Suzanne Noble, a freelance writer, travelled to Cap d'Agde's Naturist Village in France's Languedoc region, the world's largest nudist community, and found that spending time among hundreds of naked people is a surprisingly effective way to overcome body shame.
A village where clothes are optional
Residents and visitors go about life — dining at beachfront restaurants, grabbing a coffee, or simply strolling around — in the nude, all within a designated, controlled area. There are very few places of this scale in Europe, indeed the world, and the vibe is unashamedly libertine.
Once Noble overcame her initial fear and embarrassment, she realised that even the most seemingly perfect bodies are imperfect in some way. Fat or thin, tall or short, we are all different. If body confidence is an issue, she highly recommends spending time among hundreds of naked people.
From campsite to naturist resort
Tucked away to the west of the French Riviera, Cap d'Agde began as a campsite in 1956, established by French brothers René and Paul Oltra. The story goes that, after work, they enjoyed skinny-dipping in the Mediterranean alongside German holidaymakers. They decided to turn their land into a holiday destination for like-minded people who preferred doing things nude.
In 1963, as part of a local government tourism initiative, the Languedoc-Roussillon region oversaw the creation of the seaside resort of Cap d'Agde and the campsite's transformation into a fully-fledged naturist village. Today, it features large Brutalist blocks of flats, shopping arcades and restaurants. Now celebrating its 70th anniversary, the René Oltra campsite remains a key destination for naturists.
What to expect inside the village
Inside the walled resort, which can accommodate up to 40,000 at its busiest, guests can shop at patisseries, charcuteries and stores selling local red, white and rosé wines from the Languedoc region, France's third-largest wine-producing area, all completely in the buff. There is plenty of fun to be had browsing shops selling skimpy evening wear and fetish gear, both of which are commonplace here.
When the sun goes down, the village quickly changes from naked to outrageously clothed. What began as a purely naturist resort has also become a destination for swingers from around the world. Clubs line the streets, advertising foam parties, BDSM workshops and opportunities for couples to play with others in one of the many venues around the resort.
A liberating experience
Having visited Cap d'Agde seven times over more than two decades, Noble has become fond of the people-watching. The village brings together people who would rarely meet elsewhere, from older couples and lifelong naturists to first-time visitors, swingers and people experimenting with a more liberated version of themselves, the average age being somewhere around 50.
Noble recalls on a previous visit she invited a friend, a 6'4" tall Yorkshireman, aged 55, to accompany her to the village for a weekend break. Having never tried naturism before, he was taken aback when she asked him to strip off on entrance to the village. By the end of the day, he was fully committed to the lifestyle and announced the trip as the most fun he'd ever had.
When she feels more daring, she walks to the far end of the 1.5km beach, where some adults have sex outdoors. There are usually more spectators than participants, visible from up to a quarter of a mile away by the circles they form, sometimes five or six men deep. Further along are separate areas for gay men and families who regard naturism as a way of life.
For first-timers, the resort is best approached with an open mind and a clear understanding of its rules. Daylight hours are generally devoted to ordinary holiday pleasures – swimming, sunbathing, shopping and eating – while the atmosphere becomes more sexually charged later in the day. Naturism is expected, but consent, privacy and respect remain essential.
If you can accept the mix of families, traditional naturists and adult entertainment, Cap d'Agde Naturist Village offers a holiday unlike almost anywhere else: part French seaside escape, part social experiment and part unabashed spectacle. Suzanne Noble travelled with Ryanair to Bezier Airport, 20 minutes by taxi to the Naturiste Village. Entrance to the village costs €11.50 for a single pedestrian and €27 for a day pass with a vehicle (including 2 people). For those who have booked accommodation in the village, discounted rates apply.
