Nude beaches are nothing new, but there’s a destination in France that pushes the concept even further. If you’re the sort of traveller who’d rather ditch clothes entirely, this could be the getaway for you.
Cap d’Agde sits on France’s Mediterranean coastline and is known for its sandy stretches and striking volcanic scenery — but the real talking point is its naturist village.
In what’s widely described as the largest naturist village on the planet, visitors can move around day to day without clothing, whether they’re heading out for errands, meals, or a walk.
That freedom still comes with boundaries. The Cap d’Agde travel site says entry to the Naturist Village is controlled rather than open access.
When guests arrive the website states: “Full nudity must be practised in the company of the other naturist residents and holidaymakers.”
Visitors are also expected to follow hygiene and cleanliness guidance, and filming or photography isn’t allowed.
The site further notes that ‘no pornographic activity or publicity’ should occur. However, recent reports claim the area has increasingly attracted swingers, with some engaging in sexual activity on the beach.
One British resident, Barbara — who now spends only the summer season there — told The Sun that the atmosphere and visitors have shifted dramatically compared with when she first started going three decades ago.
“It’s made the place far more exclusive, creating a clear separation between the original naturist crowd and the new generation of lifestyle visitors,” she said.
Barbara suggested swingers now account for roughly 40 to 60 percent of visitors, adding that she avoids the village beach because it’s “not her preference”.
Journalist William J. Furney has also written about what he witnessed during a typical day there, including seeing a man and woman ‘copulating’.
“It triggered an immediate, almost frenzied reaction among equally naked men nearby who appeared to be on the constant lookout for such action,” he said.
He also claimed to have seen ‘several men pleasuring themselves’ as well as ‘two large elderly men having sex’.
According to the report, police and security now monitor the beach from a tower, and warning signs have been added about “sexual exhibitionism,” with penalties including a €15,000 fine and the possibility of up to a year in prison.
Even so, Barbara insists the situation hasn’t created hostility between nudists and swingers.
And while the village itself wasn’t designed as a swingers destination, there are alternative holidays aimed specifically at that audience — including cruises tailored to the lifestyle.
Swingers cruises, such as Bliss Cruises, typically limit attendance to couples aged 21+, though some single travellers may be allowed under certain conditions.
These cruises also operate under firm guidelines, including bans on photos in clothing-optional spaces and organised theme nights.