French town to hold Europe's first garage sale for naturists

It will take place on July 5 to celebrate world naturism day and naturists across France are invited.

Organisers say it is the first of its kind in Europe.

The sale will take place all day in the 600-meter-large shop owned by a naturist, the Vide grenier permanent des Olonnes in Sables-d'Olonne.

Shop owner Nehru Hattais came up with the idea in partnership with the ANV (Association Naturiste Vendéenne), Happy Naturist’Family and the Féderation Française de Naturisme.

Member of the Fédération Française de Naturisme in charge of the event, Dominique Blairé said: “Every year the federation organises a special day for the world naturism day. This year, the owner of the shop proposed this idea and we approved the project.”

'You have to be naked'

Hundreds of people are expected and it is open to anyone who wants to try naturism.

Mr Blairé said: “It is not a zoo for people. It can be good for people who want to try naturism and others who are already used to it. You have to be naked.”

On the day, the windows will be covered as happens with naturist swimming pools so nobody passing by can see inside.

Customers will find what they usually find at a car boot sale. There will be 150 stalls.

Masks will still be mandatory

Due to the coronavirus, customers are asked to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer, respect a minimum distance of one metre between each other, and avoid touching items they do not want to buy.

The town of Sables-d’Olonne is known for its naturist beach, Sauveterre, and naturists are also invited to spend time together at the beach after visiting the shop.

Anyone wanting to sell at the event must contact the owner via email at nhattais@vgp85.fr.