Camping in France

Whether you like the great outdoors, enjoy good food or want to experience culture: camping in France offers the right holiday destination for every taste. From the rugged Atlantic coast in Brittany to the dreamy beaches on the French Riviera in the Mediterranean to the fragrant lavender fields of Provence - the Grande Nation has great campsites in every part of the country. Add to this a world-famous cuisine and the laid-back French way of life: the best conditions for a carefree camping holiday with many unforgettable experiences.

Camping in France: the most important information at a glance

France is one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world and is also extremely popular as a camping destination. There are almost 9,000 campsites, camping villages and pitches for motorhome travellers between the Mediterranean coast and the English Channel. This means that the Grande Nation has more campsites than any other European country.

The standard of camping in France is consistently high. There is a wide range of holiday facilities, from idyllic, simply equipped nature campsites in the lavender fields of Provence to vibrant family campsites on the coasts of the Mediterranean and dreamlike pitches on the cliffs of the Atlantic.

In addition to the usual pitches for caravans and motorhomes, most campsites also offer tent pitches as well as rental accommodation, mobile homes and holiday flats that leave nothing to be desired. Holders of a Campingcard such as the ADAC Campingcard receive discounts and special offers at many campsites.

Knowledge of French is generally an advantage, especially if you are staying away from the tourist centres. A special feature of camping in France are the "Camping Municipal", which can be found in almost every larger town: These public overnight pitches for motorhome journeys over several stages are generally easy to find. Further information and a guide to pitches can be found on the website of the French camping association Campingfrance.

Many French campsites also form camping chains such as Yelloh! Village or Vacansoleil. The advantage of this is that campers can rely on the standard typical of the chain, even if this is sometimes at the expense of the individual character of the operator. If you prefer something a little more rustic and want to get a taste of the country air, you can also camp on the farms in the "Bienvenue à la ferme" network and gain an insight into traditional everyday life on an educational farm.

Camping by the sea in France: campsites by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean

Surfing the waves off the coast of Aquitaine. Sunbathing on the Côte d'Azur. Hiking on the rugged cliffs of Brittany or horse riding on the sandy beaches of the Camargue. Camping in France can be perfectly combined with a holiday by the sea. With the Atlantic coast in the west and the French Mediterranean coast, France has two long, world-class coasts with plenty of options.

The campsites in the south-west of France on the Bay of Biscay are particularly popular with surfers who come to the sandy beaches to catch the big waves in the Atlantic. Most of the campsites are located close to the best surf spots. This makes the Bay of Biscay ideal for water sports enthusiasts. One of the most beautiful places on the French Atlantic coast is the harbour town of Biarritz.

The beaches in the north, in Normandy and Brittany, are more suitable for camping enthusiasts looking for peace and quiet and excellent food on the rugged rocky coast. The wild cliffs and rocky coasts of northern France are a dream for nature lovers in particular and are much less crowded than the south of the country. The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey on the monastery island of the same name in Normandy is particularly worth a visit.

The sandy beaches of the Mediterranean on the Côte d'Azur, on the other hand, are perfect for sun-seekers. Popular destinations on the French Riviera include cities such as Saint-Tropez, Nice and Cannes. Away from the touristy bathing areas, however, there are always unspoilt natural bathing spots in the Mediterranean. A little further west in the Camargue, horse-riding and canoeing enthusiasts can let off steam in the unspoilt dunes and marshlands of the Rhône Delta.

Generally speaking, campsites in France by the sea fill up quickly in the high season. Guests should therefore book well in advance for the coastal campsites in the seaside paradises of Brittany, on the Côte d'Azur, on the Golfe du Lion and on the Golfe de Gascogne (Bay of Biscay), especially in summer. Inland, campsites along the Ardèche and Dordogne rivers and in winter sports areas are particularly popular.

Facilities at campsites in France: accommodation for every taste

The facilities at French campsites are generally good: in addition to electricity and water connections for the pitches, many campsites have bistros, restaurants, sports facilities and supermarkets for everyday necessities. WLAN sometimes has to be paid for additionally. In the summer months, many campsites, especially in the popular holiday regions on the coast, offer an extensive leisure and children's entertainment programme.

