One of the most famous nudist colonies in Europe has reported a “very worrying” outbreak of coronavirus  leading to warnings to people to stay away.

Managers of the Cap d’Agde resort, which welcomes around 35,000 visitors every summer, admit that so-called “barrier gestures” are all but impossible among naturists.

Rates of infection are now four times that of nearby communities, with almost 100 holidaymakers so far testing positive.

This has led to an emergency announcement by health officials from the department which covers Cap d’Agde, on the Mediterranean coast near Montpellier, and warnings that visitors must social distance and wear face masks at the resort.

At least 95 people have tested positive at the resort, with more results due this week.

It is in addition to about 50 people who reported falling ill after returning home from Cap d’Agde.

A spokesman for the Herault Prefecture said: “We are in an alarming situation, therefore we ask that all the people of the village be tested before leaving the place and going elsewhere.

“And we also ask all the people who wish to come to this naturist village to postpone their arrival.”