A personal account of finding freedom and connection with nature through naturism on Île du Levant, a car-free French island home to the unique Domaine Naturiste d’Héliopolis, highlighting its philosophy, community, and the growing popularity of naturism.
Provence laid bare: ‘I shed my clothes and found freedom on a beautiful French island’
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A personal account of finding freedom and connection with nature through naturism on Île du Levant, a car-free French island home to the unique Domaine Naturiste d’Héliopolis, highlighting its philosophy, community, and the growing popularity of naturism.
- 1 Late 19th-century: Seeds of naturism planted in Germany
- 2 1932: Gaston and André Durville founded Héliopolis on Île du Levant
- 3 1989: Electricity arrived on Île du Levant
- 4 2011: 3.7 million Britons practiced naturism
- 5 2022: Ipsos poll showed one in seven Britons (6.75 million people) had practiced naturism
- 6 July 12, 2025: Article published
- Author found freedom and connection with nature
- Author's inhibitions melted away
- Author befriended a British couple
- Author felt worry-free as a solo female
- Surge in popularity of naturism in the UK
- Increased interest in naturism among young adults
- Héliopolis remains a rustic and authentic destination
- Nudism keeps tourism at bay compared to busier islands
What: The author describes her experiences with naturism on Île du Levant, a French island, and the philosophy behind it.
When: First visit at age 20 (unspecified year), returned 26 years later, returns every year since (article published July 12, 2025).
Where: Île du Levant, Domaine Naturiste d’Héliopolis, Hyères, Marseille, Provence, France. Specific locations on the island: Cap des Mèdes, Place Durville, La Pomme d’Adam, L’Érotique Traversée des Siècles, Boulangerie Pâtisserie la Grigne, Domaine des Arbousiers, Sentier du Point du Jour, Sentier des Moines, Sentier du Bord de Mer, Bain de Diane, Plage des Grottes.
Why: To experience freedom, connect with nature, shed pretence, and embrace body positivity and eco-consciousness through communal nudity.
How: By visiting and staying in the naturist community of Héliopolis, engaging in activities like hiking and swimming nude, and interacting with other naturists.