Le Dorier

Small club-run naturist campsite on the heights above the Loire Gorges, about fifteen kilometres from Saint-Étienne, between 650 and 695 metres above sea level. It has been run since 1974 by the Loisirs et Soleil club, affiliated with the FFN: six hectares of south-facing pine woods, looked after by volunteer members, with 25 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes and a few caravans for rent for two people. The pool, with a paddling pool for little ones, overlooks the gorges from above and is the heart of the place; around it are a heated common room with a fully equipped kitchen and a library, barbecues, a wood-fired oven lit at weekends and a boules court. The rules require complete nudity throughout the grounds when the weather allows, while it is forbidden in the car parks. Campers passing through do not need to become members (the FFN card is recommended), families with children are very much at home here and dogs on a lead are allowed. Guests particularly appreciate the calm, the view and the welcome from the volunteers; there is no restaurant and you cook for yourself. Take care on arrival: many pitches are on a slope and the steep, narrow road from Unieux is closed to motorhomes and caravans; the club advises coming up from Roche-la-Molière. If you want to try it out, there is also a discovery day, to be booked by phone.