Top 15 Campsites to Experience in France

France is recognized as one of Europe’s premier camping destinations. Practically every beach, natural attraction, and regional park is complemented by well-maintained locations suitable for camping.

These options cater to a wide variety of camping preferences: Some individuals may prefer a minimalist camping style, opting for a rugged experience devoid of excess.

Conversely, other campers may seek indulgence and luxuries found in contemporary glamping accommodations.

Many of the sites highlighted below are fully equipped holiday parks nestled within lush woodlands, complete with on-site restaurants, water parks, and even spas.

Alternatively, some sites emphasize their breathtaking surroundings, ideally situated near lakes, majestic châteaux, hidden beaches, gorges, cliffs, and even Europe’s largest sand dune.

Let us examine the best campsites in France:

1. La Garangeoire, Vendée

Which campsite epitomizes the essence of French charm better than this one, located on the picturesque grounds of an ancient château?

La Garangeoire is enveloped by woodlands and meadows, just a short drive from cinematic beaches such as Grand Plage at Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.

The site boasts 200 hectares of pristine nature, featuring four fishing lakes and numerous opportunities for cycling, canoeing, and horseback riding.

Camping pitches offer ample space, reaching up to 200 square meters, all situated on verdant grass.

Additionally, mobile homes and chalets are available, separated by hedges for enhanced privacy.

Visitors can enjoy a heated pool complex and dine at a cozy restaurant nestled within the château’s grounds.

2. Les Alicourts, Loir-et-Cher

The exquisite châteaux of the Loire Valley lie within easy reach at this five-star campsite located in central France.

Many pitches at Les Alicourts are grassy, with some benefitting from the shade of majestic oak trees.

The amenities available at this site make it unique, featuring a water park designed for children, a spa facility complete with a sauna, and a nine-hole golf course. Excursions to the Renaissance Château de Chambord or the summer events at Bourges, where the Nuits Lumière showcases illuminated medieval monuments after dusk, are also possible.

3. Bot-Conan Lodge, Finistère

This glamping site enjoys a fairytale location in a glen, overlooking a tranquil cove, ideal for swimming during the summer.

While one may visualize Brittany filled with towering cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves, the beach adjacent to Bot-Conan Lodge features gentle, secure waters and a captivating crescent of soft white sand.

The accommodations are equally inviting, consisting of a variety of safari and bell tents that enhance the camping experience with added luxury and sophistication.

Unique touches include antique postal bicycles available for exploration along trails that wind through meadows and along the scenic coast.

4. Camping Les Pêcheurs, Var

Situated a few kilometers inland from Fréjus, this campsite serves as a beautiful slice of the Provençal countryside that is highly acclaimed.

The site rests in the embrace of the Roquebrune rock, characterized by ochre walls that radiate vibrant red hues at sunset.

Offering 110 spacious touring pitches, each is marked by natural boundaries such as shrubs and trees.

Ample shade provided by the dense foliage is essential during the warm summer months.

A lake lies just across the road, featuring kayaks for rental and a small beach perfect for sunbathing.

For those eager to experience the Riviera lifestyle, a visit to Saint-Tropez is an option, provided one can navigate the traffic.

5. Séquoia Parc, Charente-Maritime

Set against a background of cultivated fields and salt marshes, Séquoia Parc encompasses a 45-hectare campsite that was formerly a farm.

The historic farm structures contribute to a charming, traditional atmosphere within Séquoia Parc.

A splendid beach day awaits at nearby Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, where golden sandy coves create a picturesque inlet with tidal rock pools.

On-site water-based activities include a water park featuring slides and a lazy river that keeps children entertained during the summer months.

The park also hosts a team of instructors for various pursuits such as tennis and horseback riding, as well as excursions into the nearby forest.

6. Saint-Avit Loisirs, Dordogne

This campsite is shaded by the thick woodlands of Black Périgord, boasting stone buildings topped with slate roofs that reflect traditional architectural style.

The breathtaking Dordogne River meanders just a few minutes from the site, where the park can arrange a canoeing adventure for families.

As you navigate, you’ll encounter renowned limestone gorges, ancient castles, and caves that have been inhabited for millennia.

However, for those preferring relaxation, lounging by the site’s four pools is equally appealing.

Saint-Avit Loisirs offers a diverse selection of accommodations, including chalets, mobile homes, and pitches that provide additional comforts such as running water and electricity.

7. Camping Le Pré Bas, Puy-de-Dôme

Located at an elevation of 870 meters, just a few steps from the Blue Flag Lac Chambon in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park, Camping Le Pré Bas is a four-star site where guests can truly connect with nature.

The surrounding landscape is exceptional, featuring volcanic formations best explored by vehicle or on the extensive GR 30 trail.

Nearby, the town of Murol offers a Neolithic monument, a medieval castle, and an array of quaint historical buildings to admire.

However, the shimmering waters of the lake, which warm up on hot summer afternoons, may be too tempting to resist.

