France is the largest country in Western Europe – and with that comes plenty of places to go camping. French campsites can be as budget-friendly or budget blow-out as you want – think private chalets, secluded cottages and spacious pitches – but it’s always best to book in advance to save on costs and avoid disappointment.

Below, we’ve selected some of the best campsites in France, where you can enjoy a range of sports, activities and facilities before hunkering down for the night in a cosy cottage or tent. Make time to explore your surroundings; you can take a day trip to explore vineyards in Dordogne, go on coastal walks along the beaches in Brittany or hike through the Vosges mountain range in eastern France.

Whether you’re considering tailor-made family holidays or a fun stay with a group of friends, continue reading for our round-up of the best campsites in France. Looking for more reasons to love France? Discover 20 fun facts about France.

1 - Camping Les Cascades

Ideally situated at the foot of the Cascades du Sautadet, Camping Les Cascades is perfect for families looking to go camping in France. There’s five hectares of unspoilt nature to enjoy, where you can splash about in the heated swimming pool and paddling pools, spread out on the beach or head out to the nearby villages just a short walk away.

There are cottages, glamping tents and tent lodge safaris to choose from. Also on the campsite are sports and activities available year-round; try a classic game of petanque, go fishing or simply kick a ball about on the pitch.

• Area: Languedoc-Roussillon, La Roque-sur-Cèze, Gard
• Travel Tip: Wind down the evening at the on-site Italian restaurant.

2 - Camping Les Tropiques

Make the most of the tropical vibes at Camping Les Tropiques! Thanks to its Mediterranean-feel, it’s one of the best campsites in France to unwind; just head to the wellness centre to switch off. There’s plenty of other activities to get involved with, too; play tennis, dive into water-aerobics or try your hand at archery.

With cottages, chalets and tents to choose from (including accessible options), and various kids clubs catering for five to 17 year olds, you’ll find there’s something for everyone here.

• Area: Languedoc-Roussillon, Torreilles, Pyrénées Orientales

3 - Camping Le Domaine des Bans

In northeastern France lies the Camping Le Domaine des Bans. As camping holidays in France go, this is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore further out. From here, you can hike through the valleys and hills of the Vosges; go for a clifftop walk along the Route des Cretes; or climb to the top of Ballon des Vosges for landscape-studded views.

After an active day, rest up at one of the cottages – ranging from basic to swish styles – that sleep up to five people. There’s even a couple of new additions for 2021, so what are you waiting for?

• Area: Lorraine, Gerardmer, Vosges
• Travel Tip: Looking for campsites in France with lakes? The pitch sites are located by the edge of a lake – just lay back and listen to the birdsong.

4 - Camping Le Lavedan

Not far from the Pyrenees national park is Camping Le Lavedan. Cottages and chalets are available here (including accessible options) and sleep up to six people. Looking for how to have an inexpensive holiday in France? Opt for their pitch sites, which allow you to spread out and make the most of the natural scenery. Get stuck in with activities such as water-aerobics, yoga lessons and group sports.

There’s also a range of fun activities nearby, such as kayaking, rafting and even hot air balloon rides! Plus, just 15km from the site lies the Lac de Lourdes, making this one of the most conveniently located campsites in France with lakes.

• Area: Midi-Pyrenees, Argeles-Gazost, Hautes-Pyrénées

5 - Camping Payrac Les Pins

With water slides, evening entertainment and bakeries surrounded by a lush green landscape, you can make the most of the Dordogne at the Camping Payrac Les Pins. There’s a distinctive small-community feel, which encapsulates the best of this quaint French region.

The cottages and tent lodge are just as charming, sleeping up to five people, as well as numerous pitches. Also on site are a number of pools and slides – but a few kilometres away from the campsite is the nearby Dordogne River.

• Area: Midi-Pyrenees, Payrac, Lot
• Travel Tip: A budget-friendly way to enjoy the local area? Take a refreshing dip in the Dordogne River.

6 - Camping Sylvamar

Dive into an impressive water scene at Camping Sylvamar. The on-site aquatic park packs a punch with outdoor heated pools, lazy rivers and waterslides – plus plenty more for all ages. Prefer to stick to dry land? There’s just as much to choose from: think clay pigeon shooting, dance classes and archery.

Choose from basic two- to three-bedroomed cottages or upgrade to a premium stay at the likes of their four-bedroomed Cottage Marbella – or go all out with the chalet with its own private swimming pool, brand new for 2021. With so much more on offer, Camping Sylvamar is one of the best campsites in France.

• Area: Aquitaine, Hossegor, Landes

7 - Camping Les Îles

Camping Les Îles is ideally situated just a few kilometers from the sea in Granville, northeastern France. The campsite offers a range of swimming opportunities, whether you want to soak up in a Jacuzzi, let the little ones splash about in the paddling pool or simply recline on a sunbed by the pools.

