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Changes in Village Naturiste 2023

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

I’m starting early! The tubular structure at the entrance to the village, covered in vines has been removed. And Gymnos is ahead of the curve announcing its reopening on 9th March 2023.

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By *ot Wife BeckyCouple
over a year ago

Near Bergerac

It will be interesting to see what changes are made for 2023.

With the two Covid summers well behind us, hopefully people will have more confidence to return in 2023.

This summer was certainly an improvement as regards numbers, so businesses will be looking to capitalise, having had a couple of years to ponder on how to spice things up.

Fingers crossed...

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By *illyFischerMan
over a year ago

sale

I just got back. I was amazed to see no trace of Parahlia except it dumped in bits in the campsite. It's amazing to how a few wooden huts makes an amazing beach bar. Although I think it has lost its way over the last few years. Used to have a better vibe. The dunes have a different sign. No fine but instant verbal? Mississippi was just some decking

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France


"I just got back. I was amazed to see no trace of Parahlia except it dumped in bits in the campsite. It's amazing to how a few wooden huts makes an amazing beach bar. Although I think it has lost its way over the last few years. Used to have a better vibe. The dunes have a different sign. No fine but instant verbal? Mississippi was just some decking "
The beach bars are always taken apart for the winter. They will be reassembled in April. Similarly Mississippi top deck gets stored in the bar area beneath. They used to have to remove the entire decking, but the new board walk has meant the decking can stay. No change.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

The Contract for next year on the campsite has arrived today. It has gone up, but only from €4059 to €4149. Not as bad as thought.

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By *aurelnTartyMan
over a year ago

Maidstone

Considering that includes electricity and water for the season I would say that is very fair! Looks like RO are trying to do more online, I have just received my contract for 2023 which I can sign electronically.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France


"The Contract for next year on the campsite has arrived today. It has gone up, but only from €4059 to €4149. Not as bad as thought."
Bad Maths on my part. It’s actually €4221.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Booking for the campsite opened today. They have redesigned the website, but it lacks a map. The importance of this is Rene Oltra have slapped a surcharge on how close to the beach you are. The most expensive are Plage and Mer, with a lesser mark up for Nature and Dune. The rest of the campsite has the cheapest rate.

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By *eordiesCouple
over a year ago

newcastle


"Booking for the campsite opened today. They have redesigned the website, but it lacks a map. The importance of this is Rene Oltra have slapped a surcharge on how close to the beach you are. The most expensive are Plage and Mer, with a lesser mark up for Nature and Dune. The rest of the campsite has the cheapest rate. "

We have been saying for years that this would happen, surprised it has taken so long.

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By *andy111Couple
over a year ago

BIRMINGHAM

Just booked 6 weeks on alley mer today. 8th may to 19th June. Can't wait now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They were waiting for you guys to leave......!

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By *voncouplexxCouple
over a year ago

Bristol


"Just booked 6 weeks on alley mer today. 8th may to 19th June. Can't wait now."

Did the confirm the booking - we only have acknowledgement (electronic instant reply) but no confirmation after 7 days.

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By *eordiesCouple
over a year ago

newcastle


"Just booked 6 weeks on alley mer today. 8th may to 19th June. Can't wait now.

Did the confirm the booking - we only have acknowledgement (electronic instant reply) but no confirmation after 7 days. "

Have you checked you spam folder ? In 2022 the ack. came to the main email folder, but for some reason the confirmation with pitch number went to a spam folder.

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By *igpaul100Couple
over a year ago

cornwall

Having trouble booking 11 weeks on Dune or Artimis .Just cannot seem to find anywhere on the booking website that allows us to add that length of time Tried calling but no answer emailed no answer

Anybody having same prob?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Can I ask is the contract for how long?

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By *andy111Couple
over a year ago

BIRMINGHAM

We have not had confirmation of pitch number and booking yet. Can't check spam folder as mine only stores messages for a short while and we have been on a cruise with no internet. I'm pretty sure that they have taken the deposit from my card but will have to check.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Just noticed that the Rene Oltra Map has made a welcome return.

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By *xposedInTheSunCouple
over a year ago

Cambridgeshire

So do you stay there all summer?

