Cap d'Agde, France Information and FAQs

WHERE EXACTLY IS Cap d'Agde

Cap d'Agde Naturist resort is located on the Southern Western tip of France, close to Montpellier and also within driving distance of Barcelona, Spain. Also within a day's drive are the mountains of Andorra.

DRESS CODE
Technically, nudity is obligatory. In practice you often notice the odd woman wearing a thong or some people wearing T-shirts but not bottoms to give their shoulders a respite from the sun. Occasionally children are more modest than their parents. Most people wear clothes when it is cold and everybody wears clothes in the evening to go out to dinner or clubbing.

WEATHER
The season is from the end of March to the end of September. There is a good chance of good weather for most of that time - but this is still Europe and there can be rain, overcast days and the sea is pretty cold compared with the tropics. The sea is not really as warm as one might find in a country such as Greece.

THE RULES on Cap d'Agde naturist village
Once you are in, you will have certain rules to follow. Most of them are the law, so be careful about breaking them:

• Access to the quarter is reserved for naturists or those working there.
• Total nudity is obligatory within the quarter and on the beach, as soon as climatic conditions permit. (I have, however, seen many people dressed there on a warm day. Also, most people dress for dinner. I have heard of people being turned away from restaurants in the village because they were not dressed).
• Photo shots and filming are strictly limited to members of the family. (I understand that the bans on photography are strictly enforced. I have, however, come across pictures of the naturist quarter on the Web).
• There are also several laws banning any sort of lewd or crude behaviour in the naturist quarter.
• Teenagers are allowed to wear clothes, if they feel uncomfortable with the environment.

GETTING THERE
Visit our Getting There page for full information.

From our own personal experience not speaking French was not in any way a problem. In the shops and bars etc English was widely spoken. If you do make the effort though to try and speak at least a few words of French it will of course help and create a better impression. To get the most out of the resort then French will help, but do not be put off if you do not speak French.

Update: August 2006. We have just returned from Cap d'Agde naturists resort and all of the service people spoke in English. We also tried to say a few words in French but they also told us to use English no problem. For meeting other people staying at Cap, then yes, French will become more important.

What should I EXPECT at Cap d'Agde NATURIST RESORT?
"I have just returned from Cap d'Agde where I spent two weeks with my partner and wanted to give you all my views on the experience.

I had been wanting to go to Cap d'Agde clothing-optional village since I first heard about it many years ago and it was all in all an enjoyable experience but you need to be prepared that this is not your 'average' Naturist resort. The accommodation is spread between apartments and villas and there is also a large campsite area with log cabins and free ground for bringing your own camper van and/or tent. The apartments are split into three areas but all in all they essentially look the same, Port Ambonne, Port Nature and Heliopolis are all white, concrete, buildings with large balconies though the apartments themselves are pretty small and basic. A major refit is called for but they do the job of providing, safe, secure, clean accommodation. Hotel Eve is the only hotel in the Naturist complex.

The beach is sandy, beautiful, wide, clean, with lovely sea but very cold water even in late June. It really is wonderful and is very shallow for a long way out so is excellent for families and young children. There are areas of the beach which have a lifeguard presence also. The beach is split into three main areas, families nearest to the accommodation, then there is the couples area, then the gay area. There are a good range of bars, clubs, shops, supermarkets, boutiques and a fine choice of restaurants. The resort really caters for every type of visitor. If you are looking for a family holiday Cap D'adge can be a good choice. Another alternative to Cap for families though may also be La Jenny and Cap Nat. The campground really caters for the real naturist, whilst the apartment areas sometimes seem to cater for more of a mix of naturists and couples also sometimes visiting Cap d'Agde for the nightlife.

There is a variety of shops ranging from a barbers shop, newsagents/souvenirs, several restaurants, bars, a couple of supermarkets, a few clothing shops and a few saunas for adults. Additionally there is a post office, petrol station and more bars and cafes.