In Paris, a New Place for Nudists

Section of Bois de Vincennes park will be open to naturists (but not voyeurs)
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 31, 2017 7:21 AM CDT
In Paris, a New Place for Nudists
Naturists can now head to a Parisian park unencumbered by clothing.   (Getty Images/betyarlaca)

A parks and rec official in Paris is lauding an "open-minded vision" for one of the city's parks—specifically, an out-of-the-way section of the Bois de Vincennes park that is open to nudists until Oct. 15. AFP reports on the naturism experiment, which permits visitors to strip down on almost 2 acres near the park's bird reserve. Clothes-shedding will be acceptable between 8am and 7:30pm, and peeping Toms and exhibitionists shouldn't expect to see, or put on, a free show, officials warn—"good behavior" guidelines will be on display to make sure everyone respects the rules, the BBC reports. Local nudists are celebrating, with one member of the Paris Naturists Association proclaiming the decision "a true joy" and "one more freedom for naturists," per AFP.

The France 4 Naturisme organization notes that more than 2.6 million people in the nation regularly recreate in the buff, with nearly 500 campsites, beaches, and other venues set aside for those who find clothing inhibiting. Paris itself is no stranger to these disrobed denizens: Three times a week they're permitted to splash around in the nude in one of the city's public pools. The new section will also protect naturists from legal repercussions. When it was announced last year, CNN noted the illegality of public nudity, which can earn a transgressor up to a year in prison or a $15,000 fine. The au naturel spot in Bois de Vincennes "will help change people's attitudes toward nudity, toward our values and our respect for nature," the PNA rep says, adding he thinks thousands of people will flock to the site. (A newbie spent an interesting week at a naturist camp.)

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