Naturist ‘naked’ space opens in Paris park

Naturists are able to access the area, and walk around naked, with the space reserved for those who genuinely wish to take part in naturism.

An official ‘charter’ regulating the use of the space and denoting the ‘good behaviour’ expected has been posted around the reserved area to clearly signal its use, and avoid problems between neighbouring walkers and those using the Bois de Vincennes for sport, and the naturists.

According to the agreement by the Mairie, as reported by French magazine source Radins, the naturist space is 7 300m², and very well protected from prying eyes or exhibitionists who may aim to cause trouble.

The space is now open from 8h to 19h30 every day, until mid-October.

The idea came from the Mairie of Paris, who wanted to create a new vision for the use of green spaces in the city, and was spearheaded during a meeting of the council group Europe-Ecologie-Les Verts (EELV).

"It's a true joy; it's one more freedom for naturists," said Julien Claudé-Pénégry of the Paris Naturists Association, speaking to the Agence France-Presse.

"It shows the city's broad-mindedness and will help change people's attitudes toward nudity, toward our values and our respect for nature.”

Naturism in Paris is not so odd; there is already a public pool available in which Parisians can swim naked three times a week, and estimates suggest that visitors to the new Bois de Vincennes space could reach into the thousands.