Alternatively, guests can indulge in a variety of treatments at the site’s wellness complex.

8. Flower Camping Le Rompval, Somme

In a more temperate climate, Flower Camping Le Rompval positions you near the tallest chalk cliff in Europe, situated within a lush countryside just minutes from Somme Bay.

This site features glamping options, including a 20-square-meter bubble home that comprises a separate bedroom and private bathroom.

The beach at Mers-les-Bains is only a short distance away during the summer months, showcasing a traditional seafront, art nouveau architecture, and quaint bathing huts.

Should the weather or English Channel prove uninviting, guests can unwind in a heated indoor pool.

9. Camping Panorama du Pyla, Gironde

Situated merely a stone’s throw away from an incredible natural wonder, this site in Gironde is within walking distance of the Dune du Pilat.

The 15-hectare campsite resides within the aromatic black pine forest bordering the dune, offering a choice of rental accommodations or spacious pitches.

The forest extends for several kilometers in all directions, woven with trails for exploration.

However, the main draw is the 110-meter-high dune, which may invoke feelings reminiscent of the Sahara.

It’ll be challenging to resist returning to this site daily, although illustrious Bordeaux, stunning Atlantic beaches, and the world-famous wine châteaux are all easily accessible.

10. Camping La Ravoire, Haute Savoie

The beauty of Lake Annecy is unparalleled, and whether your aim is an activity-filled holiday or a serene retreat, La Ravoire serves as an excellent base.

This site offers mobile homes, chalets, and pitches, all complemented by a swimming pool and a mini water park.

Located less than a kilometer from the western shore of the lake and the walking trail that encircles it, the proximity is ideal.

Summer is prime time for water sports such as wakeboarding and paragliding, with these activities available from the nearby pier easily accessible by foot or bike.

For those adventurous enough to explore the lofty peaks surrounding the lake, there are numerous lookout points to discover, while the enchanting town of Annecy is certainly a must-visit.

11. Anse du Brick, Manche

Located on the northern side of Normandy’s picturesque Cotentin Peninsula, Anse du Brick is an idyllic campsite spread across 300 natural hectares.

The site is just a pleasant walk away from the coastline and a charming little beach.

Much of the accommodation on this site boasts coastal views, as do the two on-site restaurants.

The scenery on the Cotentin Peninsula ranges from rugged to gentle, with the Cape of La Hague presenting a dramatic landscape of granite and gneiss cliffs and rock formations.

Visitors can embark on day trips to breathtaking locations, such as the unforgettable Mont-Saint-Michel, or simply relax by the pool while children enjoy the water park.

12. Etang-des-Haizes, Manche

While most campsites on this list are well-suited for families, Etang-des-Haizes in Normandy goes above and beyond to ensure both parents and children have a delightful experience.

The site features a “Kids’ Club,” where qualified staff engage children in a variety of activities.

Additionally, an adventure playground and an essential outdoor pool with slides enhance the experience.

A unique benefit of Etang-des-Haizes is the opportunity to fish without requiring a license at the local lake, or to rent a pedal boat.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect is the site’s location within an apple orchard, set in picturesque countryside, yet just a stone’s throw from La Haye-du-Puits, offering all the charming village shops imaginable.

13. Le Paradou, Loire

Situated in the low Montagnes de la Madeleine, this extensive and unassuming rural campsite borders three fishing lakes abundant in carp and provides essential services such as free Wi-Fi, a supermarket, and bicycle rentals.

For those desiring a camping experience without the hassle of carrying equipment, Le Paradou offers rental options for tent trailers and fully-furnished caravans.

The site’s remoteness is particularly appealing, located nearly an hour from Vichy, the nearest city.

Guests can recharge amidst moss-covered fir forests or visit the charming farming communities surrounding the site.

14. Camping Pyrénées Natura, Hautes-Pyrénées

This highly-rated site, positioned at 1,000 meters, is unique within this list for its lack of a swimming pool; however, the Camping Pyrénées Natura features its own mountain stream! Visitors can gain insights into the surrounding nature by embarking on guided hikes to observe native species within the Pyrenees National Park, including marmots, chamois, and eagles.

The compact size of the campsite is attributed to the challenges posed by the rugged landscape, providing 19 mobile homes for rent and 47 pitches for caravans, tent trailers, and tents.

Guests can pass warm summer evenings with a glass of wine while watching the sunset behind the towering peaks on the bar terrace.

15. Château de Lez Eaux, Manche

Normandy’s Manche department boasts several exceptional campsites, with Château de Lez Eaux being the closest to Mont-Saint-Michel at the base of the Cotentin Peninsula.

Visitors often travel considerable distances to witness this global architectural marvel.

For those seeking more comfort than a tent or caravan can provide, this 12-acre site offers lodges with two or three bedrooms, equipped with all modern conveniences.

Amenities include both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fishing lake, and tennis courts set within the lush grounds of an 18th-century château.

Essential services are housed in the manor’s historic outbuildings, allowing for a unique and atmospheric experience.