Interview. Three questions for Brice Bérad-Astic, vice-president of the Federation of Naturist Areas in France (FEN) and owner of La Tuquette naturist campsite in the Var.
While the tourism sector is facing inflation, the effects of climate change and changing travel habits, one niche continues to stand out: naturism.
With 4.7 million naturist holidaymakers in 2025 and more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, France remains the world's leading naturist destination.
To understand the reasons for this resilience and what it reveals about societal changes, in issue 276 (10/2025), Sonia Reyne of Décisions magazine asked three questions to Brice Bérad-Astic, vice-president of the Fédération des Espaces Naturistes en France (FEN) and owner of the naturist campsite La Tuquette in the Var region.
Extract from the article How naturist campsites are coming out on top - Décision magazine No. 276 - October 2025
Décisions: Have you noticed a change in demand for naturism since the pandemic?
Brice Bérard-Astic: Naturism has undergone a real evolution since the Covid period. During lockdown, many people felt the need to reconnect with nature, to return to simple and authentic things, to disconnect from their daily lives.
This search for well-being, authenticity and freedom has led new audiences to discover naturism. We have seen an increase in visitor numbers at several naturist centres since the end of lockdown.
Naturism is also attracting a new, younger audience (young couples, active families with children, teenagers), who see it as a way to disconnect from digital technology and everyday stress and simply enjoy time together. So there is both continuity in values - respect, tolerance, nature - and an evolution in the profiles and motivations of practitioners.
Decisions: In your opinion, is naturism still a niche activity or is it becoming a segment in its own right?
B B-A: Naturism is now much more than a niche activity; it authentically embodies the principles of sustainable tourism. The FEN supports this vision, which is based on three essential pillars: human and social values, respect for and preservation of nature, and a sustainable economic model. Today, many textile campsites are inspired by the naturist model, creating larger spaces (premium individual and communal) for campers in a relaxed, Zen-like atmosphere, with the aim of providing peace and quiet throughout their holidaymakers' stays.
Decisions: What are the economic advantages of a naturist model?
B B-A: A high retention rate: naturists often return to the same establishments year after year. This creates stable income for campsite managers. It is also a close-knit community. Naturism attracts a passionate clientele in search of a lifestyle and not just a holiday destination.
The season is also extended because many naturist sites offer activities that allow the season to be extended into spring and autumn.
Senior citizens, who make up a significant proportion of the naturist public, travel outside the high season, which allows the infrastructure to be amortised over a longer period.
There is also a higher average spend per stay.
Naturists, who often come from stable or affluent socio-professional backgrounds, spend more on site: cultural activities, wellness, body care, organic, local and artisanal products (which are in line with the values of naturism). By way of comparison, a naturist holiday generates up to 30% more revenue per person, on average, than a textile holiday, according to certain sector studies. There are also fewer conflicts and a better atmosphere.
Naturist campsites often report fewer problems with security, noise or incivility.
A respectful, intergenerational clientele reduces management costs (security, staff,
mediation). Naturism allows for premium positioning (unusual accommodation, personalised services) with higher margins.
The Federation of Naturist Areas, with its booking platform Naturisme.fr, which has become the benchmark for booking naturist campsites in France (a new website offering the possibility of booking at the forty most beautiful campsites in France), is helping to boost the offer at small, medium and large naturist centres.
To find out more: at the Salon Sett in Montpellier in November 2025, NATURISME TV met with Brice Bérad Astic. Watch the interview here.
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