the public is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros.
On the beach, nudity is only permitted or tolerated at designated naturist beaches, which are governed by municipal regulations. On naturist campsites and in naturist centres, by contrast, naturism is the norm.
Outside these areas, you should cover up. When leaving the site or the beach, a towel or sarong is a good idea. If you are not sure, ask at reception or at the municipality.
Etiquette on a naturist campsite
Naturism is founded on respect, tolerance and politeness. Naturist sites and the federation cite these rules, among others:
Clothing: according to one operator's guide, nudity is expressly welcome everywhere and is customary in bathing areas. There are exceptions for health reasons or in cool weather.
Towel: a towel is part of the basic kit, for example to sit on in the restaurant, at the pool or on a lounger.
Hygiene: shower before using shared areas such as the pool.
Privacy: no staring, and no photography without consent.
Conduct: voyeurism and exhibitionism are prohibited, and sexual acts in public are forbidden even in naturist areas.
The site rules are explained on arrival. They apply in addition to the general rules.
Regions: Atlantic, Mediterranean and Cap d'Agde
According to travel portals, the naturist centres are mainly on the Atlantic beaches and the Mediterranean, with further sites in Corsica and inland. On the Mediterranean, guests benefit from a long swimming season.
Cap d'Agde in the south of France is regarded as a well-known naturist destination on the Mediterranean. A naturist centre there advertises that it has existed since 1956. Access to the naturist village is regulated by the town of Agde and requires ID and an entry pass.
Inland, there are naturist sites, for example, in the Ardèche, Provence and the Pyrenees. Many are privately run campsites or holiday villages with sports facilities and restaurants.
Season, families and federation licence
Season dates differ widely. One well-known centre at Cap d'Agde is open from 15 March to 15 October, while other inland naturist sites open for 2026, for example, from the end of April to the end of September or only from the beginning of June to the beginning of September. So check the opening times in advance.
Naturist sites welcome couples, families and often solo travellers too. Minors are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and at at least one site children up to 18 stay free of charge in season. Some sites require solo travellers to hold the federation licence.
The Fédération Française de Naturisme offers an annual licence, which can include benefits at affiliated centres and liability insurance. For most stays it is not compulsory, but it may be required depending on the site.
Campsites that match
42 matching campsites in our database, grouped by location.
On naturist campsites, in naturist centres and on designated naturist beaches, yes. Outside these areas, nudity in public is not generally allowed, and sexual exhibition is a criminal offence under Article 222-32.
Where are most naturist sites in France?
According to travel portals, the roughly 80 naturist centres are mainly on the Atlantic beaches and the Mediterranean, and also in Corsica and inland, for example in the Ardèche, Provence and the Pyrenees.
Do you have to be naked on the site at all times?
No, not without exception. Nudity is customary and welcome in bathing areas. There are exceptions in cool weather or for health reasons. Ask for the site rules at reception on arrival.
Can I take photos on a naturist campsite?
Only with the express consent of the people pictured. On many sites, photography is banned altogether to protect privacy. Follow the rules of the site in question.
Do I need an FFN licence?
For most stays, the licence of the Fédération Française de Naturisme is not compulsory. It brings benefits at partner centres, and some sites may require it from solo travellers. Ask the site.
