The Best Campsites in France
France has long been a beloved destination for British travellers, offering a captivating blend of cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine.
From the sun-drenched Riviera to the rugged beauty of Brittany, France’s diverse regions cater to every kind of traveller. Paris, with its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the charming streets of Montmartre, continues to enchant visitors with its timeless elegance. Meanwhile, the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy promise exquisite wine-tasting experiences, while the Loire Valley’s fairy-tale châteaux transport visitors to another era.
For those drawn to the outdoors, the French Alps offer breathtaking mountain scenery and world-class skiing in winter, while summer reveals a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The Dordogne and Provence regions provide a slower pace of life, with lavender fields, medieval villages, and bustling local markets showcasing the best of French rural charm.
Whether indulging in fresh croissants at a Parisian café, exploring the dramatic cliffs of Normandy, or basking in the glamour of the Côte d’Azur, France continues to be a dream destination for British travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of the good life.
Yelloh! Village le Sylvamar is just a kilometre from the endless sandy beach, just north of Bayonne on the southern edge of the Landes. There are around 700 pitches, of which 242 are for tourers, all level, numbered, and separated mainly by low hedges. Several newer pitches are less shaded. All have electricity (10A), water and drainage; some have private sanitary facilities, and premium pitches with pergolas are available.
Yelloh! Village le Sérignan-Plage is a lively and vibrant Mediterranean site with direct access to a superb 600-metre sandy beach (including a naturist section). When you arrive at this site, the reception is very modern and efficient, and a map is printed to show you and direct you to your pitch. This is one of the largest sites I have visited, but as it is spread over such a large area, it does not feel like you are on a large commercial site. Touring pitches, number 273, are separated from an even larger area of mobile homes for rental. Pitches are generous and divided by low hedging and have direct access to the beach. There are approximately 1000 mobile homes and chalets for rental, plus some privately owned units and a good number of tour operator pitches.
Sunêlia Le Fief is in a wonderful setting just 900 metres from a vast sandy beach in the Loire Atlantique region. The beautiful seaside resort of Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins is on the doorstep, making this an excellent choice for a family beach holiday with young children or lively teenagers. Le Fief is a well-established site, long a favourite for its magnificent aquapark with outdoor and covered swimming pools, paddling pools, slides, river rapids, fountains, jets and more. There's plenty of space for sun lounging, and the bar/restaurant terrace overlooks the whole complex. It's all very well thought through and run.
In the heart of the vineyards near Bordeaux, Yelloh! Village Saint-Emilion offers an ideal retreat for families traveling with caravans, motorhomes, or tents. There are 105 spacious pitches, some with private sanitary facilities, ensure a comfortable and authentic camping experience. Set within 10 hectares of lush greenery, the campsite provides a serene environment for relaxation and adventure. Families can enjoy a variety of on-site activities including a heated swimming complex, a newly renovated sports area featuring a multisport field, tennis courts, ping-pong tables, fitness stations, and a double zip line. Lake activities include canoeing, pedal boating, and fishing.Children will delight in the dedicated play areas and the vibrant kids' club, while parents can explore local vineyards or visit the nearby medieval town of Saint-Emilion, renowned for its rich history and wine heritage.
Camping de la Côte d’Argent is a large, well-equipped site set back a short walk from the sandy beach, part of a long ribbon of golden sand running from the Gironde to the Spanish border. The beach is just magnificent, with lots of water sports available too. The huge Landes pine forest encloses the site, so walkers and cyclists can explore over 100 km of trails and cycle paths. Hourtin-Plage itself is a pleasant little resort with a few shops and restaurants.
International de Jablines is a modern site in a prime location for active families. The leisure facilities of the adjacent Espace Loisirs are a big draw, with large lakes offering many water sports and activities like tree climbing, riding, children's playground, sports fields and more. The 400 metres of fine sandy beaches are open every day in July and August and on the weekends in May and June - the Grand Lac is said to have the largest beach in the Ile-de-France. But for some, the proximity to Disneyland Paris (6 km and there's a shuttle at certain times) and Paris (30 km) seals the deal.
Camp du Domaine is located along the coast just outside the town of Bormes and is 3 km. south of Le Lavandou. The same family has run this large, attractive beachside site for 70 years. With 1040 touring pitches, 957 of which are level and have 10/16A electricity, you can pitch either in the shade in one of the pine forests or the most popular pitches beside the beach with a sea view. Pitches are generous (80-150sqm), but those located furthest from the beach are the largest with more shade. There are also 280 mobile homes/bungalows to rent situated on the hillside with superb views.