Glamping in France

Luxury camping, or glamping, is also becoming increasingly popular in France. Those who don't want to stay in a motorhome or caravan can rent luxurious bungalow tents, safari tents, air-conditioned accommodation or luxury pitches directly on the beach at many campsites. Standard mobile homes and other rental accommodation are also usually on offer.

Nudist camping and other trends in France

Naturist camping has also developed magnificently in France over the decades. Some of the most beautiful naturist campsites can be found on the French Mediterranean coast and in Provence between Marseille and Nice. A relatively recent trend, however, is the return of the tent. On campsites in France's inland areas, but also on the coast, operators are seeing more and more families and guests travelling in tents again - not with a simple house tent, but with spacious dwellings with separate sleeping and living areas. At the same time, however, many camping operators in France are turning to more and more rental accommodation, with some camping villages mutating into veritable holiday resorts. Tip: If you want to "ennoble" your stay, you should visit the many campsites right next to castles. The French camping association "Les Castels" has specialised in campsites at the most beautiful castles in France.

Camping in France with a dog: tips for travelling with four-legged friends

Compared to other European countries, France has very strict regulations and prohibits the entry of certain dog breeds. Dog owners should therefore find out well in advance of their camping holiday whether their four-legged companion is allowed to join them at all.

However, dogs are allowed on most campsites and the French are generally very dog-friendly. In some cases, there are special regulations if you are staying in rented accommodation or a mobile home with your dog. Dogs must be kept on a lead in nature reserves and on many beaches. Popular holiday resorts in Brittany, Normandy and the Mediterranean coast often have designated dog beaches and stretches of beach where four-legged friends are allowed to run around freely, regardless of the season.

Low emission zones and tolls in France

There are numerous low emission zones in France, for example in Paris, Grenoble, Lille, Toulouse, Strasbourg and Lyon. Motorhomes are only allowed to enter these zones with a special environmental badge. The so-called "Crit'Air" sticker must be applied for before the camping holiday - the German environmental sticker is not sufficient for camping trips in France.

In contrast to Germany, tolls are also charged on most French motorways. The fees vary and depend on the route, the vehicle class and the size of the motorhome. Payment is usually made in cash or by credit card at the toll booths.

Gas bottles and refuelling on a camping holiday

When camping in France, not every gas cylinder can be filled or exchanged. However, it is usually not a problem to connect the standard version with a Euro-Set adapter. When buying a French gas cylinder, make sure you keep the receipt in a safe place, otherwise you will not get your gas cylinder deposit back when you return it.

If you head into the hinterland on your road trip through France, you should also keep the fuel level in mind. Away from the motorways, there are far fewer petrol stations, and often only petrol machines that can be used with a credit card. However, almost every supermarket in the major retail chains (e.g. Auchan, Carrefour, Casino) has its own free petrol station with low fuel prices.

The most beautiful regions for camping holidays in France

France is incredibly diverse and offers far more than you can see on a single holiday: Wonderful nature, the mountains and valleys of the Pyrenees, endless beaches on the Mediterranean, the cliffs of the Atlantic, fairytale castles on the Loire. There are also magnificent cities with rich cultural treasures from the capital Paris in northern France to Nice on the south coast.

Surfers will find their Eldorado in the south-west of the country in the Bay of Biscay on the stormy Atlantic. Families appreciate the wide range of offers at France's large campsites on the French Riviera coast, where both parents and children are well catered for with water playgrounds and a wide range of wellness and play facilities.

Hikers and nature lovers are drawn to the Vosges mountains, the Ardennes or the impressive mountain formations and gorges of the Pyrenees. If you want to get up high, there are more than 25 Alpine peaks in the French Alps, including Mont Blanc, which is partly located on French territory.

Sun-drenched Provence with its fragrant lavender fields, mountain ranges and fine sandy beaches is particularly popular with campers. The Côte d'Azur, with its elegant holiday resorts such as Nice, Saint-Tropez and Cannes, is particularly suitable for wonderful camping holidays on the beach.

