Camping in South of France

The south of France delights its visitors above all with the white beaches of the Côte d'Azur. The deep blue water in front of bathing and holiday resorts such as Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez entices visitors to swim and enjoy beach sports. The Principality of Monaco has a sophisticated flair. Surfers and kiters are usually drawn to the area around Montpellier. In the hinterland, cliffs, mountainsides and canyons await hikers and white water fans.

The top 12 campsites in the south of France

• Yelloh! Village Domaine du Colombier in Fréjus
• Camping La Roubine in Vallon-Pont-dArc
• Yelloh! Village Les Tournels in Ramatuelle
• Domaine de la Bergerie in Roquebrune-sur-Argens
• Yelloh! Village Le Sérignan Plage in Sérignan
• Camping du Domaine de Massereau in Sommières
• Yelloh! Village Le Brasilia in Canet
• Camping Nature Parc L'Ardéchois in Vallon-Pont-dArc
• Yelloh! Village Le Club Farret in Vias
• Camping Le Paradis in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère
• Yelloh! Village Les Grands Pins in Lacanau
• Esterel Caravaning in Saint-Raphaël

Camping in the South of France

From the deep blue waters of the Côte d'Azur to the vastness of the Camargue and the roaring waves of the Atlantic coast: there are many good reasons for camping holidays in the south of France.

The 5 most beautiful campsites in the south of France

There is truly no shortage of campsites in the south of France. Le Midi, as the south of the country is called in French, is roughly made up of the following regions: - Maritime Alps with Côte-D'Azur - Basque Country - Aquitaine - Occitania- Languedoc - Roussillon - Rhône Delta (Camargue)

Generally speaking, if you are travelling primarily for swimming, a campsite on the Mediterranean coast is the best choice. A popular option is the Côte d'Azur between the Italian border and the metropolis of Marseille. France also has a coastline on the Atlantic in the Bay of Biscay - although the sea is somewhat rougher here.

The hinterland of southern France also has its charms: the Languedoc and Roussillon regions are extremely popular with active holidaymakers. These regions extend to the west of Marseille and also include coastal towns such as Montpellier, Agde and Sète. There are also many beautiful campsites and great opportunities for hiking and cycling tours.

Other popular destinations for camping trips are the wild and romantic Camargue alluvial landscape and Provence, which is one of the most beautiful regions in the south of France with its hilly vineyards, olive groves, pine forests and endless lavender fields.

The following campsites are among the best in the south of France. You can expect excellent service, good pitches and top value for money at these campsites.

Camping La Plage et du Bord de Mer

• Region: Languedoc
• Suitable for: Beach holidays, Relaxing
• Directly by the sea: Yes

Camping La Côte d'Argent

• Region: Aquitaine
• Suitable for: Beach holidays, Water sports, Relaxing
• Directly by the sea: Yes

Camping Le Serignan Plage Yelloh Village

• Region: Languedoc
• Suitable for: Beach holidays, Relaxing
• Directly by the sea: Yes

Camping Le Paradis

• Region: Dordogne
• Suitable for: Active holidays, Relaxing
• Directly by the sea: No

Castel Camping Domaine de la Bergerie

• Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte-D'Azur
• Suitable for: Active holidays, Swimming, Relaxing
• Directly by the sea: No

Camping in the south of France by the sea: Atlantic or Mediterranean?

Travellers on camping holidays in the south of France are spoilt for choice: the Mediterranean or the Atlantic coast. Both destinations have their own charm.

The Mediterranean, with the French Riviera on the Côte d'Azur, is the more obvious choice for many thanks to its picture-book beaches and the popular holiday resorts of Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monaco. The Mediterranean region is particularly suitable for families with children, as the beaches are shallower and the sea is comparatively calm.

The west coast of France borders the Atlantic Ocean with the Bay of Biscay. In contrast to the Mediterranean, the water here does not lapping gently against the beach, but often crashes against the coast in high waves. Water sports enthusiasts and surfers in particular get their money's worth here, but the landscape on the Atlantic coast is also extremely varied. Rugged coastlines alternate with wide sandy beaches, interspersed with picturesque wine-growing areas and small fishing villages.

What you should bear in mind when camping with your dog in the south of France

France has one of the strictest dog laws in Europe. However, dogs are allowed on most campsites. Dogs are occasionally banned in some places in the south of France: Please ask at the respective campsite about the local rules.

Dogs are only occasionally permitted in rental accommodation, so-called mobile homes. The number and size of dogs are often limited. In many cases, there are no such rules on motorhome pitches.

In general, you must keep your dog on a lead on the campsite and take care of its droppings. In addition, many campsites stipulate that dogs must not be left alone in motorhomes, caravans or mobile homes - especially in the hot Mediterranean region, it can quickly become dangerous for the animal.

Dogs must also be kept on a lead in villages, towns and especially in nature reserves. France also has a breeding and mating season from 15 April to 30 June. During this time, it is advisable to keep dogs on a lead in the forest and not to leave the designated paths.

Each municipality regulates the bringing of dogs to the beach itself. In many chic seaside resorts on the Côte d'Azur, dogs are generally prohibited on the beach. In other places, dogs are only allowed on the beach at certain times during the high season, for example before 9.30 am or after 7 pm.

Outside the summer months, there is usually less scrutiny. At this time you will find many dogs on the beaches. On the wild beaches, the so-called Plages Sauvages, you will usually always find a corner where you can let your four-legged friends run and swim freely, even in the high season.

Travelling to France

When travelling to France, you can cross the border via Baden-Württemberg, Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate or take the route via Switzerland and Italy. If you are coming from the north of Germany, it is best to use the motorways towards the Rhine. Here, the A5 motorway leads towards Switzerland. There are bridges over the river at several points, for example in Kehl or Baden-Baden.

The first stop in France is Alsace, where culturally interested holidaymakers like to take a day or two to admire the Gothic architecture of Strasbourg, the half-timbered houses in small towns such as Colmar and the hilly landscapes of the Vosges mountains. The best connections further south are provided by the A31, A35 and A36 motorways, the latter of which runs along the edge of the Jura Mountains to the roads to Lyon.

France's second largest city can also be reached via Switzerland, although the toll charges in the Alpine country are significantly higher than in France. From Lyon, the A7 motorway takes holidaymakers to the Côte d'Azur. A little further west is the A75 motorway to Montpellier. It is around 1,600 kilometres from Hamburg and Berlin and just under 1,100 kilometres from Munich to the destination.

Gastronomy

The whole of France is known for its high-quality Michelin-starred cuisine, with a strong focus on fish and seafood in the south. Probably the region's most famous dish comes from Marseille and is called bouillabaisse. This Provençal soup is slowly cooked with fish from the Mediterranean, crab and sea urchins, tomatoes, celery, potatoes and garlic and seasoned with olive oil.

Grilled fish platters and seafood dishes such as mussels and squid are of course also available. Those who like to cook for themselves can buy herbs from Provence at the markets, which go particularly well with light roast specialities. You can also treat yourself to one of the fine wines from the south of France.