Naturism is a cultural and social movement that advocates for nudity as a way of life. France is known for being one of the most liberal countries in the world when it comes to nudity, and it is home to a large number of Naturist resorts and beaches. In this article, we will examine the views of the French government on Naturism. We hope and expect these would apply to the beaches on the French side of Saint Martin where nude sunbathing is commonly practiced.
Historical Context
Naturism in France has a long history dating back to the early 20th century. The first Naturist beach was established in 1920 in La Jenny, and since then, Naturism has grown in popularity. Today, France is home to over 400 Naturist resorts and beaches, making it one of the most popular Naturist destinations in the world. Saint Martin has one official nude beach however nudity appears to be tolerated at many beaches on the French side of the Island.
Government Views on Naturism
The French government has generally been supportive of Naturism, recognizing it as a legitimate lifestyle choice. The government’s stance on Naturism is reflected in the country’s laws and regulations, which are designed to protect the rights of Naturists and ensure their safety. For example, in 1956, the French government passed a law that allowed for the creation of Naturist resorts and beaches.
The government has also established guidelines for Naturist resorts and beaches. These guidelines include rules on hygiene and safety, as well as guidelines for the use of public spaces. In addition, the government has established a national Naturist organization, the Fédération Française de Naturisme (FFN), which promotes Naturism as a healthy and family-friendly lifestyle.
One of the reasons why the French government has been supportive of Naturism is its economic benefits. Naturist tourism is a significant contributor to the French economy, with Naturist resorts attracting thousands of visitors each year. According to a report by the FFN, Naturist tourism generates around €200 million annually and supports over 5,000 jobs. There are many regular nudists visitors who practice naturism on many of what appear to be clothing optional beaches on Saint Martin.
However, the French government’s support for Naturism has not been without controversy. In recent years, there have been calls to ban Naturist beaches and resorts, with some critics arguing that Naturism is immoral and offensive. In 2016, for instance, a group of conservative politicians called for a ban on Naturist beaches in France, citing concerns over public morality and hygiene. However, their calls were met with resistance from Naturist groups and the French government, which argued that Naturism is a legitimate lifestyle choice that should be respected. There are several naturist clothing optional accommodation on Saint Martin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the French government views Naturism as a legitimate lifestyle choice and has been supportive of its development in the country. While there have been calls to ban Naturism in France, the government has resisted such moves, recognizing the economic benefits of Naturist tourism and the right of individuals to choose their lifestyle. As Naturism continues to grow in popularity in France, it is likely that the government’s support for Naturism and the clothing optional lifestyle will continue to be a topic of discussion. Views of the Dutch Government on Naturism
References
- Fédération Française de Naturisme (FFN). (2021). Le naturisme en France. Retrieved from https://www.ffn-naturisme.com/le-naturisme-en-france Wild Naturism in Nature
- Hiebert, M. (2017). France’s Rich Naturist Tradition. France Today. Retrieved from https://www.francetoday.com/culture/frances-rich-naturist-tradition/
- Laudy, T. (2016, August 31). French Politician Proposes Ban on Nude Beaches. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/22-skinny-dips/index.html
- Reuters. (2015, August 15). French Naturist Beaches Struggle to Stay Relevant in Face of Changing Attitudes. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/france+lifeandstyle/naturism
