This site is unusual in that it is located in the heart of a village, yet is only 250 metres from a sandy cove. The entrance, with its code operated barrier and wonderful floral displays, is the first indication that this is a well tended and well organised site, and the owners have won numerous regional and national awards for its superb presentation. The 176 pitches (100 occupied by mobile homes) are separated by trees, shrubs and bushes, and most have electricity (16A, Europlug), water and drainage. A dedicated area has been created for motorhomes at a special rate. On-site facilities include a heated swimming pool, a circular paddling pool, a water play pool and a wellness centre with sauna and massage facilities.

Situated on the west coast of the island of Ile d’Oléron, les Gros Joncs is owned and run by the Cavel family who work hard to keep the site up to date and of high quality. There are 50 or so touring pitches of a good size (some extra large) with tall pine trees providing a choice between full sun and varying degrees of shade. All have water and 10A electricity to hand. The main building not only houses a light and airy reception, but also a modern, beautifully presented bar and restaurant, a fully stocked and competitively priced shop, an attractive indoor swimming pool and a magnificent spa.

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.

Located close to the Morbihan gulf, Yelloh! Village Mané Guernehué is a smart, modern site with excellent amenities, including an equestrian centre and a variety of pitches. Some are terraced beneath pine trees, others in a former orchard with delightful views of the surrounding countryside.

In the Bay of Roses, south of Empuriabrava and beside the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, this is a high quality site of particular interest to nature lovers (especially birdwatchers) and families. A large site, there are 1,110 well kept, large, numbered pitches, all with electricity and on flat, sandy ground. Beautifully laid out, it is arranged around the river and waterways, so will suit those who like to be close to water or who enjoy watersports and boating. It is also a superb beachside site, and there is also accommodation for rental.

Domaine de l’Oiseliere is ideal for camping and campervan holidays and jsut 35 minutes from the Grand Parc du Puy du Fou. This is a small site with just 45 large pitches to choose from, 30 of which are for touring and are 200m2 and separated by hedges. There is a choice of full sun or shaded pitches with cover provided by oak trees. For families travelling in a caravan, large plots enable you to extend your awning easily. The site is a pedestrian zone; vehicles can drive to and from the pitches upon arrival and before departure. Otherwise, campers must use the adjacent parking area.

Views of France's most famous river and the wooded hills opposite can be seen from Camping de la Seine, a small riverside campsite tucked away not far from Le Havre. This rural setting has 40 touring pitches, grassy and dotted with fruit trees. The campsite offers spa services, bike hire and a large grassy expanse where youngsters can run around and let off steam. The staff here are keen to ensure a warm welcome and can arrange trips to local attractions and activities. Local farmers occasionally bring fresh local produce to the site.

This well-run, modern site is pleasantly situated in Delft's park and forest area on the city's eastern edge. It has 200 touring pitches formally arranged in groups of four to six and surrounded by attractive trees and hedges. All have sufficient space and electrical connections (10A Europlug).

Camping Détente et Clapotis is in the Rhône-Alpes, on the banks of the Lac de Paladru. The site has 212 grass pitches, of which 140 are for touring units and have a 6/10-amp hook-up point, and there are 32 chalets are available for hire. At the front of the campsite, the touring pitches are located. These are quite open, and most are in the sun, but the large open lawns mean you have great views of the lake and direct access to the water.

This attractive, high quality site, ideal for families with young children, is in a rural setting and well situated for exploring the less well known eastern part of the Loire Valley. Two lakes (one for boating, one for fishing) and a pool complex have been attractively landscaped in 18 hectares of former farmland, blending old and new with natural wooded areas and more open grassland with rural views. There are 245 large, level grass pitches with 120 for touring units. All have at least 10A electricity, 15 have water, waste water and 16A electricity, and some 30 have hardstanding. Eight have individual en-suite sanitary units beside the pitch.

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.

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 293, 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 571 mobile homes and chalets for rental, plus some privately owned units and a good number of tour operator pitches. 

Le Paradis is an excellent, well-maintained riverside site, halfway between Les Eyzies and Montignac in the Valley of the Vézère. The site is landscaped with a variety of mature shrubs and trees. The gardens are beautiful, which gives a wonderful sense of tranquillity. It is very easy to relax on this ecologically friendly site. Systems of reed filters enhance the efficient natural drainage.

Camping Grubhof is a beautifully laid out, level and spacious site set in the former riding and hunting park of the 14th-century Schloss Grubhof. The 250 touring pitches have been carefully divided into separate areas for different types of visitors – dog owners, young people, families and groups, and a quiet area. All the generous XXL pitches (at least 180 sq.m) provide electricity (16A), water and drainage (also in winter), many along the bank of the Saalach River.

This site is located just north of the town of Dieulefit. The name originates from Dieu l’a fait, meaning God made it, so it is not surprising to find a Huttopia site set in a managed forest, by a small lake, with stunning views over the town and across the valley. It follows the Huttopia philosophy of high standards combined with a sense of real camping, therefore no cars are generally allowed on pitches. There are 74 pitches with rental accommodation in the form of Cahuttes, Cabanes or Canadiennes, and a variety of clever wood and canvas structures. The remaining 91 pitches (66 with electricity) are for camping amongst the trees, although there are some closer to the central lodge which are more open. ‘Bivouac’ outdoor cooking and eating areas are dotted around the site. There are two pools and a good range of on-site amenities including a shop, bar and restaurant.

Alannia Costa Blanca (formerly Marjal) is a fully equipped site situated 15 km. inland on the southern Alicante coast, close to the towns of Crevillente and Catral and the Parque Natural de El Hondo. Around 1,200 hardstanding pitches range in size from 90-95 sq.m, and all have electricity (16A), water, drainage, TV and high-speed internet connections (charged).

Previously known as Camping Cuevas Mar, this is a well-established campsite that proves popular and busy during the warm winter months. The 179 flat pitches on a stone chip are generally 80-100 sq.m. each with a 6/10amp electric supply. Shrubs and trees (some shade) act as pitch dividers, and those near the road are not overly affected as traffic volume is relatively low. Some areas have shade canopies erected during the hot summer months. Overall, throughout, there is a peaceful atmosphere.

Camping Kikopark Playa is a smart site nestling behind protective dunes alongside a Blue Flag beach. There are sets of attractively tiled steps over the dunes or a long boardwalk near the beach bar (suitable for prams and wheelchairs) to take you to the fine white sandy beach and the sea. From the central reception point (where good English is spoken), flat, fine gravel pitches and access roads are divided to the left and right.

Sitting on the terrace in front of the restaurant – a beautifully converted Catalan farmhouse dating from 1908 – it isn't easy to believe that in 1982, this was still a farm with few trees and known as Mas Roque (literally, Rock Farm). Since then, the imaginative planting of thousands of trees and gloriously colourful shrubs have made this large campsite most attractive. It has an impressive range of high-quality amenities and facilities open all year.

Le Pavillon Royal is located in an excellent situation on raised ground overlooking the sea (100 m. from the beach), with good views along the coast to the south and the north coast of Spain. The site's centre has a large heated swimming pool and sunbathing area.