Lifestyle Press

The Dutch-owned Petit-Fours retreat provides naturist accommodation in a guest house, gite and also a mini-camping for up to just eight people. However, the estate covers an extensive 24 hectres (approx 60 acres) of rural grounds which can be explored at leisure au naturel. Located in the countryside outside the village of Busserolles, in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne; there is a good-sized swimming pool and a particular attraction is the lack of light pollution, providing excellent conditions for star gazing. (Original Dutch link)

Les Rieux is a four bedroomed farmhouse at St Antonin Noble Val, high on the south facing slopes of the Aveyron Gorge in the Tarn et Garonne region of the Midi-Pyrénées. It is set in 2.5 acres of private grounds and is described by the owners as “Extremely suitable for naturists“. The recently renovated property retains many of its original features and is bordered by pastures and woodland, and has a distinct lack of neighbours. Mature trees provide ample natural shade during the long hot summer days enjoyed in the South of France.

The en-suite guest room at this naturist property accommodates two people. Paradis Bleu is located close to the famous Cathar city of Minervois, which is just 2km away. Also handy for the Mediterranean coast and a choice of naturist beaches. It is separate from the main house and has its own entrance and parking. There is a pool, solarium and plenty of seating in the large garden. (Original link in French)

Naturist bed & breakfast is offered at Le Mas de la Tour, in the Var region of Provence, in the South of France. There are two letting bedrooms and an attractive swimming pool all set in delightful grounds which enjoy far-reaching views. The property is set at an altitude of 650 metres and is close to the picturesque village of Tourtour. The owners claim the location benefits from 300 sunny days a year. (Link in French)

Described as the Mustique of the Mediterranean, the tiny exclusive island of Cavello sits in the Tyrrhenian Sea is less than 2 miles off the southern coast of Corsica. Writing in The Times Travel section today, Sean Thomas describes it thus: ‘…a clear Seychellois sea that unrolls its lacy waves on to gleaming deserted beaches…’ The privately-owned island has luxury accommodation (with prices to match) at the Hotel & SPA des Pecheurs. Thomas continues: ‘The Shore Club has an Italian ambiance as well as a faint Ibizan buzz. Think chillout music and nude sunbathing in the next cove along.’

Château Rieutort is an elegant 18th century wine domain situated on the banks of the Herault River in Languedoc-Roussillon. Surrounded by a 2,5 ha park and 30 ha of its own vineyards; gites, bed and breakfast rooms and suites are on offer. There are two swimming pools with sunbathing terraces, one of which is always available for ‘naturists’.

BUT in August 2015 the Chateau Rieutort is organising its first FULLY NATURIST week with a programme of events; and additionally is offering 10% discount to card-holding naturists.

For the last few years Ted and his wife Hun have been running Quinta da Horta naturist resort on the Algarve in southern Portugal. But the business has now been sold and the Buns have moved to Caunes en Minervois in Cathar country in the South of France and set up a new retreat there – L’Olivette. There is a fully self-contained one-bedroomed gite and a lovely swimming pool in the gardens. Ted and Hun have everything set up for those who prefer to travel with hand luggage only.

With three comfortable bedrooms, Le Mas Saint Sauveur chambres d’hôtes at Barjols in the Var region of Provence, South of France, is exclusively for naturists. There is a pool,  jacuzzi, a panoramic terrace and the grounds extend to 3 hectares.

One of our correspondents has been in touch to recommend a pleasant naturist chambres d’hôtes run by Olivier and Bruno, about 3 hours’ drive south-west of Paris, near Angers. Apparently, our contact has stayed at Les Saulaies – in the Loire region – with his partner on a number of occasions: he said they serve one of the finest breakfasts anywhere. The welcome is warm and the facilities are good. Three types of accommodation are on offer: an en-suite bedroom, a yurt and a chalet. A pool and a large secluded garden complete the facilities at the B&B.