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Good news. The nice Boulanger and Patisserie in Heliopolis is due to reopen on March 11.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Bit of a change to the group of agency offices that were on the right of the road as you entered. They have been closed, and a new building has been constructed on the left hand side to house all the agencies. This means that you can’t use the new offices to cut through and avoid paying the fee. Bugger!

I remember seeing a plan many years ago that had the agency offices being demolished and luxury apartments being built. This looks like the plan as the roadway is now round the back of the chemists to avoid the demolition.

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By *B1000Couple
over a year ago

North Lakes and Manchester


"Bit of a change to the group of agency offices that were on the right of the road as you entered. They have been closed, and a new building has been constructed on the left hand side to house all the agencies. This means that you can’t use the new offices to cut through and avoid paying the fee. Bugger!

I remember seeing a plan many years ago that had the agency offices being demolished and luxury apartments being built. This looks like the plan as the roadway is now round the back of the chemists to avoid the demolition."

We’ve seen plans on another site for a very high end hotel with rooftop infinity pool, takes up the whole area including the car park section through the gate

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France


"Bit of a change to the group of agency offices that were on the right of the road as you entered. They have been closed, and a new building has been constructed on the left hand side to house all the agencies. This means that you can’t use the new offices to cut through and avoid paying the fee. Bugger!

I remember seeing a plan many years ago that had the agency offices being demolished and luxury apartments being built. This looks like the plan as the roadway is now round the back of the chemists to avoid the demolition.

We’ve seen plans on another site for a very high end hotel with rooftop infinity pool, takes up the whole area including the car park section through the gate "

Just what the Village needs

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By *enkayentaCouple
over a year ago

Glencullen


"We’ve seen plans on another site for a very high end hotel with rooftop infinity pool, takes up the whole area including the car park section through the gate "

Yes, it's being marketed as the Vibes Resort, a 5-star development of 124 apartments, commercial units and a roof top pool etc. It was first proposed about 12 years ago but the promoters appear to have had difficulty attracting the necessary investment. They also need to acquire the land from the local municipality and over the years the councillors have questioned the viability of the project. The land has not yet been transferred and looks like it may not happen until 2025. The apartments are now being marketed though with figures of between 280k and over a million and if the entrance is now being modified then maybe it will happen after all.

On a related note it looks like those derelict half finished apartments near the roundabout on the way in will finally be demolished and a new block built by a new owner.

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By *exy BeckyCouple
over a year ago

Bergerac, France

We haven't visited Cap since last summer, so we'll be interested to see the new developments at the entrance.

There's no real space inside the village for more accommodation so we can see why the new plans are so attractive to developers. But if there's no new car park it will squeeze things even more in July and August..!

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By *B1000Couple
over a year ago

North Lakes and Manchester


"We’ve seen plans on another site for a very high end hotel with rooftop infinity pool, takes up the whole area including the car park section through the gate

Yes, it's being marketed as the Vibes Resort, a 5-star development of 124 apartments, commercial units and a roof top pool etc. It was first proposed about 12 years ago but the promoters appear to have had difficulty attracting the necessary investment. They also need to acquire the land from the local municipality and over the years the councillors have questioned the viability of the project. The land has not yet been transferred and looks like it may not happen until 2025. The apartments are now being marketed though with figures of between 280k and over a million and if the entrance is now being modified then maybe it will happen after all.

On a related note it looks like those derelict half finished apartments near the roundabout on the way in will finally be demolished and a new block built by a new owner."

That’s the one yes, it was a buy to let development managed by the hotel, essentially owner funded but at those prices 2025 may be optimistic, as long as it doesn’t end up as part finished eyesore covered in graffiti and barriered off for years…. As if that would happen

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By *teveanherCouple
over a year ago

chester

Hi, we are in Cap (Rene Oltra) 23 June- 01 July 23. Any one else around at the same time?

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By *9manioMan
over a year ago

Greenwich

Gonna be there from 24th aug -27th anyone else there around this time?

