Hiking, camping and exhibitions... Naturism continues to attract more and more young people

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Unveiled this Sunday, June 1st, on the occasion of World Naturism Day by the French Federation dedicated to the practice, a survey indicates that a quarter of French people aged 18 to 75 have already gone naked outside the home, at the beach or in the great outdoors. This is particularly true for those under 35.

At the opening of a naturist area in the Bois de Vincennes, Paris, in 2017. (Marguerite BORNHAUSER/Photo Marguerite Bornhauser for)

Strolling naked in the summer at a campsite or on the beach isn't the preserve of boomers and sixty-eighters brought up on libertarian ideals. On the contrary: naturism, and its casual component, nudism, is attracting young French people. A survey, unveiled this Sunday, June 1st, by the French Naturist Federation (FFN), on the occasion of World Naturism Day, even surprises its sponsors: those under 35 are in fact those who most often report having once stripped off outside their homes in the open air for a midnight or sunbath.

According to the opinion survey conducted by the Ipsos institute, among a sample of 1,000 people aged 18 to 75, a third of 18-24 year olds, and 37% of 25-34 year olds, say they have practiced naturism at least once in their life, compared to 18% of 35-59 year olds and 29% of 60-75 year olds. In total, 25% of French people surveyed say they have dared to get completely naked in public at least once and 10% would like to try. This enthusiasm, observed by the FFN during naturist events or evenings in town,