Camping in the Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Sophisticated seaside resorts, enchanting mountain villages, yawning gorges and rugged mountain landscapes, lakes, rivers and perhaps the bluest bays in the Mediterranean - all of this can be found in the south of France. The campsites in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region are the best starting points for exploring unique landscapes. Art and culture are not only to be found in Marseille or Avignon: Roman buildings adorn the surrounding area and in many places you can follow in the footsteps of great writers.

Special features of camping in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region

The south of France is a popular holiday destination and rightly so - the range of campsites in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region is correspondingly extensive. They stretch along the coast like a string of pearls, but there are also all kinds of pretty spots in the hinterland where nature camping is possible. However, you should book as early as possible for the July/August travel period, when the whole of France goes on holiday.

The diversity of the landscape offers an almost endless range of possibilities to fulfil your individual holiday wishes - from a walk on the beach to sport climbing, from fishing to white water rafting. Luxury lifestyle in Saint-Tropez or idyllic countryside among lavender fields are just as available as excursions to the numerous cultural treasures of the region. In winter, skiing is also possible in the Maritime Alps, with some sites offering winter camping.

How to get there

The holiday destination can be reached via two routes from the border town of Mulhouse. The Route Napoléon runs for around 600 kilometres past Besançon, Bourg-en-Bresse and Grenoble to Sisteron. The medieval town in the Durance gorge provides a visually stunning introduction to the lavender region of Haute-Provence.

The Route des Grandes Alpes is mountainous. The 685-kilometre route leads from Thonon-les-Bains (Lake Geneva) to Menton in the Alpes-Maritimes region. A total of 21 Alpine passes are crossed along the way, including the Col de l'Iseran, the highest pass in the Alps at 2,770 metres. The route is only open from June to mid-October.

After crossing the border at Saarbrücken, Metz, Nancy, Dijon and Lyon are on the way. Alternatively, you can cross the gateway to Provence via Grenoble after a total of 771 kilometres in Sisteron. Alternatively, from Lyon the route continues straight south on the Route de Soleil, where Orange welcomes travellers with a concentrated load of Roman antiquity in the Vaucluse. Optional: a detour to the west with a stopover at the magnificent Ardèche Gorge. If you want to avoid the toll motorways, you should allow enough time for the national roads due to the frequent through-tolls. The French environmental badge Crit'Air is required for some towns.

Destinations in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region

The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region is ideal for camping - its diversity simply invites you to get out and about. In addition to the dream beaches and famous seaside resorts such as Nice or Saint-Tropez, there is much more to discover here.

Outdoors at home in Haute-Provence

The natural paradise of Haute-Provence is not only the lavender region par excellence, but also enchants with a diverse range of landscapes. Picturesque mountain villages are scattered below the snow-capped peaks of the Maritime Alps and the Grand Canyon du Verdon is a real Provence highlight for active holidaymakers. Families can enjoy a relaxing swim at the crystal-clear Lac de Sainte-Croix.

White cliffs, blue bays: The Calanques

A short distance from Marseille, the coast is characterised by the deep bays (Calanques) and the limestone massif of the same name. A hiking trail leads along the cliffs to wonderful snorkelling beaches, where climbers adorn the cliffs. If you don't fancy the sporty route, take a boat from the picturesque harbour town of Cassis. Mountain hikers should come from mid-September to the end of May, when the paths through the massif are also open.

Vaucluse - culture and creation in orange and ochre

The Vaucluse region is bursting with highlights. One of them is Mont Ventoux, the queen stage of the Tour de France with a magnificent panoramic view of the summit. Avignon, the Roman city of Orange and the excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape are part of the region's cultural heritage. The natural beauty of the ochre quarries of Roussillon and the Luberon massif is impressive.

Lavender fields

Provence is famous for its endless lavender fields. The violet-coloured sea of plants is impressive and a sublime sight!

Mediterranean Sea

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region lies directly on the Mediterranean coast and has so many charming villages. The highlight, however, are the small bays on the Mediterranean with their secluded beaches and azure waters.

Verdon Gorge

The Verdon Gorge is not only a nature experience, but also a favourite with leisure sports enthusiasts. Over 20 kilometres long and up to 700 metres deep, the Verdon canyon can be navigated in white-water kayaks, offers wonderful steep slopes for climbing and the serpentines around the gorge are a paradise for motorcyclists.

Activities and excursions

The possibilities for being active in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region are almost unlimited and there is no shortage of spectacular sights.

Picturesque backdrops in the ochre quarries of Roussillon

The buildings of the village seem to be stacked like red blocks on the summit. A few hundred metres behind them, the Sentier des Ocres leads through red rock landscapes that inspire the imagination. Exceptional photo motifs are guaranteed; ochre pigments for the canvas can be purchased on site.

Îles d'Hyères - the golden islands

A few kilometres off the coast of Hyères, the car-free islets are a very special piece of natural beauty in the sea. Porquerolles offers white beaches, Port-Cros is a gem for hikers and divers and on Le Levant, FFK fans can let their hair down. Shuttle boats run daily.

Sporting natural spectacle: the Grand Canyon du Verdon

With a depth of up to 700 metres, the Gorges du Verdon is one of the deepest canyons on the continent. Hiking trails, kayak tours and thousands of climbing routes are just some of the sporting activities on offer in this magnificent gorge. Pedal boats and canoes allow even the less experienced to immerse themselves in the sensational scenery by water.

Gastronomy

Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, tarragon, marjoram, fennel and basil - everyone knows the famous herbes de Provence. Garlic not only belongs in the ubiquitous aïoli, but also in every Provençal cooking pot, sautéed in olive oil from the slopes of the Alpilles. It is flavoured with sea salt, preferably fleur de sel, from the Camargue.

Fish and seafood are particularly popular, but Provençal lamb dishes are also served. Ratatouille, bouillabaisse, soupe au pistou and salade niçoise are among the internationally recognised classics of regional cuisine; those with an open mind can sample sea urchins. When it comes to fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, one thing counts above all: freshness! Only the region's excellent wines are stored for longer.

Best time to visit

Sunshine galore - that's almost enough to describe the weather in the region. But there is a little more to say: while the summers are extremely dry and quite hot, there is also occasional rain from September to May, and snow in the higher altitudes in winter. With an average of 2,700 to 2,900 hours of sunshine per year, however, it is more a matter of personal preference when to travel, as camping in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is always possible. Water temperatures from 20 degrees Celsius upwards are available from June to October, while windsurfers and kitesurfers have plenty of fun at sea in winter. The coast starts to bloom in spring from January and those who are not afraid of the wind can enjoy the most beautiful views in spring when the mistral sweeps all the clouds from the sky.