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By *ucianpoundCouple
over a year ago

Cap d’Agde, France


"We’ve seen plans on another site for a very high end hotel with rooftop infinity pool, takes up the whole area including the car park section through the gate

Yes, it's being marketed as the Vibes Resort, a 5-star development of 124 apartments, commercial units and a roof top pool etc. It was first proposed about 12 years ago but the promoters appear to have had difficulty attracting the necessary investment. They also need to acquire the land from the local municipality and over the years the councillors have questioned the viability of the project. The land has not yet been transferred and looks like it may not happen until 2025. The apartments are now being marketed though with figures of between 280k and over a million and if the entrance is now being modified then maybe it will happen after all.

On a related note it looks like those derelict half finished apartments near the roundabout on the way in will finally be demolished and a new block built by a new owner."

One of our friends who rents out a number of apartments in Port Nature looked at this proposed development with a view to purchase.

What put him off was that the developers only allow apartments in this block to be rented out through their own agency thus taking a hefty commission.

Think this policy will put off serious investors and we could be looking at an empty building lot for years to come.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Went for a wander today. There are signs of life all around, and most places seem to be aiming for Easter/ end of April Opening. In Port Ambonne the three main bars, Palmerie, Paluterie, and Bodega are open, as is Pizza Flora. Down at the beach end of Port Nature (PN0) Baskin Robins and the 2 end beach bars/restaurants are open ( not O2Bizou ), and Mississippi has tables laid out. In Hélio 1664 are varnishing their decking. Further updates in a couple of days.

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By *enkayentaCouple
over a year ago

Glencullen

Signs of life alright. Very quiet over the last week though probably due to that strong cold wind that would cut you in two.

Couple of things we noticed: another year another attempt to open a place beside Palmerie facing the port. It's called Foule du Roy. The port bakery is dead as a dodo and the seafood place beside it is for sale. The supermarket in Ambonne opens on the 8th and there is a new restaurant already open beside it in the butcher's place. The Melrose passageway remains deadsville as is the Waiki. Le Bistrot and L'Arche were open at the weekend but closed since.

The new entrance set up was a bit of a mess as the entry cards were delayed but they finally started issuing them on Monday.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France


"The new entrance set up was a bit of a mess as the entry cards were delayed but they finally started issuing them on Monday. "

You could have used last years card up until Monday apparently. The office that issues cards has moved across to the new offices and is in the first office ( closest to the barrier).

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By *exy BeckyCouple
over a year ago

Bergerac, France

Have they started to remove the buildings that housed the reception and agencies yet..?

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By *enkayentaCouple
over a year ago

Glencullen


"Have they started to remove the buildings that housed the reception and agencies yet..?"

No but they have all been emptied and it looks imminent. A load of large concrete bollards are stacked nearby for placement around the demolition site. This has the potential to be very disruptive as the holiday season kicks off. Dust, noise and large machinery moving around will be a pain and it will be interesting to see what hours/days they will be allowed to work.

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By *exy BeckyCouple
over a year ago

Bergerac, France


"Have they started to remove the buildings that housed the reception and agencies yet..?

....it will be interesting to see what hours/days they will be allowed to work. "

It'll be the usual start around 9.30, stop 11.30 to get ready for lunch.

Start again at 14.30 after lunch then start to get ready for home time around 16.00.

Monday to Friday only, and obviously nothing on Bank Holidays (or the day before and day after) or if it's raining.

Should be finished before the end of the decade...

All said with just a pinch of humour.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

First visit to Le Croq (bar in centre of campsite). 500 ml of beer/ roughly a pint, has gone up from €4 to €5. Suppose that’s inflation for you.

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Regarding the building site , they are currently constructing a 10 foot fence around the perimeter. This should cut the noise and dust down, and also prevent anyone trying to circumnavigate the cost of a card to enter.

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By *-4pleasureCouple
over a year ago

Belfast


"Regarding the building site , they are currently constructing a 10 foot fence around the perimeter. This should cut the noise and dust down, and also prevent anyone trying to circumnavigate the cost of a card to enter. "

Are they calling it The Trump Wall ?