Occitania is a particularly diverse region that appeals to both sun worshippers and culture lovers. Endless sandy beaches stretch along the Mediterranean coast between the Rhône and the Pyrenees. In the hinterland, the venerable Cathar castles are enthroned on mighty cliffs. In between are vineyards and pretty towns such as Montpellier, Toulouse and the ancient Roman city of Nîmes.

More and more motorhome drivers are using their flexibility to travel along various themed routes during a road trip through France. Wine routes through world-famous wine-growing regions are very popular, for example: - Alsace Wine Route - Route de Vins de Provence - Wine Route through the Loire Valley - Tour through Champagne - Gran Crus Wine Route in Burgundy

Camping in France: a paradise for gourmets and wine lovers

France is world-famous for its excellent cuisine. Whether it's bouillabaisse, coq au vin, scallops or famous cheeses such as Roquefort from the caves on Mount Combalou - the French are passionate gourmets and proud of their national dishes. The campsites in France are as diverse as the landscape, culture and cuisine.

Every region has its own specialities, so it's no surprise that many campsites in France have excellent restaurants. There are small markets with local products, delicious cheeses and specialities right next door everywhere. On many campsites in France, fishmongers, greengrocers and fruit vendors also come directly to the camp on certain days with their vans.

Of course, wine is a must when eating out in France. The country is a wine-growing nation and this is now also noticeable when camping in France. Many camps are located directly along the wine routes through the wine-growing regions, for example in Alsace or Burgundy. A special programme, such as wine tastings, is also offered at some campsites in France. Some wineries, such as Château la Peyraude to the east of Bordeaux, even have their own pitches for campers on their property.

Favourite destinations for campers in France

With all the cultural, culinary and historical treasures, everyone has to decide for themselves which highlights they would like to visit from their campsite in France. Nevertheless, we would like to recommend three gems of the Grande Nation:

The monastery island of Le Mont-Saint-Michel

The municipality of Le Mont-Saint-Michel has just 40 inhabitants, yet it is one of the most spectacular places in France. It is located on an island about one kilometre off the coast in the Normandy Wadden Sea. The abbey at the top of the cliff demanded everything from the master builders in the Middle Ages - it took 500 years to complete their work. Today it is a spectacular postcard motif from afar.

Paris

The city of love is not just a must for newlyweds. Anyone who strolls along the Seine, strolls through the Jardin de Tuileries near the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay and passes the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur will automatically fall in love with life. Paris has a number of campsites and pitches in the city area, making the capital a good stopover on a longer round trip through France by motorhome.

Castles of the Loire

At more than 1000 kilometres, the Loire is the longest river in France. At Orléans, it heads south-west towards the Atlantic. Over the next 300 kilometres to Nantes, one enchanting fairytale castle follows the next. There are more than 400 in total. Among the most famous are Chambord Castle with its turrets and oriels and Amboise Castle, where the artist Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life.

Best time to travel for a camping holiday in France

The best time to go on a camping holiday in France depends on your personal preferences. If you want to spend a lot of time sunbathing on the beach, you should travel from June to August. The weather in France is at its warmest during these months, especially on the Mediterranean.

High season is generally from July to September. Many French campsites are very busy here. If you are travelling during this time, you should book a pitch, mobile home or rental accommodation in advance if possible. Spring and autumn, i.e. the months of May-June and September-October, are also ideal for campers, especially for active holidaymakers. During this time it is much quieter and the temperatures are still nice and mild.

Festivals and celebrations when camping in France

Numerous festivals and celebrations take place in France throughout the year. Some of these are of national significance, such as the bank holidays on 14 July, but there are also many lovingly arranged regional festivals for various occasions. Wine lovers also eagerly await the third Thursday in November every year. This is when the new Beaujolais is celebrated: the wine has reached maturity and can be sold. This usually entails a series of festivities in the following week and is also celebrated on many campsites in France.