Country that practises naturism
Which country practises naturism the most?
Naturism in France remains very popular: according to an Ipsos survey carried out for the French Naturism Federation (FFN) in 2025, around 3.7 million French people often or occasionally spend their holidays in a naturist centre. But which countries have this philosophy most deeply rooted in their cultural habits? And above all, which one brings together the largest number of practitioners? A focus on the leading naturist destinations!
Key takeaways
To find out where naturism is most practised
France is the world’s leading naturist destination, with millions of French and foreign practitioners every year.
The diversity of its landscapes and the number of its naturist facilities explain this leadership.
Spain, Germany (the birthplace of FKK) and the Netherlands complete the European podium.
Croatia, Greece and, more recently, North America also attract naturists.
Before you leave, check the local legislation and favour officially naturist beaches and campsites.
Naturism around the world: a booming phenomenon
Long perceived as marginal, naturism now stands out as a genuine social phenomenon. Practised on every continent, it appeals to millions of people looking for a freer, more respectful way of life in harmony with nature. According to the French Naturism Federation, around 13.8 million Europeans practise naturism, with a particularly strong concentration in France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
This growth can be explained by several factors:
- the changing attitudes towards the body, the search for well-being,
- the development of dedicated facilities (beaches, clubs, naturist campsites) that guarantee a legal and convivial framework.
In Germany, the culture of Freikörperkultur (free body culture) has shaped a natural relationship with nudity for more than a century. In Spain, many official beaches welcome naturist holidaymakers from all over the world every year. As for France, it offers the largest naturist accommodation capacity in Europe, attracting both its residents and some 2.6 million foreign visitors every year.
Which country practises naturism the most?
Unsurprisingly, France ranks first in the world for naturism. With around 3.7 million French people regularly spending naturist holidays there and some 2.6 million foreign tourists every year, France is the world’s leading naturist destination (FFN/Ipsos, 2025).
The diversity of its territory partly explains this leadership: vast Atlantic beaches, Mediterranean coves, preserved forests, mountains and countryside. France also has 368 areas dedicated to naturism, including 106 establishments welcoming holidaymakers, which makes it the best-equipped country to welcome practitioners.
This position is reinforced by a tradition of open and caring hospitality. As early as the 1950s, France saw the emergence of some of the largest naturist centres in Europe, such as Montalivet in Gironde, considered the “world capital of naturism”. Even today, France continues to innovate and attract thanks to leading networks such as France 4 Naturisme, which combine comfort, well-being and respect for the environment.
The other countries where naturism is very widespread
Spain: beaches and sunshine all year round
With its very many naturist beaches, Spain is a safe bet for devotees. The Canary Islands, the Costa Brava and Andalusia are particularly renowned. Spanish law is tolerant: nudity is often permitted, but the rules vary from one municipality to another.
Germany: the birthplace of FKK
The Freikörperkultur (free body culture) movement is an integral part of German society. Naturism is practised in urban parks, beside lakes and even in certain public swimming pools. A normalisation that is unique in Europe.
The Netherlands: conviviality and organisation
Many Dutch people practise naturism and they enjoy very well-structured naturist clubs. There are many authorised beaches, and the atmosphere is family-friendly and inclusive.
Other leading destinations
Croatia, a pioneer as early as the 1930s, still attracts a loyal clientele. Greece appeals with its discreet coves. Finally, North America is gradually developing its dedicated clubs and resorts.
What if it were France?
From the Atlantic coast to Corsica, discover the France 4 Naturisme campsites, in the most beautiful regions of France.
Discover our campsites
Why is France the leading destination for naturists?
France holds a unique place in the world of naturism. Beyond its record figures, it appeals through the exceptional diversity of its landscapes and the quality of its infrastructure. From the Atlantic coastline to the Mediterranean coves, from mountain ranges to vast forests, every practitioner can find an ideal setting to reconnect with nature.
But what really sets France apart is the richness of its tourist offering. The country offers the largest naturist accommodation capacity in Europe and some of the most renowned centres in the world. This tradition of hospitality dates back to the 1950s and has been strengthened by pioneering players.
Among them, France 4 Naturisme holds a prime position. Since 1992, this network has brought together 6 high-end campsites spread across the most beautiful French regions. Direct beach access for the coastal estates, wellness areas and spas, comfortable and eco-designed accommodation: everything is designed to live an authentic naturist experience, in harmony with the environment and in a caring atmosphere.
Practical tips for travelling as a naturist
To make the most of your naturist holidays, here are a few simple recommendations:
Check local legislation: the rules vary from one country to another, and in France naturism is only practised in places where it is authorised or tolerated.
Choose official places: favour beaches and campsites clearly designated as naturist in order to avoid any misunderstanding.
Respect the rules of conviviality:
- always use a towel on shared seating;
- remain discreet in communal areas;
- adopt a respectful attitude towards everyone.
Opt for recognised facilities: campsites affiliated with specialised networks, such as France 4 Naturisme, ensure a safe, caring and 100% naturist setting.
Prepare your stay in advance: remember to check the facilities on offer (spa, pool, activities) and the accommodation options suited to your needs.
Travel with your family in complete serenity: high-end naturist campsites offer children’s clubs, activities and dedicated areas for young and old.
Ready to live the naturist experience in an exceptional setting? Discover the France 4 Naturisme campsites and opt for authentic, caring holidays in harmony with nature.
FAQ: naturism around the world
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How many naturists are there in France?
According to the Ipsos survey carried out in 2025 for the French Naturism Federation, around 3.7 million French people often or occasionally spend their holidays in a naturist centre. The same study shows that naturism on the beach or out in nature concerns an even wider public, particularly among under-35s.
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What is the birthplace of naturism?
Germany is often considered the birthplace of modern naturism, with Freikörperkultur (FKK), free body culture, which has shaped a natural relationship with nudity for more than a century. Today, France is the world’s leading naturist destination, thanks to the richness of its hospitality offering.
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Is naturism allowed everywhere in Europe?
No, the rules vary from one country to another. Some countries, such as Germany or Spain, are very tolerant, while others restrict nudity to specific areas. Before you leave, check the local legislation and favour beaches and campsites clearly designated as naturist to avoid any misunderstanding.
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What is the world capital of naturism?
Montalivet, in Gironde, is often presented as the “world capital of naturism”. It is one of the great naturist centres founded in France as early as the 1950s, at a time when the country was laying the foundations of its tradition of welcoming naturists.
Sources and references
- Ipsos for the French Naturism Federation (Fédération française de naturisme), “Le naturisme en France : pratiques et opinions des Français” (Naturism in France: practices and opinions of the French), ipsos.com, 2025. View the source
- Fédération française de naturisme (French Naturism Federation), “Dossier de presse 2025 : sondage Ipsos Les Français et le naturisme” (2025 press kit: Ipsos survey on the French and naturism), ffn-naturisme.com, 2025. View the source
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