Centre Gymnique du Nord
Naturist campsite founded in 1932 in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, heated pool, pétanque, family and club spirit all year round.
- Founded in 1932
- Second oldest naturist centre in France
- Modernized heated pool
- Family and club atmosphere
- Town centre, near the train station
- Address
- 529 rue Albert Camus
59230 Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, Nord - Opening hours
- Mon-Sun
- Website
- centregymniquedunord.fr
A story dating back to 1932
Centre Gymnique du Nord isn't your average naturist campsite. Founded by Albert Lecocq in 1932, it's the second oldest naturist site in France still in operation. The association, governed by the 1901 law, has been affiliated with the Fédération Française de Naturisme since 1950.
That kind of longevity shows on the ground: members describe a tight-knit community, almost like family, where people recognize each other from one season to the next. Local press coverage and relations with the town of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux are, in fact, rather glowing.
Grounds right in the town centre
A detail that often surprises newcomers: the grounds sit right in the heart of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, a five minute walk from the train station. No need to head deep into the countryside to find some peace and quiet, the wooded areas on site offer a real break despite being right next to the city.
The site welcomes around 55 members, which keeps it at a human scale. You'll cross paths with every generation here, from children to seniors, the association proudly serving a crowd ranging from 5 to 90 years old.
Pool, pétanque and community life
On the amenities side, the heated outdoor pool has been modernized and remains one of the highlights regulars mention most. Two shaded pétanque courts let you spend the afternoon without roasting in the sun.
Community life holds an important place here: a common room with a kitchen and dining area makes shared meals possible, a TV and a library fill the quieter evenings, and free wifi reassures those who don't want to fully unplug.
- Heated outdoor pool
- Two shaded pétanque courts
- Shared kitchen and dining area
- Library and TV
- Free WiFi
How it works and access
The campsite is open all year round, but reserved for association members. No walk-in access, then, you need to become a member to enjoy the site.
Activities are organized regularly for young and old alike, giving rhythm to the seasons beyond simply renting a pitch. Reviews keep highlighting the site's overall upkeep and the association's energy despite its respectable age, nearly a century of existence.
Source: OpenStreetMap and its contributors (ODbL licence). See on OpenStreetMap.