There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a campsite. Different people like different types of campsites, from the family-run, low-key campsite to the large camping ‘village’ with all-singing, all-dancing facilities.
When it comes to choosing a good campsite, things can quickly become a bewildering choice. There are campsites for active families and campsites for get-away-from-it-all couples. Whichever you plump for, there are undoubtedly ground rules that help you arrive at a decision.
First, consider how far you are happy to drive. For some, driving in France is no more challenging than driving in the UK. Indeed, some prefer the better quality roads, often disconcertingly empty autoroutes and clear signage. Once you've been around a roundabout the 'wrong way' once, you'll realise it's easier than you first thought. For others, it's a big step, and with youngsters in the back, you might not want to drive too far anyway.
If you're not keen on long drives, sticking to northern France, particularly areas north of the Loire, could be a convenient option. You can reach the Loire Valley within a day's drive, making it perfect for family day trips to museums, cycle rides, and beautiful châteaux for your little ones. Brittany offers sandy beaches and delicious crêpes, while Normandy is known for its laid-back vibe and its own beaches, including the notable D-Day landing beaches. And let's not forget the Hauts de France in the north, a region of serene countryside, charming old towns, and rolling fields.
Are you planning to get stuck into everything that's on offer? Do you want loads of activities? Or just a decent beach? You may want some excellent cycling routes nearby. Whatever kind of campsite you're after, do your research: check the websites, read the reviews and take note of the assessments from authoritative guides like our ever popular Alan Rogers Campsite Guides.
Many campsites will trumpet their star ratings. This is fine, but bear in mind what these mean. A star rating will reflect certain things you may, or may not, value. You could have the most idyllic, beautiful campsite, excellent in every way, but it might not be awarded five stars if it has gravel avenues instead of tarmacked roads. Similarly, a lack of night-time illumination may deny it a higher star rating. Understanding these limitations will make you a more discerning camper, able to choose a campsite that truly suits your family's needs.
Star ratings do not reliably indicate a campsite's ambience and do not necessarily consider the quality of its facilities. So, treat star ratings as an indication of quality rather than an absolute definition of quality.
When choosing a campsite with access to a beach bear in mind that to be too close can, for some, be a disadvantage. As a rule of thumb, the closer the campsite is to the sea, the smaller the pitches (space is at a significant premium). Additionally, it sometimes follows that the most lively campsites are those right on the beach. Campsites closer to the beach can also have sandier pitches, which may only suit some. These are not prescriptive of course.
For many, the appeal of escaping the hurly-burly of the beach life and heading back a few miles to their campsite retreat is most welcome. That said, you can't beat the wonderful early morning walk along the beach, perhaps en route to collecting the daily croissants.
A popular on-site restaurant is generally a good sign - especially a fully-fledged restaurant with a wine list and proper menu that the locals frequent. Often, the restaurant is situated adjacent to the pool, meaning Mum and Dad can enjoy a bite to eat while keeping an eye on the kids.
On the continent, most offer some kind of takeaway service, which is handy. This might serve anything from simple family favourites like chicken and chips to good-quality dishes like confit de canard or fresh modules—and, of course, everyone's favourite: frites! Collecting a big bowl of fries to accompany the family 'barbecue' on a French campsite is one of life's simpler pleasures.
Most French campsites offer great swimming pools, many with waterslides. Some are elaborate waterparks with multiple pools, lagoons, bridges, wave machines, and huge water chutes. Many will have separate pools for diving and swimming and a shallow and gently shelving toddler pool. Waterside sites may even offer river/lake swimming.
The larger campsites often have lifeguards in high season, so if this is important to you, check when the high season starts.
Larger campsites offer a wealth of sporting activities, including windsurfing, riding, tennis, golf, cycling, archery, fishing, and more. Even smaller campsites can offer a range of activities like bike hire, pony rides, mini golf and canoeing.
Some campsites specialise in certain activities, so do some research if you have a specific activity in mind. There are campsites specialising in outdoor adventure with zip wires, quad bike instruction, and adventure training. If windsurfing is your thing, look at campsites in the Landes in the southwest of France, where the huge lakes and adjacent campsites offer great conditions as well as tuition.
The Ardèche region has great campsites, which are popular with those wanting to canoe along the river through the dramatic gorges. And, wherever you are in France, there are always great walking and cycling routes from the campsite gates. Ask at reception for suggested routes and trails.
We all know camping was invented for children.Some campsites run free kid's clubs during the summer months to help ease the burden on parents. Different age bands are typically catered for with appropriate activities: perhaps face painting or treasure hunts for younger ones, arts and sporty games for the older ones. Some campsites even help the children put on performances or talent nights or arrange family-friendly professional magic shows, music evenings or performances by local singers.
There are various camping chains and marketing groups. These might consist of disparate campsites marketed under a common banner or a group of campsites that are consistent in their offering and presentation.
Some have particular features that are common across the group. For example, Seasonova focuses on providing family-friendly campsites with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and comfort. Sandaya, on the other hand, offers high-quality campsites with extensive leisure and entertainment facilities, catering to families and holidaymakers looking for a blend of relaxation and activities. Huttopia specialises in innovative campsites with strong eco credentials, often set in woodland. Check their respective listings and see if any groups match your wish list.
When it comes to choosing a French campsite, the options are abundant. With a staggering 11,000 campsites to choose from, France has something to offer every camper. It's just a matter of finding the one that suits your preferences.
If you have specific concerns, such as the campsite's policy on pets or whether they accept twin axle caravans, it's best to ask in advance. A simple email can help you avoid any unexpected surprises upon arrival, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.
You can find out more about your first trip to France on our travel advice pages.
Ben Tully
Visual Design & Content Creation
Ben deals with all things design, working on the visual design of our annual guides, Destinations magazine, information leaflets, social media and email campaigns, and much more across the Alan Rogers, Rallies and Worldwide brands. He also produces written content for our blogs alongside our other contributors.
