Physiopolis, an extinct ideal
Physiopolis was born in 1928, out of the idealistic vision of two hygienist doctors, the Durville brothers, who wanted to create a special place dedicated to the philosophy of naturism. They extolled life in harmony with nature, the development of mind and body by sports, and curing people by sun, water, phytotherapy, prayer and faith. It was the city of Nature, and perhaps the first idea of a natural resort. People could live in tents, later in bungalowas, participated in all kinds of activities and sports, celebrated the sun in a yearly festival.Physiopolis was first railed and mocked in the press because of nudism, but it was very successful. A hotel and pool were built, as well as cabins later (see my other photos, Hotel de la Plage). The complex was very popular until the 1980's and then the activities diminished and the hotel and pool were sold to a private developer to try to build again a huge leisure resort. Due to legal hassles and loss of economic activity and being situated in a flooding zone, the whole property is abandoned now.
Pentacon 6TL, Kodak Portra 400, CZJ Biometar 120mm
Now that I do not have my magic island to photograph, I am back in Paris and to my other interests, abandoned places, film cameras, portraits,photographying time, memory, beauty, life, and what remains.
Physiopolis, an extinct ideal
Physiopolis was born in 1928, out of the idealistic vision of two hygienist doctors, the Durville brothers, who wanted to create a special place dedicated to the philosophy of naturism. They extolled life in harmony with nature, the development of mind and body by sports, and curing people by sun, water, phytotherapy, prayer and faith. It was the city of Nature, and perhaps the first idea of a natural resort. People could live in tents, later in bungalowas, participated in all kinds of activities and sports, celebrated the sun in a yearly festival.Physiopolis was first railed and mocked in the press because of nudism, but it was very successful. A hotel and pool were built, as well as cabins later (see my other photos, Hotel de la Plage). The complex was very popular until the 1980's and then the activities diminished and the hotel and pool were sold to a private developer to try to build again a huge leisure resort. Due to legal hassles and loss of economic activity and being situated in a flooding zone, the whole property is abandoned now.
Pentacon 6TL, Kodak Portra 400, CZJ Biometar 120mm
Now that I do not have my magic island to photograph, I am back in Paris and to my other interests, abandoned places, film cameras, portraits,photographying time, memory, beauty, life, and what remains.