Villa Marie-Jeanne

A 1937 villa on the corniche of Héliopolis, the naturist domain of the Île du Levant (the car-free island off Hyères, reachable only by boat from Le Lavandou or Hyères), renovated and run by its owners, Fred and Alain. It is not a hotel: five 22 m² studios for two, an apartment with two bedrooms and a loft are available to rent, all with a kitchen, bathroom and a terrace or balcony with views of the sea, Port-Cros and the coast. Shared areas include a small saltwater pool and the garden with sun loungers, reserved for guests (visiting friends may not use them). The decor pays tribute to Jean Cocteau and Jean Marais, with drawings on the walls: the villa presents itself as one hundred per cent naturist, gay-friendly and explicitly open to straight guests too, and says that in high summer the atmosphere is very gay. Pets are not allowed and outdoor music is prohibited; in the low season, access is provided to the heated pool and spa of Le Rouquier, the same managers' other villa opposite. Minimum stay of two nights, one week in July and August. On the island, nudity is free on the corniches and in the square, and compulsory on the beach and the coastal path. Guests who have stayed there speak of a very warm welcome and of the view, one of the finest on the island.