The upmarket rental accommodation comes with an allocated parking space. The premium accommodation are uniquely styled cottages that sleep up to eight, while the slightly more basic (but just as scenic) cottages and chalets sleep up to six.

• Area: Normandy, Granville, Manche
• Travel Tip: Pets are allowed at all of the cottages.

8 - Camping Les Voiles d’Anjou

If you’re looking for camping holidays in the Loire Valley, look no further than Camping Les Voiles d’Anjou. This serene campsite doesn’t cover a huge amount of space, but that’s part of its charm; and there’s still enough room for beach volleyball!

There’s a fantastic range of rental units, from upmarket gipsy caravans to humble cottages – including new additions for 2021. Near the campsite are vineyards, châteaux and unique villages to check out.

• Area: Pays de la Loire, Saumur, Maine-et-Loire

9 - Camping Le Chaponnet

Combine the best of land and sea at Camping Le Chaponnet, idyllically located along the Vendée coastline. In fact, you can make the most of the beaches by taking the free shuttle bus that services between the campsite and beaches during the high season.

The rental accommodation at Camping Le Chaponnet ranges from premium chalets and cottages to standard cottages that sleep up to eight people (accessible options available) in verdant surroundings. All ages and abilities will enjoy the sports and activities on-site; choose from archery, basketball courts and, in case of a rainy day, an indoor gym.

• Area: Pays de la Loire, Brem-sur-Mer, Vendée
• Travel Tip: Explore the verdant woodland in nearby Pays des Achards.

10 - Camping La Clairière

Take a well-deserved detox with a stay at Camping La Clairière. Here you’ll not only find a dedicated wellness area, where you can pamper yourself into bliss, but you can also enjoy a few hours at the rum and oyster bar before deciding what to do next. The tents and cottages sleep up to six people and range from brand-new premium cabanas and chalets to spacious cottages and furnished tents.

While you’re here, dive into a family-friendly aquatic area with its tropical lagoon and thatched beach bar, or drop the kids off at one of the day clubs where they can play mini-golf and treasure hunts while making a bunch of new friends.

• Area: Poitou-Charentes, La Tremblade, Charente-Maritime

11 - Camping L’Etoile des Neiges

Ideally situated at the base of Saint Jean Montclar, one of the top skiing and hiking destinations in France, Camping L’Etoile des Neiges makes for a perfect camping holiday in France come summer or winter. The cottages, chalets and pitches are tucked away in a wooded area near a trickling stream.

Pick up picnic supplies from the on-site bakery or head down to the petanque area to enjoy an authentic French experience. Venture off-site to the nearby delights of the Mercantour national park and Serre-Ponçon lake.

• Area: Provence-Alpes-French Riviera, Saint jean Montclar, Alpes de Haute-Provence
• Travel Tip: Enjoy the Hammam spa, sauna and whirlpool baths, which are all included in the price.

12 - Camping Le Couspeau

Over in southeastern France’s Drôme region, Camping Le Couspeau promises a memorable stay. The pitches, chalets, glamping tents and tent lodges (including accessible options) all overlook different parts of the stunning Bordeaux Valley, so it really is time to book that trip!

There’s a great choice of sports and activities to choose from, whether you want to stretch yourself with a yoga class, give pottery a go or join in with the group sports.

• Area: Rhone-Alpes, Poet-Celard, Drome

13 - Camping Belle Plage

Stay in the heart of Brittany at Camping Belle Plage. This sprawling campsite gives you the chance to play beach volleyball and petanque, join various-aged kids clubs and relax into a massage, but better still, it provides direct access to the beach!

However you choose to spend your day, the top-of-the-range accommodation is just what you need to wind down in. There’s premium cottages as well as more standard-style cottages and tents that sleep up to eight people, including accessibility options.

• Area: Brittany, Lorient, Morbihan
• Travel Tip: Get to know the interesting Breton culture by taking a walk along the coast or take the shuttle bus to nearby Ile de Groix.

14 - Camping Pomport Beach

Looking for campsites in France with lakes? Camping Pomport Beach should be at the top of your list – there’s a lake within the campsite grounds! This holiday hotspot is located in the village of Pomport in the stunning Dordogne region. The soft sand beach, numerous sunbeds and restaurants on-site make this a great place to unwind.

Why not take advantage of their bike rental service and head out to the neighbouring vineyards? The Dordogne is one of the top wine-making regions in Europe, if not the world, thanks to its ideal soil and grape-growing settings – and a healthy dose of sunshine.

• Area: Aquitaine, Bergerac, Dordogne

15 - Camping L’Ocean Breton

The expansive Camping L’Ocean Breton, located in southern Finistère in Brittany, is situated nearby to many lovely beaches, and you can make the most of its ocean-side setting by taking in the ancient history and intriguing heritage of the area.

There’s a huge range of accommodation to choose from, from cottages including their own spas to peaceful little lodges (including accessible options), depending on whether you want to be at the heart of the action or somewhere a little more secluded.

• Area: Brittany, Lesconil, Finistere

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