Le pas de Ceilhes

One of the elders of French naturism

Le pas de Ceilhes has welcomed naturists since 1965, making it one of the oldest grounds of its kind still running in the country. The campsite is run by the Les Grifouls association, in a cooperative spirit closer to a club than to classic open air hospitality. You sense right away that the goal isn't to rack up numbers but to preserve a place and a way of living.

The site sits perched on the heights of Fondamente, in the Sorgues valley, at the gates of the Larzac. Count on 157 hectares of land for barely a hundred tourist pitches: needless to say, space is never in short supply and crowding is never an issue here.

Nature, forest and river

The Verenne runs through the property and offers direct access to water for skinny dipping, which is a real plus when you're after something other than a chlorinated pool. Pitches are split between shaded spots under the trees and sunnier corners, so you can choose depending on the season and your mood. The forest and mountain setting gives the place a wild feel, far from the concrete, seaside naturism found elsewhere.

Deliberately simple facilities

On site you'll find a pool, a sauna, communal bathrooms and a farmhouse room with a fireplace used for gatherings or on chillier evenings. Wifi exists but stays basic and is limited to the reception area, not really enough to work remotely in comfort. There's no restaurant or snack bar on site, so you'll need to plan your shopping in Fondamente or Cornus, a few minutes away by car. Bike rental and gas sales round out the services, and an event space has been set up in the old presbytery.

Who it's for

The crowd is a mix of long time naturists, often affiliated with the Fédération Française de Naturisme, couples and families in search of calm, and hikers drawn by the nearby Larzac. Online reviews highlight how peaceful the place is and how clean the bathrooms are, often cited as an example. The managers are described as welcoming and attentive, which matters a lot in this kind of association run structure where everything relies on everyone pitching in.

A few downsides come up too: the lack of an on site grocery shop and deliberately minimal amenities can surprise those expecting the comforts of a classic campsite. Here, you come for raw nature and simple living, not for a holiday club with organized activities.

Practical info

• Open from May 1st to September 15th
• Reception from 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 7pm in high season
• From 17.90 euros a night in high season (full rate to be confirmed directly with the campsite)
• Dogs allowed only in the Pré des Violettes field