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Camping in France - 2013 |
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There
are nearly 10,000 registered campings
in France - that is almost half the total number of campsites for the
whole of Europe, and a total capacity of almost a million pitches. In
addition, there are some 2000 farm campsites and other camping areas,
not to mention a wealth of opportunities, subject to rules and
regulations, for what the French call "le camping sauvage", in other
words camping in the wild.
 Camping in France  Photo by James & Vilija |
| Accommodation in France |
| Holiday cottage accommodation |
| Bed and breakfast in France |
| Small rural campsites in France |
| Independent hotels in France |
A guide to camping and campsites in France
Beware of the cheap ferries scam.
Some websites claiming to offer" cheap ferries" are actually
charging more than the ferry companies themselves. More details on the
About-France.com cheap travel offers
page.
Camping
In France has long been a popular summer activity ! And as a
cheap
alternative to other types of holiday accommodation, camping has been
one of the sectors of the French tourist industry that has
actually benefited from the economic downturn.With so much opportunity for camping, France is a camper's paradise, and there are campsites to suit all tastes - from the exclusive up-market sites offering full comfort for caravans and even ready-to-use tents, tot he most basic rural campsites offering little more than the essentials. In other words, camping can be a whole range of different experiences, to it is not a bad idea to be able to distinguish the different types of camping that are available in France. ►Classification of campsites in FranceCompare the differences....Like hotels, regulated campings or campgrounds are classified according to a star-rating system, from one star to four stars, according to their amenities. Compared to a one-star site, a four-star camping is a very different experience indeed. Prices generally reflect the number of stars, the number of people per pitch, and vary according to the period. The average cost of a night's camping for four in the summer holiday peak season is about 28 Euros. Most campings cater for tents, caravans or mobile homes (camping cars), though with smaller sites it may be advisable to check caravan access. All categories must provide showers, toilets and washing areas – but beyond that there are considerable differences. To help you compare facilities and prices, here are the main features of the different types of campsite in France. They represent the minima required at each level of rating; many campings offer more than the minima. One star campsites: (about 1500 campsites, many of them small) Individual shower cabins with cold water (though many have hot), washing area, dish-washing sinks, Pitches of at least 90 m². Prices are very variable, starting from about 8€ per night for a pitch. Two star campsites: (over 4000 campsites, almost half the total number) As for one star, plus: Individual shower cubicles with hot water, Individual washbasins, power points for small electrical equipment. Three star campsites: (over 2000 campsites, many of them quite large) As for two-star, plus: Warden in attendance 24/24, tiled floors in washing / shower areas, private washing cabins, equipped children's play area, flowers, vegetation between pitches, safe-keeping for valuables, foodstore on site or close by, soft drinks available, English-speaking wardens (not always fluent !), etc. In peak weeks, prices will normally be in the range of 32€ - 40€ per night for four people. Four star campsites: (about 700 campsites, generally large) As for three-star, plus: private washing cubicles with hot water, dish-washing and clothes-washing sinks with hot water, Larger pitches (at least 100m²), tarred vehicle ways within the site, games room, common room. Depending on the location and the time of year, prices tend to vary from 20 € a day off season, to between 40€ and 50 € a day during peak weeks, for four people with a tent, a bit less for just two people. Farm camping "Camping à la ferme" is a label offered to farmers who offer a small area for camping, with a maximum of six pitches; the similar "aire naturelle de camping" is an area with a maximum of 25 pitches. They must all provide toilets and wash basins, electric power points, and dustbins, as well as at least one warm shower. These are just the main criteria used in the classification of campsites in France. Many three or four-star campsites also have a bar and a restaurant, as do some one or two-star campsites. Many campsites offer more than the minimum required, for example there are plenty of one-star campsites with hot water in the washroom, though this is not obligatory. Camping sauvage, camping in the wild in FranceThere is great confusion as to the legality or illegality or camping in the wild, and whether it is advisable to do so. Pitching a bivouac for the night on public land seems to be legal, as long as it is a dusk-till-dawn pitch; parking a camper van beside the road for the night, or on public land, also seems to be legal, unless it is prohibited by a local bylaw. Camping on private land, with the owner's consent, is legal. Leaving one's waste or emptying one's waste-water from a camper van, is not legal. Particular restrictions apply in national and regional, though responsible hikers, cyclists and campers who stop overnight in these areas do not usually have any problems, as long as they do not clearly flout the law. It is important to remember that laws and bylaws on camping in the wild are mainly there in order to protect the natural environment, to protect heritage areas, to defend the interests of local residents, or to prevent accidents – not to annoy campers.Click here for information on the wild areas of France. Choosing a campsite, making a reservation.For sedentary camping holidays in three or four-star campsites, booking is always recommended. The big holiday campsites on the coast and in tourist locations are very busy in the summer weeks (July and August), so booking is advisable here too, if not essential. For other campsites, notably one-star and two-star campsites, booking is not usually necessary, except for some sites in particularly attractive areas during the peak weeks – especially if the campsite is being used for a one-night stopover. Nevertheless, all campsites have telephone access and many have websites and email, so booking ahead or checking availablilty is never a bad idea.Protected Areas, national parks, regional natural parks  Here is a map showing most of
France's (few) national parks , plus a large number of "Parcs naturels
régionaux".National parks are indicated in purple, the main regional natural parks are shown in green. These include the parks of Lorraine, the Morvan, the Chaîne des Puys, the Forez-Livradois, Millevaches en Limousin, Monts d'Ardèche, Grandes Causses, Luberon, Vercors, Haut-Jura, and others. Many areas not included officially in "parks" are protected areas under EU natural heritage programmes. Click here for information and a map of France's long-distance footpaths |
Caming ideas |
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