Île du Levant is one of the most alluring islands off the southern coast of France, just east of Hyères. It’s home to the quirky Domaine Naturiste d’Héliopolis, the only naturist community of its kind. Île du Levant has a fascinating history dating back to the early 1930s. It’s here that visitors find respite from the stresses of 21st-century existence, the atmosphere promoting body positivity and allowing health seekers to harness the sun’s rejuvenating beams.
In 1932, French natural medicine physicians Gaston and André Durville established Héliopolis. They built this naturist camp to help others experience a lifestyle that goes in tune with the rhythm of nature and the sun. The brothers evened the score by naming their new Mediterranean settlement after the ancient Greeks’ faith in helios, or the sun’s healing powers. Today, Héliopolis remains a “private domain that is open to the public,” attracting numerous naturists seeking relaxation and liberation.
Accessed by ferry from Hyères or Lavandou, Île du Levant provides an inviting atmosphere where nudity is welcomed, except in shops where full nudity is prohibited. Island residents typically wear no clothing at all or just enough to meet this requirement and still take advantage of everything the island has to offer.
One-third of Héliopolis is occupied by the Domaine des Arbousiers. This notable nature reserve on the island adds to the remarkably laid-back feel of the island. Visitors can treat themselves to a range of experiences at La Pomme d’Adam. This colorful social center, home to the local cafe and restaurant, makes a relaxing hangout and meetup location. Here, guests learn and relax while dining with other like-minded naturists.
The island boasts several beautiful beaches, including Bain de Diane, renowned for its scattered concrete platforms where sunbathers relax amid rocky landscapes. Île du Levant has many different types of lodgings. For example, you could spend the night at the Soléa Lodges, where studios begin at only €80 per night and fit up to three guests.
France remains the world’s top naturist destination, attracting about 2.6 million tourists a year. Today Île du Levant has evolved into a thriving, international center for naturists. It draws people who want to find solace and acceptance in an inclusive community. 30-year-old fourth-generation Levantine Naomi Gergaud put it best. She continued, “It’s a respite from the clamor of the news cycle, consumerism and the rest of the burdens that our age group carries.”
The island’s quieter way of life fosters intimacy and organic connection, cutting across traditional divides. Fred Godeau, a local resident, expressed pride in the camaraderie among naturists: “As a naturist community, we don’t have the same barriers here.”
Visitors always comment on the lovely sense of equality that nudity creates. RTÉ Sophie Fontanel, a regular visitor herself, is amazed at how identical they all look when naked. As it stands right now, she noted, “We’re all the same ideogram.” This powerful shared experience fosters self-acceptance, openness and trust among participants of all backgrounds.
Deceptive history – Mysterious historical tales of Île du Levant only increase its charm. Frédéric Capoulade told a great story. Resist enchantment. Locals employed shiny objects to blind outsiders clad in cloth, leading them away from their luxurious environment. These stories shine a light on the island’s beautiful history of naturism and what it stands for.
The island’s beauty and mystique still command the same respect and reverence amongst locals and visitors as they did centuries ago. A waiter at La Pomme d’Adam reflected on his own journey: “I came to holiday here and never left.” For most visitors, Île du Levant comes as a pleasant surprise. It represents a special quality of life that they connect to on a more personal level.
The ethos of naturism on Île du Levant is succinctly captured by a sign in Héliopolis that reads: “Être nu rendre heureux,” which translates to “Being naked makes you happy.” This motto encapsulates the essence of what many come to seek—a sense of freedom and joy found in shedding societal constraints.