First time at a naturist campsite? Breaking the taboos and sharing my experience.

The manager of Le Clos Barrat naturist campsite shares his personal journey. I’m often asked where my passion for naturism comes from. Was I born into it? Not exactly.

I grew up in the Champagne region. It’s a beautiful place, but let’s be honest: it’s not the most practical spot for living nude! Between the weather and local customs, you spend most of the year "covered up." However, I had an incredible stroke of luck during my childhood: every summer, we went camping in the South, on the stunning beaches of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

A childhood without taboos

My parents weren't naturists in the strict sense of the word. And yet, on those textile-optional beaches in Ramatuelle, nudity was never a taboo. Through a child's eyes, I saw naked people mixed with those in swimsuits, everyone relaxing together on the sand. There was nothing shocking about it, nothing strange. Just the simplicity of being on holiday. I grew up with this healthy mindset: the body is not something shameful that must be hidden away.

My first naturist experiences

As I grew up, I kept that need to rediscover that sense of freedom. With my wife Emmanuelle, we continued to cultivate those moments. Every weekend, every holiday was an excuse to shed our clothes and seek out our own little piece of paradise: a secluded riverbank, a wild cove, or an official campsite.

So, when the day came that we decided to change our lives and take over a campsite, there was no question about it. It had to be a naturist site. It was the obvious choice, the logical next step in our journey. And that is how we settled here, at Le Clos Barrat in Sérignac.

If you are looking for a naturist campsite in the Lot region, you should know that at Le Clos Barrat, we live the naturist lifestyle every day. Without dogma: if you’re cold, you put on a layer; but as soon as the Lot sunshine allows, we embrace that freedom.

Why does it feel so good? Nature therapy

Beyond just being a habit, we are so attached to this lifestyle because of what it provides, both physically and mentally. It is a true form of therapy. When you take off your clothes, you also remove a barrier between yourself and the world:

• The awakening of the senses: Having bare skin means rediscovering forgotten sensations. Feeling the caress of the wind over your entire body, the warmth of the sun without any tan lines from clothing, or the coolness of the water gliding over your skin without the weight of a wet swimsuit... it is a feeling of absolute lightness.

• Grounding: Here, we live barefoot most of the time. This direct contact with the earth, the grass, and the soil "grounds" us in the present moment.

• Freedom of movement: No more elastic pinching your waist, no more straps falling down. The body exults.

This physical freedom leads to mental freedom. Stress seems to slide right off us. We breathe better, and we feel more alive.

Being yourself, in your birthday suit

Paradoxically, I find it harder to go out dressed these days. Why? Because as soon as we put on clothes, we take back social codes. We ask ourselves: "Am I well-dressed? What do I look like? What image am I projecting?"

Here at Le Clos Barrat, when we cross paths, we don’t look at clothes, because there aren’t any. We look each other in the eye.

Perhaps that is the true luxury of a holiday at Le Clos Barrat: the chance to stop playing a role. To just be "yourself," in your birthday suit.

If you are looking for this simplicity and this reconnection with yourself, Emmanuelle and I will be delighted to welcome you.

Nicolas

Download an article from La Dépêche about Le Clos Barrat: "We almost forgot to get dressed again..."

_On a failli oublier de se rhabiller pour aller au Leclerc_ _ un été nu ou la philosophie .

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FAQ: The questions you’re (sometimes) afraid to ask

Because there’s no such thing as a silly question when you’re starting out, here are some unfiltered answers to the questions we hear most often at reception.

1. It’s every man’s fear: What if I get an erection?

Let’s be clear and reassuring: naturism is not sexual. In a relaxed, family-oriented environment where nudity is the norm, the body is "normalized" and is not a source of arousal. However, if an involuntary physiological reaction occurs (which is only human), the rule is simple: be discreet. Cover yourself with a towel, lie on your stomach, or take a dip in the water until it passes. Everyone knows the difference between an involuntary mechanical reaction and inappropriate behavior.

2. What about during my period?

This shouldn't stop you from enjoying your holiday! Hygiene is everyone’s priority. Simply use internal protection (tampons or a menstrual cup). If you don't feel comfortable, you are more than welcome to wear a sarong around your hips or a bikini bottom during your cycle. No one will ask you for an explanation. And as always: a towel is mandatory for sitting!

3. Do I have to get naked right at the reception desk?

No, don’t worry! Do whatever feels right for you. Take the time to settle into your pitch or accommodation, and undress whenever you feel ready. Everyone goes at their own pace.

4. Is it hygienic to sit everywhere while naked?

This is the golden rule of naturism: always have your towel. Whether on a chair at the terrace, a sunbed by the pool, or at a friend's place, you must always place your personal towel between yourself and the seat. In reality, it is often cleaner than in "textile" environments where people stay in the same damp swimsuit all day!

5. My teenagers refuse to get naked; can they still come?

This is a classic situation. Adolescence is a complex time for body image. At Le Clos Barrat, we are tolerant. If your teens prefer to keep a swimsuit on, we won't force them, as long as they respect the nudity of others. Often, when they see that no one is judging them, they end up doing like everyone else after a few days!

6. What if it’s cold?

Naturism is about common sense. If the wind picks up or the evening gets chilly, you cover up. The goal is well-being, not suffering from the cold. A light cardigan or a sarong is always welcome in the evening.