Welcome back to the blog! We have officially hit Day 24 of our European tour, and let’s just say today was full of high mountain views, total liberation, and a few unexpected tactical errors.
If you’ve been following our journey, you know we’ve been traveling across Europe with our two brilliant dogs, Tiley and Frankie. Right now, we’re pitched up in central France in the stunning Auvergne region. 🥖🍷
🏕️ Living the Liberated Life (Nudie Style!)
We’ve always wondered what staying at a naturist campsite would be like. For over 20 years (ever since our Tenerife days!), it’s been on our bucket list. Now that we’re here? We love it. It’s absolute bliss, it feels like second nature now!
Sure, walking the dogs in your birthday suit takes a little getting used to. There is always that brief moment of panic thinking, "What if a local non-naturist wanders through?" But the site is completely secure with electric gates, tucked away safely in the woods, so you can let it all hang out in total peace.
That said, standard naturist life comes with its own unique "learning curves":
- Communal & Outdoor Showers: Suzanne had an unforgettable moment walking past an outdoor urinal while a local was using it. A very awkward "Oh... Bonjour!" was exchanged. (They don't give a monkeys, to be fair!).
- Body Positivity: You see every shape, size, and age imaginable. Let’s just say Steven left the shower block feeling slightly inadequate after spotting a local fellow whose... assets... swung like a pendulum! ⏰
- The Hazards of Biting Insects: Camping in the wild un-clothed is brilliant until you discover that midges don't respect personal space. Steven has officially been bitten in a... very sensitive area. Bring on the Sudocrem!
🥖 The Infamous French "Bug"
It wasn't all sunshine and sunbathing today, though. Poor Steven was struck down by a violent 24-hour stomach bug last night.
Was it a bad egg? Or was it his body rebelling against a full week of eating fresh French baguettes and pastries like they were going out of style? (Suzanne is placing her bets on the bread toxicity!).
After spending the entire night violently ill, Steven didn't wake up until 11:00 AM, feeling like a total zombie. After a late afternoon shower, shave, and a very bland dinner to settle his stomach, he's finally on the mend.
Suzanne, as always, provided top-tier nurse sympathy: "You've had your 24 hours of feeling sorry for yourself, now you're done!" 😂
🌲 Mountain Views & Unwinding
Despite the tummy troubles and midge bites, this campsite is a true gem. The girls, Tiley and Frankie, loved their walk through the surrounding woodland. The trees provide much-needed shade, keeping the dogs nice and cool.
The site itself is 63 years old (established in 1963!), and some of the vintage French caravans look like they’ve been parked in the exact same spot since day one.
The absolute highlight, though? The views. We are up high, nearly as high as the ski resort in Bourg-Saint-Maurice! Looking out across the extinct Auvergne volcanoes is nothing short of breathtaking.
We wrapped up our evening wrapped in warm clothes (yes, even naturists get chilly at night!) watching an American Navy film called Devotion.
🚐 What's Next on the Road?
We have one final day here to chill, try out the swimming pool, and soak in the volcano views before we begin the trek back north. Next stop: 3 days exploring Brittany before heading home!
Would we stay at a naturist campsite again? 100% yes. In fact, we’re wondering why we didn’t try it years ago! (Though we might look into the weather forecast before trying it in the UK...).
Until next time, keep touring!
Steven, Suzanne, Tiley & Frankie 🐾
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Naturist Camping France | Touring Ideas UK | Auvergne Volcanoes Camping | Dog Friendly European Road Trip | Camping Lasserre de Portellas | Motorhome Travel France
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