National federation
Fédération française de naturisme
The Fédération française de naturisme (FFN) is the national naturist federation of France, founded in 1950 by Albert and Christiane Lecocq. France has more naturist holiday centres than any other country, and the FFN licence doubles as the INF card accepted at campsites and resorts across Europe.
What does the FFN do?
The federation groups local associations and the large naturist holiday centres on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, from Montalivet and Euronat to Cap d'Agde. It issues the annual licence, publishes a guide to French naturist sites and promotes naturism to the public and to local authorities.
France's naturist tourism sector is large enough to have its own trade body, France 4 Naturisme, which markets the biggest centres; the FFN is the members' federation behind it.
Where is naturism practised in France?
Along the whole coastline: nude beaches in Aquitaine, Languedoc, Corsica and Brittany, and naturist campgrounds in the south-west, the Languedoc and inland in Provence and the Dordogne. Clothing-optional hotels and gîtes are common in the south.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an FFN licence in France?
Some centres require a federation licence or INF card; most sell a day or holiday licence at reception. Public beaches need nothing.
Who founded the FFN?
Albert and Christiane Lecocq, who also founded the Centre Hélio-Marin de Montalivet in 1950, the first large naturist holiday centre in France.
How many naturist places are there in France?
NudistMap currently lists more clothing-optional places in France than in any country except Spain; see naturism in France for the live count by region.
Naturist places in France
Other organisations
Facts from the organisation's own website and Wikipedia. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Corrections: see the editorial policy.