Located in the popular seaside resort of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, near sunny Royan, Bois Soleil is surrounded by woods and overlooks the sea. It is a large site in three parts, with serviced pitches for touring units and a few for tents. All the touring pitches are hedged and have electricity (10A), with water and drainage between two pitches. The main part, Les Pins, is attractive, with trees and shrubs providing shade. Opposite is La Mer, with direct access to the beach, some areas with less shade and an area for tents. The third part, La Forêt, is for caravan holiday homes.
This site is now part of the Yelloh Village group, and standards on their sites are consistently high - Camping La Plage du Dramont is no exception. Check-in was efficient, and English was spoken; there is a large waiting area, and once you pass through the initial barrier, you will then be given directions to your pitch. There are 113 touring pitches, which have electric hook-up points available. These are generally open plan, under tree shade, but very dry and dusty due to the Mediterranean climate.
Set in the grounds of a château, Castel Camping le Château de Lez Eaux lies in a rural situation just off the main route south, under two hours from Cherbourg. Of the 122 touring pitches, all with electricity (10A, Europlug) and 87 with water and drainage. Most of the pitches are good-sized, partly separated by trees and shrubs on flat or slightly sloping, grassy ground overlooking Normandy farmland and a small fishing lake.
Le Champ Neuf is located in Saint Quentin-en-Tourmont on the Bay of the Somme. It is a quiet site, 900 m. from the ornithological reserve of Marquenterre, the favourite stop for thousands of migratory birds; birdwatchers will appreciate the dawn chorus and varied species. This eight-hectare site has 197 pitches, 79 for touring, on level grass with 6/10A electricity.
Les Castels Camping de La Bien-Assise is a mature and well-developed campsite on the grounds of a country house dating back to the 1500s. There are around 200 grassy pitches here, including 4 with hardstanding; pitches are large, between 90m2 & 190m2 level and divided by well-manicured hedges. All have 10 amp E.H.U., but you have a choice of pitch upgrades: Simple, Drainage, or Premium. They're connected by surfaced and gravel roads and are of a good size (up to 300 sq.m), with well-maintained shrubs and hedging dividing most of the pitches.
In the heart of the Ardèche and close to the famous gorges, Le Ranc Davaine is a large, busy, family-oriented site with direct access to the River Chassezac and its pebble beach. There are approximately 500 pitches, 50 for touring, all with electricity (10/16A), for which very long leads are required (some may cross roads). Most pitches are scattered between static caravan and tour operator pitches on reasonably flat, stony ground under a variety of trees, some of which are pretty low, giving much-needed shade.
Yelloh! Village Camping Les Mouettes is a sheltered site on the edge of an attractive bay, with access to the sea at the front of the site. In a wooded setting with many attractive trees and shrubs, the 457 pitches include 63 for touring units, all with electricity, water, drainage, and private sanitary facilities.. The remainder are taken by tour operators and by 406 mobile homes and chalets to rent.
With easy access from the A6 autoroute and the N6, this attractive and welcoming site is perfect for overnight stops. But stay awhile and get to know this delightful region with its wine heritage, historical monuments and magical rolling landscape. This is a neat, well-ordered campsite situated in the heart of Beaujolais. It's surrounded by vineyards and just walking distance (within 1 km) of the pretty village of Fleurie (one of the premier Beaujolais crus). Here you'll find all the shops and amenities you'll need.
Le Grand Large is a well-established, quality family site with direct access to a long sandy beach within 20 km. drive of Cherbourg. It is a neat site with about 120 touring pitches divided and separated by hedging, giving an orderly, well-laid-out, attractive appearance. Almost all have electricity (10A Europlug), water and drainage. There are 50 mobile homes to rent in three separate areas.
Situated across the yacht harbour from the Canet-Plage resort, Yelloh! Village Le Brasilia is an impressive, well-managed family site directly beside the beach. There's much to praise here, from the state-of-the-art reception to the sensational water park, excellent spa and park-like grounds. Although large, it is attractive and well kept with a remarkable range of facilities – with good reason, it's always a popular choice.
Camping Nature Parc l’Ardéchois is a very high-quality, family-run site within walking distance of the amenities of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. It borders the River Ardèche, and hugely popular canoe trips are run directly from the site. The campsite is just 4 km from the famous Pont-d’Arc, a huge limestone arch spanning the river, and its river beach. A drive along the gorge is a must, with spectacular viewpoints.
Situated on the doorstep of the Ardèche Gorges, Yelloh! Village Aluna Vacances is well-placed for all kinds of outdoor activities. The famous Pont d'Arc itself is only 15 km away, popular for canoeing excursions amidst spectacular scenery. The surrounding wooded hills offer wonderful cycling and hiking trails through the wild herbs of the garrigue landscape.