Camping in France

Blessed with some of the world’s most stunning scenery, amazing food and wine, a colourful history - and with some 11,000 campsites – it’s hard to beat camping in France.

From the endless sandy beaches of the Vendée to the snow capped Alps, from the lush pastures of Normandy to the lavender fields of Provence, there’s a French campsite for you. Rolling vineyards, picturesque villages, brooding castles, shimmering lakes, craggy hills and dormant volcanoes… camping in France has so much to offer.

There are fabulous cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Nice and historic Lyon, as well as ancient towns like Sarlat, Blois, Rennes and Toulouse, all steeped in history. Then there are iconic sights like the sweeping vineyards of the Médoc, St Emilion, and Burgundy’s Côte d’Or; the swaying sunflowers of the Armagnac, the châteaux of the Loire, the prehistoric cave paintings of Les Eyzies, the gorges of the Ardèche and the plains of Champagne.

And don’t forget the beaches. The beaches of Brittany around Concarneau and Carnac, the D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy, the white sands between St Jean de Monts and La Rochelle and on down the Aquitaine coast, through the Landes to Biarritz have so much to offer. Not to mention the mesmerising beaches of the Med, from Languedoc round to the Côte d’Azur where St Tropez, Cannes and Cassis are bywords for world class beaches.

Camping holidays on the door step
France is easy to get to and is also the perfect choice for a camping holiday with a taste of the continent. First time campers and caravanners enjoy its relaxed, friendly approach with plenty of campsites close to the main ports. More experienced campers and caravanners love the fact that there are always new places to discover and fresh campsites to stay at.

Camping is a way of life
In France camping is a way of life. Facilities are high quality, outdoor activities are many and varied and the living is easy. Enjoy a leisurely barbecue or the campsite’s takeaway and relax while the kids make new friends – language never seems to be a barrier on a French campsite.

Facilities on a French campsite are modern and can be extensive, with swimming pools on most, many with superb waterslides and waterpark features. Depending on where you choose for your camping holiday, you may find an excellent on-site restaurant, a convivial bar, perhaps a pizzeria too. Pitches are generally of a good size, level and well defined with attractive shrubs and hedging. And many campsites offer mobile homes, chalets and glamping units to rent, so everyone’s welcome!

Campsites in France for children
Children are well catered for with special activities and free childrens’ clubs, usually in high season. Many campsites in France offer tennis, bike hire, riding, fishing and watersports like sailing and windsurfing or canoeing. Even archery, quad biking and climbing or more artistic pursuits like pottery, drawing classes and nature rambles. 

Family life quickly takes on a different rhythm to life at home: collecting the morning baguette and croissants, a dip in the pool, a trip to the beach, perhaps some family entertainment or a magic show - it’s all about ringing the changes and enjoying new experiences.

And when it comes to being outdoors you may be a culture buff who enjoys elegant châteaux and exploring ancient walled towns. You may be in search of pristine beaches and secret coves for canoeing and windsurfing. Perhaps some cycling or a walk along the riverside. How about rounding off your camping holiday with a surprise trip to Disneyland Paris? There are great family campsites close by.

Choose a campsite in France that’s right for you
Whether you’re looking for a family campsite with all the mod cons and top notch facilities, or prefer something more laid back and tranquil, you can choose how you go camping in France. Simply pick a French campsite that’s right for you. If road tripping is more our thing, check out our Atlantic Coast road trip.

One thing is sure, wherever you go camping in France and whatever you do, you’ll no doubt be sure to sample some of the local food and wine.