Inside the Mediterranean ‘naked city’ where nudity on the beach is mandatory

Picture this: you’re relaxing on a golden sandy beach. Every so often, you peel yourself from your sunbed for a refreshing dip in the ocean. A trip to the bar for a cocktail is next, followed by a sorbet. Life is good.

The only catch? Everyone is naked.

This is Cap d’Agde, a naturist village in the south of France, about an hour’s drive from Montpellier.

The resort is dedicated to the naturist community — a USP that’s helped it become the leading nude destination in the Mediterranean Basin, not to mention the largest naturist village in the world.

Every year, over 12 million people strip off and stay for the night. During peak season, Cap d’Agde can welcome around 45,000 visitors per day.

Many of the guests return again and again. But what’s so special about the place often referred to as the ‘naked city’?

What’s different about Cap d’Agde?

Unlike naked cruises or hotels, Cap d’Agde is marketed as an entire nudist village.

That means you can go to the shops or even get cash out at the bank in the buff. There are no rules other than the obvious: be respectful.

The self-sufficient area is located within the larger Cap d’Agde resort, and boasts a 1.25-mile private beach. 

On TripAdvisor, visitors have called it ‘heaven for open-minded couples.’

Others say it should be on the ‘bucket list for all naturists,’ because it’s the ‘only place in the world you can spend all day naked’ while still going about your daily business.

The naturist village charter also states that nudity must be practised in the company of other naturist residents and holidaymakers.

Of course, should you wish to explore the nearby towns of Agde and Pézenas, clothing is required.

What amenities are on site at Cap d’Agde?

Cap d’Agde is home to 180 businesses. There’s a marina, a shopping centre, a post office, and a transport system.

There is a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional French to Mediterranean cuisine, plus Asian, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Sun Beach, for example, is a beachfront bistro with panoramic views of the ocean. Enjoy cocktails at a reasonable price — a classic Mojito is €10 (£8.69) — alongside a tapas-style lunch. A mixed board of classic Spanish dishes costs €25 (£21.75).

Main courses are also available, including seafood and meat dishes.

There are many nightclubs, one famous for its foam parties, where being nude is mandatory.

They take place each day from 2pm until 7pm, and are for mixed couples only. A jacuzzi-style pool can accommodate 30 people.

For swingers staying at the resort, the foam parties – also called ‘mousse events’ – are a great chance to meet other couples. Entry is €35 (£30.41).

Elsewhere, 2et2 Couples Sauna is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s attached to Histoires d’O Sauna, and is popular with both singles and couples.

To be allowed entry, you must be wearing a towel or be, you guessed it, naked.

Facilities in the sauna include a wet sauna, a steam sauna, a jacuzzi, and various playrooms and play areas.

A single entry for couples in the 2et2 Couples Sauna costs €35 (£30.41).

How much does Cap d’Agde cost to stay?

Another USP of Cap d’Agde naturist village is that the accommodation caters to all types of travellers.

From hotels and guest houses to holiday rentals and campsites, prices vary depending on where you stay.

Le Jardin de Babylone is one of the resort’s couples-only holiday residences and is a five-minute walk from the beach. Prices range from €250 (£217.29) to €450 (£391.12) per night.

The contemporary Oz’inn Hotel is located 200 metres from the sea and features an indoor pool, spa, and nearby gym. A premium room costs €659 (£572.73) per night.

For those on a budget, the naturist campsite is significantly cheaper and has been running since 1956. Pitches, mobile homes and chalets are for hire.

For two adults, one car, one pitch and an electrical connection, prices range from €20.20 (£17.56) to €58.20 (£50.59).

What are Cap d’Agde’s rules?

According to the website, access to the naturist village is regulated. Upon arrival, travellers will need to fill in an access form. You’ll then get a card for the duration of your stay, which grants you access to the village.

The charter also requires visitors to comply with hygiene rules. Cleanliness of both public and private areas must be respected at all times.

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Access rules must be respected, too.

Finally, filming or taking photographs of others is prohibited. Loud behaviour, pornographic activity or publicity is also a strict no-no.

Anyone engaging in voyeurism could be slapped with a €15,000 (£13,043) fine.

What have visitors said about Cap d’Agde?

TripAdvisor is full of testimonials (over 800, to be specific) from people who have previously stayed at the Cap d’Agde naturist village.

One traveller from Norway revealed they’d been coming yearly since 2001, and called it the ‘best, biggest, and most fun place for adult free-spirited people.’

A UK visitor called it ‘Disney, for adults,’ but did note that the clubs and bars were expensive.

Another said they had ‘lots of fun with open-minded people,’ and recalled ‘many sensual couples, lots of sex and a respectful atmosphere.’

A Florida native said it’s great for first-timers, because everyone is there for the same reasons: ‘It’s not awkward at all.’

However, not everyone had a positive experience.

One person suggested that ‘true naturists’ should ‘bypass this very overpriced, overrated, exaggerated venue and find somewhere else.’

And, a London-based traveller warned naturist families to stay elsewhere. They said they saw ‘far too many swingers and sexually motivated sorts,’ and added that it wasn’t the ‘traditional naturist holiday’ they expected.

Have you been on a nudist holiday? Have your say in the comments below