PARIS, France (CNN) — Fancy getting naked in Paris? Now you’ve got official permission — thanks to a new nudist zone recently opened in the city’s Bois de Vincennes park.
City officials have set aside a reserved space for naturists in this grassy public space. The nudist area is a temporary experiment — open daily from August 31 to October 15, 2017.
Signs have been put up to warn passersby of what’s going on. Officials say they are committed to ensuring the nudity and tranquility of the naturists will be respected. Voyeurism will not be tolerated.
‘It’s a real joy’
“France has more than 2.6 million naturism enthusiasts,” says Penelope Komites, deputy mayor of Paris and official in charge of the city’s parks and green spaces, in a statement to AFP.
Certainly the decision has been embraced by Paris’ active Nudists Association, whose members have been stripping off since 1953.
“It’s a real joy,” says Julien Claude-Penegry, a member of the association.
The group bathes naked in Roger Le Gall swimming pool three times a week, works out au naturel in the gym and practices nude group aerobics.
“The provision of a space in the Bois de Vincennes where the practice of naturism will be allowed is part of an open vision of the use of public spaces in Paris,” adds Komites.
Bois de Vencennes park is on the edge of the 12th arrondissement, east of Paris.
READ: Nudity in Germany — here’s the naked truth
Komites says Paris has been inspired by Germany, Switzerland and Spain — all countries where nudism has been embraced.
“It can be exercised with respect for everyone,” she concludes.