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By *ot Wife BeckyCouple
over a year ago

Near Bergerac


"

Are they calling it The Trump Wall ? "

Maybe The Hump Wall…

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By *xhibitionist nudiesCouple
over a year ago

South

Hi, thanks for the updates, has anything else changed ? What about Rene Oltra??

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France


"Hi, thanks for the updates, has anything else changed ? What about Rene Oltra??"
None that come to mind. Are you interested in the shower block closure on Allee Luna including the closure of the Laundrette?

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By *ouple_ukCouple
over a year ago

London

We're at CdA now. It feels very quiet at the moment. Jardin d'Eden almost empty. Other than the building and resulting changes at the entrance, things look much the same. Fortunately the building work hasn't yet started on the open space that is the Glamour car park and word is that it won't start this year.

Has Mississippi changed ownership? It seems to be all new people there.

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By *otcouple4youCouple
over a year ago

nantwich

We ate at Mississippi two weeks ago it was the worst meal we have ever had in the village. The young lady serving was very polite but otherwise everything was awful. It was always one of our favourite spots but sadly won’t go back. So perhaps it has changed hands ?

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By *illnDaveCouple
over a year ago

southend

Friends of ours were there last week and they told us Mississippi had changed hands.

We haven't yet heard whether they tried it or not.

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By *ot Wife BeckyCouple
over a year ago

Near Bergerac

If it's true, that's a great shame. It was the one place that was always full and their reputation will nosedive quickly.

We've always been treated well there.

Hope it's a temporary blip.

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By *enkayentaCouple
over a year ago

Glencullen

Never seen the place so quiet in late May, it's close to deadsville this evening. All the more surprising as the weather is great at the moment.

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By *irror15Couple
over a year ago

Liverpool

Arrive Tuesday… hopefully be a bit busier as first timers and expecting a fun filled week x

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By *reams_unitedCouple
over a year ago

milton keynes

Well it’s our first time back after covid blip. We are back to our old villa in Port Venus, it’s great to read what’s happening, gives me the heads up driving in. Let’s hope we have the usual fun throughout our stay, bringing a couple with us as first timers, hoping all our bigging up of the place doesn’t disappoint. We’re there from mid August to early September, here’s hoping to make new friends and meet old ones too.

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By *appylCouple
over a year ago

kilmarnock

Has the O2 opened back up with the same owners or different owners, as it was a shambles last year when we were there?

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Wandered past Missisipi and O2 the other day at about 5pm. The Missisipi rumour seems to be correct, in that it was closed, and David would never have that. Didn’t recognise the barman in O2, so could be new.

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By *xposedInTheSunCouple
over a year ago

Cambridgeshire

The pizza vending machine across the zebra from Melrose seems to be operational!

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

News from the campsite. Apologies for the length.

We are pleased to inform you about the planned changes and developments for the upcoming year at the René Oltra Naturist Center. Your comfort, safety, and our commitment to the environment are at the core of these evolutions, aiming to enhance your experience within our campsite.

First point: Key duplication for mobile homes and concierge service

We will now be required to retain a duplicate key for each resident's mobile home during your absence to ensure rigorous monitoring of gas and electricity checks. This will guarantee the safety of all residents and their installations, allowing these checks to be conducted during the winter. This measure will also facilitate swift response in case of water leaks, fire incidents, or any other issues requiring immediate action to preserve your safety and well-being. Additionally, we will offer a remote concierge service during your absences, ensuring quick and efficient assistance when needed. This spare key can also serve in case you forget your main key at home. You will also receive supplementary information regarding the winterizing and de-winterizing of your mobile home, guiding you in best practices to preserve your residence during the campsite's closure periods. Residents wishing to renew their contracts for the following season already have the option to hand in their keys at reception in exchange for a key receipt signed by the management. The keys will be kept in a secure safe in Mr. Richard Oltra's office. All interventions will be supervised by the center's staff, and you will, of course, be informed before each visit. Additionally, we would like to remind you that mobile homes are not considered secondary residences, and no valuable items should be left inside during your absence.

