Alice correctly remembers her first naturalist experience. It was in August 2020, at the family beach in Cap d’Agde, with his companion. ” I undressed very naturally, without considering the gaze of others, which was not there anyway. I immediately felt a sense of well-being and calm unmatched in my life up to that point. – says he, who was 48 years old at the time. Since then, this Niceois has been regularly visiting naturist beaches in his region. ” I know I can never go back. »
Like him, many French people have recently adopted the Eve and Adam outfit for holidays or for a few hours at one of the 500 associations, beaches, campsites or naturist reception centers. France is one of the world’s top, if not the top, naturalist destinations, welcoming more than 2 million French and foreign tourists each year, according to an estimate by Atout France dating back to 2016. And these numbers are expected to increase. ” In 2022, we see bookings increase by around 20 percent compared to 2019.clarifies Jean-Guy Amat, president of the National Federation of Natural Areas, which unites around forty camps, villages and leisure and nature recreation facilities. After a slight decline in the 2000s with some return to modesty, there is now a revival with a younger clientele. These recent yearsthere is a tendency towards zenith, a desire for space and a desire to reconnect with nature, which is completely in line with the values of naturism.. »
The pandemic has convinced new followers
The pandemic, with its bans and restrictions, naturally convinced new followers. ” People felt the need to reconnect with nature. There has been an update of the population after covid “Says the president of the French Federation of Naturism, Vivian Tiar. ” When going abroad was impossible. Some told themselvessince we can’t leave, let’s try another experiment» adds Jean-Guy Amat.
Naturism is a philosophy that does not go beyond the act of undressing. This involves living with respect for nature, cultivating kindness and acceptance towards others and oneself. If the definition hasn’t changed since the development of naturism in the 70s, the way we experience it has evolved. From an associative, almost militant practice, naturism has evolved into a freer recreational practice. ” In the evening you wear your sportswear, which bears the badge of your club, recalls Jean-Guy Amati. Today, all that has disappeared. The naturist movement is also more open to certain populations. ” Single men were excluded because they were seen as predators. It was discriminatory… They are now admitted to naturalist societies Julien Claude-Penegri, spokesperson and co-author of the Association of Naturalists of Paris. See France naked (Hachette Tourism). Likewise, we no longer necessarily reject people with tattoos or piercings. ” Naturism held this idea that one should not modify one’s body “, he explains.
The tourist offer has been diversified. Naturalistic centers are no longer limited to large complexes located on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. They now cover the entire area and offer the same range of services as traditional tourist centers. ” There are campsites with spas, golf courses or even surf clubs, castles with old cellars… They range from the most basic to five star. But always in heavenly places, close to nature “, More Julien Claude-Penegri.
Bowling, theater, night club…
What to meet the expectations of new practitioners who multiply the activity? Bowling, restaurants, hikes, bike rides… Or even a visit to a museum, like last March in Lyon “Hyperrealism. this is not a body” during the exhibition. ” More than 500 people participated, including many young people who had never tried naturism before Vivian Thiar rejoices.
” Urban naturism is booming Julien Claude-Penegri confirms. The nudist space in Paris has been around for seven years in the Bois de Vincennes. And the second location may open soon. ” Maybe in Bois de Boulogne? “says the spokesperson. From swimming to theater to yoga, the Association of Naturalists of Paris regularly offers activities to experience with the simplest device. Since 2018, even night clubs are organizing nature evenings. Under the title “Beautiful Skin”, they gather an average of 250 participants once a month at the Klub, a club in District 1. The fundamental principles of naturism, and in particular respect for others, make even more sense; Being naked doesn’t necessarily mean we agree “, – recalls Julien Claude-Penegri, for whom naturism has not finished convincing new followers. ” Naturism seems to me to be very relevant in our time, when issues of environmentalism, self-confidence, acceptance of other people’s views, one’s own body and sexuality are everywhere, especially among young people. “.
Source: Le Figaro
