People and couples vsiting swingers resort in France
A journalist from the Sun visited the swinger resort of Cap d'Aj in France. She learned about the structure and rules of the "beach of madness" and talked to people who regularly visit it. Natalie Clarke. Sex with your own and other people's partners, group sex - on the beach, in the sea, at foam parties... In this hedonistic paradise, everything is permissible. Cap d'Aj is located on a picturesque stretch of the Mediterranean coast in southern France, offering crystal clear sea and white sand. But, to be honest, few people care about this, because visitors come here with one single thought - about sex. With your own and other partners, groups - on the beach, in the sea, at foam parties. In this hedonistic paradise, everything is permissible.
Every summer, hundreds of thousands of swingers come here, including many British, to live out their wildest fantasies. But, despite the general emancipation, this world is closed and mysterious. As a rule, guests of Cap d'Aja follow the motto: what happens in the resort stays in the resort. Most visitors have been in the swinger crowd for a long time and receive an "invitation" to join in the fun. However, one of the regulars of Cap d'Aja agreed to speak to the Fabulous column on condition of anonymity. "There's a lot of partying, group interactions, couples looking for single boys or girls — anything is possible," says Cathrine, 34, who has been coming here with her 39-year-old boyfriend, Stephan, for six years. A couple from Milton Keynes runs a website for swingers – very conveniently. "Everyone finds it incredibly exciting," says Katie. "You can feel the real spirit of hedonism here. I've seen all sorts of things. Cap d'Aj opened my eyes. It's amazing." The two-kilometer beach of Cap d'Adja is divided into three sections
It's incredible." The two-kilometer beach of Cap d'Aja is divided into three zones. The first is for ordinary families, the second is for nudists, and the third is for swingers. A real "beach of madness". The swinger zone even has several hotels to choose from. Some rooms have interconnecting rooms for exchanging partners, and one of the hotels has a rooftop terrace where guests can have sex on sun loungers. Cathrine first tried swinging 10 years ago with an ex-partner. "We were on our way to Berlin for a concert, and I was curious about what to do on TripAdvisor," she recalls. "I came across the description of the "club for adults". It was the third on the list of attractions. It looks interesting, I thought. I was scared, but curiosity got the better of me. I remember riding the train with my ex, and it seemed to me that everyone around me knew where we were going. Very thrilling." Upon arriving, Cathy was convinced that her intuition had not failed her.
"It was a nightclub where everyone was dressed, but there were closed areas for sex," she says. "As if we were in a parallel world that we didn't even know existed. The first time, we just watched. But it was incredibly liberating." After returning home, the couple began to visit swingers clubs in Newcastle and Leeds. "We wanted to meet like-minded people in Britain," says Cathy. "It turned out that the most ordinary people do this as if they have a secret life. A whole new world opened up before us. I only observed the first two or three times. When I decided to try, I had already met people and felt calmer.
My first experience was "gentle" - without full-fledged sex, only kisses and caresses. And the next time, I went further. It's like an experiment, only with other people. It opens up new horizons." Cathy notes that the term "swinging" is now considered obsolete, and members of the movement prefer to call it "ethical non-monogamy" (ESN). Having parted with her partner, she became involved in the current fight in the same environment as my current boyfriend, Stephan. A year later, the couple traveled to Kapd'Aj for the first time on the recommendation of friends. "It was a shock," admits Cathy. "Adults have sex freely on the beach and in the sea. Some couples watch, enjoying the voyeuristic side of what is happening." Voyeurism is exactly what Cathy herself likes. "I can flirt or dance with someone, but more often I just watch," she says.
"I like to be part of the atmosphere itself." Their first visit so inspired the couple that they now come here every two years—a real swinger pilgrimage. Despite the outward emancipation, Cap d'Adge is not a place of permissiveness. "It's all based on consent and respect," Cathy explains. "Visitors use special applications like Wyylde, where they can indicate their preferences, get to know each other, and arrange a meeting. In a day, you can have time for both a "gentle option" and full-fledged sex with a dozen partners. Spontaneity is welcome. On the beach, someone might start watching you, and you could offer: "Would you like to join?" - but only if mutually desired. Yes, sometimes people approach who are not of interest to you, but you can always politely decline.
The incredible thing is that while some are indulging in passion, parents with children are just meters away, building sandcastles. "On the other side of the beach, there are many families," says Katie. "Cap d'Agde was initially a nudist village, so there are many who come not for sex." As for jealousy, Katie does not feel it when she sees Stefan with other women. "On the contrary, it makes our relationship stronger," she insists. "It's about freedom, a positive attitude toward sex, and liberation." According to Katie, in recent years, swinging has gained new popularity. "According to our research on Google, about 5% of people practice ENM, and the number is growing. My friends have also become interested. Many have begun to question traditional monogamy. In Britain, there are now clubs and even events for swingers in mansions.
The leading age group is 30-60 years, but young people aged 20-30 are also joining in. Although Cathy prefers not to publicize her identity, her family and friends are aware. 'My parents were initially worried if I was being forced into this,' she says. 'But now they are at ease because they see that I am comfortable. Relatives are even curious—they are very inquisitive.' Recently, Cathy and Stephan became parents. Their son is only four months old, so the couple will not be going to Cap d'Agde this summer. 'Right now, all my attention is consumed by the little one,' says Cathy. 'But I will return here when family can sit with him for some time.'
Despite her new role, Cathy is still active in the swinging lifestyle. Together with Stephan, they created the website Playful Pineapple to enhance the experience for like-minded individuals. 'Old platforms are outdated; there are many fakes. We want to create a safe space for communication,' Cathy explains. The site’s logo is an upside-down pineapple, a symbol of swingers. 'In places like Hawaii, the inverted pineapple has historically meant hospitality, ' says Katie. - Now it's a sign for the insiders. However, in Cap d'Agde, no secret signs are needed. Just go out to the beach, and it becomes immediately apparent why everyone is gathered here.