Maryline and Simon offer a fully furnished two bedroom duplex apartment for four, in Oasis Naturist Village, 50 metres from the nude beach near Port Leucate. There are sea views from the accommodation; and a sunny balcony with table and chairs overlooking landscaped gardens. The family-friendly Mediterranean resort provides extensive naturist facilities. (World’s Best Nude Beaches page 162)

Phil & Cyndi are offering self-contained naturist accommodation in their Liberté Cottage, situated in the Perigord-Limousin Regional Nature Park in the Northern Dordogne. There is a secluded garden and exclusive use of a private swimming pool. The property is three quarters of an hour away from each of the capital towns in the three surrounding départements – Périgueux in the Dordogne, Limoges in the Haute-Vienne and Brive in the Correze.

A large naturist-friendly gite accommodating 6 – 12 people in the village of Sigogne, between Jarnac and Cognac. The owners of La Ferme des Iris have indicated in the French naturist press that they welcome naturist guests, so probably best to double check when booking. The attractive property and its extensive grounds is 50 miles from the coast.

A new Dutch-owned naturist campsite opened in 2013 at Ayen, 24km north-west of Brive la Gaillarde, in the Corrèze, or Périgord Limousin region. There are 25 pitches – all with electric hook-up – that can accommodate tents, caravans and motorhomes. A bar and restaurant are available and fresh bread is delivered daily. There is also an historic old gîte to be renovated in due course. (website available in Dutch and French only)

The naturist campsite Domaine Naturiste Verdon Provence, situated  between  the  village  of  Esparron-de-Verdon and  the  small  town  of Groux-les-Bains, in Provence, south-east France, has been in touch to advise it is under new ownership. The camping has a swimming pool, and also it’s own nude beach on Lake Esparron. The phone number listed in The World’s Best Nude Beaches has changed, and is now: +33-492-78-23-29.

Naturists Koos and Junitha from the Netherlands offer a gite and rustic camping (inc electric if required) at their property in the Limousin region of France. Situated at Montgibaud, near Meuzac – south of Limoges and less than 20km from the A20 free autoroute. In addition to a spacious open garden, there is a large authentic wooden hot tub. Camping is available in July and August and tents, motorhomes and caravans can be accommodated – very reasonable prices. (website in Dutch)

An attractive garden gîte, which is an independent apartment adjoining the owner’s villa in the Var region of Provence. The property is a 15-minute walk from the local town of Lorgues. Stylish holiday accommodation is available for up to four people, staying in two bedrooms. There are stunning far-reaching views from the swimming pool and the owner says “naturism no problem“. And one of the reviewers mentions how ideal the gîte is for gaining an all-over tan.

Villa la Pinede with its heated pool in Provence is just a short walk to the centre of Maussane les Alpilles – an ideal base for holidays – being close to Arles, St Remy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence. The attractive guest house offers a choice of vacations – self-catering, B&B or catered options. Contact the owners to obtain details of dates when clothing-optional / naturist breaks are available.

Rémi & Marylène have developed a pair of naturist gites – Les Lodges – in the sunny Var region of Provence, only minutes away from the Mediterranean coast. ‘Lotus Flower’ is a studio for two, and ‘Orchid’ can accommodate up to five people in its two bedrooms. There is an attractive pool surrounded by palms.

Le Dorier – home of the St Etienne naturist club – is located in the Rhone Alps region of France, overlooking the Loire. Set in 8 acres of wooded pine and oak trees on a hillside, with a unique view of the lake and Grangent Mont du Velay. With plenty of space for tents, caravans and motorhomes; the swimming pool has an impressive vista across the gorge.

A new Dutch development – Naturix – provides a holiday residence for naturists in south-west France, 80km from Toulouse. The estate offers peace and quiet in a natural environment: luxury apartments are equipped for 2 or 4 people, but no children. In addition to the pool, there is a sauna and jacuzzi. Abundant wildlife is another attraction, including: badgers, roe deer, foxes, barn owls and hoopoes.