Naturism or lifestyle that advocates a return to nature, we are sure that the concept speaks to you. But naturist real estate? Do you know if the naturist housing stock is more expensive than the “textile” stock (term that nudists use to describe the rest of the population)? If it is necessary to be naked in the naturist holiday residences? Si specific facilities are planned? Le Figaro answers all your questions.
• Are there real estate agencies specializing only in naturism?
The answer is yes. Some agencies like A & D James, in Cap d’Agde, a naturist village that can accommodate 40,000 people, in Hérault (34), are exclusively naturists. Others mix naturist and non-naturist real estate. At Riva Bella Naturiste, in Corsica, which has 147 accommodations, rental accommodation is reserved for naturists from April to November. Then, the temperatures getting cooler, it is mainly locals (dressed) who benefit in particular from the thalassotherapy open all year round.
• Do you have to be naked in your naturist holiday residence?
«The rule is that people be naked, at least it’s mandatory in swimming pools and on beachesexplains Clémence Moret, manager of the A & D James agency. She nevertheless qualifies her remarks by explaining that there is “great tolerance. You will be able to see many people walking around in sarongs.” At the restaurant, an outfit, even light, is required. For sporting activities, a jersey is a must.for questions of hygiene and practicality“, underlines Valentin Durant, reception agent at Riva Bella Naturiste, except for fitness at sea.
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And within one’s own villa or vacation apartment, tourists are free to be naked or not. “Every year there are people who come to “discover” or “try”, so they can try this way of life and gradually get used to it.», affirms Clémence Moret to reassure those who would hesitate to embark on naturist real estate. As for the real estate agents, they are dressed!
• Are naturist vacation rentals more expensive than non-naturist rentals?
Naturist holiday residences are rented at a higher rate, at least in high season, from June to September. They are from “30 to 40% more expensive than seasonal textile rentals“, according to Clémence Moret because they are located in “preserved, isolated, more intimate and quieter places“says Valentin Durant. Who says intimate, says fewer customers present in the naturist village. Real estate agencies are therefore increasing prices to compensate for this smaller number of holidaymakers. Count 180 € per night in high season for an apartment with one bedroom at A & D James and 260 € per night for a villa with terrace, offering a view of the sea and equipped with an air conditioning system, at Riva Bella. On purchase, the note is also saltier than in the “textile” stock, but probably not in the same proportions as rentals.
Another argument put forward to justify this pricing: “the naturist village is a unique closed place, which therefore requires specific installations such as barriers and additional staff such as guards who must be paid to ensure that the place is well preserved“, would like to underline Clémence Moret.
• Is the clientele mainly from abroad?
For the moment, it is mainly foreigners who are ready to put their hands in their wallets to live naked during the holidays, even if the French occupy a place of choice. “We receive a lot of Germans“, specifies Elisa Neri, manager of holiday rentals at Foncia Leucate nature, a real estate agency specializing in naturist real estate in Leucate, in Aude (11), in the Occitanie region. “Naturism was born in Germany so it makes sense to have a strong German clientele“, justifies Clémence Moret.
At the A & D James agency, there are also 50% English people, but also Swedes, Norwegians and Italians. At Riva Bella Naturiste, the French still represent 50% of the clientele against 30% for the Germans, 20% Dutch, Slovenians, Poles and 10% Italians. Whatever its origin, it is a clientele “faithful, who comes back almost every year“, according to Clémence Moret who offers around thirty villas for rent. The average age of clients is around 40, according to the agency manager. And on the owners side? The A & D James agency has 50% foreigners on its park.