Second point: Water resource conservation

We wish to raise awareness about the concerning situation of the Astian aquifer, with water levels at an all-time low, and the importance of preserving this vital resource for our environment. In order to limit water losses, we will invest significantly this winter in detecting underground water leaks and renovating outdoor faucets. To protect our water resource, starting from the 2024 season, individual pools and jacuzzis on sites will be prohibited. We are also considering implementing individual water meters for each resident's site to encourage responsible and equitable consumption.

Third point: Fairness in electricity consumption

We acknowledge that the current unlimited package system encourages certain abuses. To ensure better fairness in electricity consumption, we are exploring the possibility of installing individual electricity meters for each resident's mobile home. The first year will be without charges to establish average consumption, and the subsequent year will introduce a new electricity payment system. Additionally, lithium battery vehicles pose significant issues in terms of fire safety and fairness in electricity consumption. Therefore, they will no longer be allowed to be charged at the sites. We will invest in additional charging stations in a suitable location to meet your needs starting from 2025.

Fourth point: Waste management

New regulations concerning the management of bio-waste will come into effect next year. Our campsite is fully committed to an eco-responsible approach in line with naturist values. We will invest in training and communication campaigns to guide you in handling recyclable waste and new bio-waste, all in an effort to preserve the environment. There are also plans to invest in green waste grinding systems to create mulch and reduce water consumption due to park irrigation. We also remind you not to leave bulky items on the edge of sites or in household waste containers. A dedicated space is available after the Bagnas gate, at the beginning of Alley O, where you can properly dispose of bulky items.

Fifth point: Campsite development

We aim to make various improvements to enhance your experience within the campsite. Here are the main updates and future plans:

- Change of WIFI provider: OSMOZIS will be replaced by WIFIRST in 2024. The new contract stipulates that we will own the equipment, with over 150 new access points for better coverage and a complete fiber mesh across the campsite. This will lead to better rates and improved connectivity. However, given the substantial project, development will occur in multiple phases over two or three years. Consequently, there may be areas without coverage until 2023 or even 2024. We will strive to minimize inconveniences and ensure a smooth transition to the new network for all our residents and visitors.

- Alley improvements: We continue to invest in asphalt and tarmac to replace dusty pathways, thereby reducing dust-related nuisances. New pathways are being considered for improvement. Decisions regarding the choice of pathways for 2024 have not yet been finalized.

- Renovation of sanitary blocks: Quotations are currently being obtained for the complete renovation of the Belombra, Hevea, and Isis sanitary blocks, which will be renovated between 2023 and 2025. We also plan to add new modular blocks on Alley L for 2024, including 14 showers, 6 additional toilets, and a PMR (Persons with Reduced Mobility) cabin.

- Transformation of the former L47 sanitary block into a fitness room: Works are planned for this winter to be operational by April 2024, providing you with a fitness space exceeding 300 m2. More information on this will be provided during the winter.

- Connected bracelet system: We are currently exploring the implementation of a connected bracelet system for access control and contactless payment, simplifying your movements and transactions within the campsite.

- New rental village: Across from the Helios village, we plan to create 9 Key West-style 2-person mobile homes to diversify our rental offerings.

- Signage and infrastructure improvements: This winter, we will change all signage and renovate existing totems at intersections to enhance circulation within the campsite.

- Increase in minimum amperage at sites: We will install new electrical cables to increase the minimum amperage at certain sites, offering better service quality. Alley decisions for 2024 have not yet been determined.

- Pool project and Agora area redesign: We are evaluating the feasibility of a pool project for the 2025 season and plan to redesign the Agora area by removing asphalt and installing a new stage to enhance our entertainment hub. This will offer higher quality shows and broadcasts on a large screen. The Agora area renovation is under study for operation in 2024, pending approval by the relevant authorities.

We hope this information is helpful to you. We are delighted to share these new features and improvements with you and look forward to welcoming you for the upcoming season. Your suggestions and comments are valuable to us as we continue to enhance your experience at the René Oltra Naturist Center.

Best regards,

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By *owel Couple OP   Couple
over a year ago

Living in South of France

Probably the last for this year. Work has started at the entrance to the village. A hole borer has been working on groundworks for the last few weeks, and we now have two cranes on site. Portakabins have also arrived to serve as offices. Complete by March 2024?

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