Living naked, a journey through Marseille

12.07.24

Naturist paradises

Could living naked to commune with nature be the secret to happiness and health? Are naturism and nudism the same thing? Why and how has France become a "naturist paradise"?

At the Mucem until 9 December, the "Paradis naturistes" exhibition traces the history and development of European naturist movements. It also sheds light on the variety of current practices that highlight the desire to live better together in contact with nature and with respect for all bodies.

Appropriate dress is not required

On the initiative of Jean-Pierre Blanc, co-curator of the "Paradis naturistes" exhibition, six venues in Marseille are offering an original itinerary of naturist exhibitions, selected works, workshops and meetings across the city, to celebrate living naked.

"Enter the Zone", Double V Gallery (28 rue Saint-Jacques), 20 June to 31 August.

A group exhibition exploring the concept of "flow" in the world of tennis, and the links between nudity and sport.

"Pierrette et la vérité", Cabane Georgina et Mont Rose (2 chemin du Mauvais Pas), 22 June to 1 December (naturist events on 6 and 7 July).

Where mischievous "bare-assed" relationships are discovered.

"Sonia Sieff", Jogging 1993 (22 rue Saint-Jacques), from 24 June to 22 August.

A vision of masculinity far removed from the eroticised and idealised canons of the male body.

"Le cas érotique, performances, concerts and poetry", La Ruche K (61 rue Belle de Mai), 27 June to 6 July and 29 August to 15 September.

A way of questioning our fascination with representations of eroticism through exhibitions, literary and musical performances, workshops and naturist events.

"Carte blanche à Pierre Passebon autour de l'oeuvre de Jacques Sultana", Pavillon Southway (433 Bd Michelet), 2 July to 6 September.

In Jacques Sultana's images, the sunny glow of youth rubs shoulders with the melancholy of a lost paradise.

"Scalzo nudo, Claudio Bonuglia & Scalzo", La Traverse (16 traverse Sainte-Hélène), 18 July to 11 August.

This series of painting and drawing workshops led by Roman artist Claudio Bonuglia, immersed in the daily lives of naturists, will culminate in an exhibition of the participants' work, followed by wild swimming and shared meals.