In a remarkable dive into the world of social nudism, a reporter journeys to Marseille alongside her mother to attend an unconventional exhibition that celebrates body positivity and freedom, gathering a community of like-minded individuals.
A Night of Liberation: Joining the Naturists in Marseille

A Night of Liberation: Joining the Naturists in Marseille
A unique reporting experience unfolds as a journalist and her mother embrace social nudity at a French museum exhibition.
Amelia Nierenberg, a general assignment journalist for The New York Times, participated in a nude tour at the Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, invoking an intriguing blend of journalism and personal exploration. This unconventional occasion, dubbed “Naturist Paradise,” marked the conclusion of a series of special after-hours events at the museum, where approximately 150 participants wandered the exhibit in their natural state, celebrating the liberating essence of social nudism.
The visit to Marseille, a vibrant hub known for its exquisite dining, picturesque hikes, and world-class wines, coincided with a pre-planned vacation with Nierenberg’s mother. While discussing their travel itinerary, Nierenberg noted she might have to break away one evening to report on the exhibition. Her mother, accustomed to joining her on work trips, inquired what the story entailed.
Despite the initial awkwardness of navigating social nudity—especially with her mother present—the reporter shifted her focus from linguistic finesse to embracing body positivity. The experience not only catered to her reporting duties but also offered a rare bonding moment with her mother, illuminating an unexpected side of intimacy and acceptance within their relationship and within the broader context of social norms surrounding the human body.