Since I had the pleasure of discovering naturism at the age of 17, I have never stopped practising and promoting this art of living whenever I have the opportunity.
Even though deep down I knew that this lifestyle was for me, this first experience was a real revelation, far beyond anything I had imagined.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit many different places, both in Alsace and in Germany, in search of the one that would best correspond to my idea of the naturist spirit.
Naturism is not simply the fact of being naked in the middle of nature, on the banks of a river, or on a beach, it is much more subtle than that!
Naturism is a philosophy, it is respect for others and for nature, but it is also solidarity, mutual aid, acceptance of differences, tolerance, and so on...
So, at the chance of an open day, I had the opportunity to discover this unique and absolutely magical place which is the subject of this booklet: the Centre Gymnique d'Alsace in Wasselonne!
I was immediately struck by the beauty of the place, by the calmness that reigned there and by the serenity that emanated from it.
Moreover, the welcome I received, both from the person who showed me around and from the members present on that Saturday in May, a gentle inter-generational mix, was most warm.
In less time than it takes to say it, my decision was made, I joined this association which was created in 1966, the year I was born: a sign.
As a self-taught multidisciplinary designer, I wanted to create this interactive booklet to help people discover this place that is particularly dear to my heart, by presenting it to as many people as possible through different facets of my creativity.
This booklet is interactive because the QR code it contains takes you to a website that offers translations of the various texts in three languages (German, English and Dutch), as well as numerous additional photos and some videos. This interactive part is also evolving, as it will continue to live and grow over the weeks and months, well after the publication of the "paper" version, so do not hesitate to come back regularly.
But the most important thing, which you won't find in any book or on any website, is the unique sensations provided by our way of life, because, as I like to say: Naturism cannot be explained, it has to be lived!
Only then can you feel the happiness of being free of all constraints, of feeling the elements, the air, the sun, the water, caressing every inch of your skin. For example, anyone who has never tried it cannot imagine how much freedom and well-being you get from simply swimming without a swimming costume.
To this end, the Centre Gymnique d'Alsace opens its doors to you every year, on the occasion of the Whitsun weekend, as well as on World No-Shirt Day (the first Sunday in July). It is also possible to visit the grounds by appointment, or even to spend a "discovery" day there.
Who knows, maybe we'll have the pleasure of meeting there when you visit...
I would like to thank all the people who participated in this project by posing for the various photos, as well as Hans, Linda and Torsten, for the translations in the interactive part!
Naturist greetings.
Guy François
