A guide to camping in France
A guide to camping in France
With spectacular landscapes and delicious local food, it's no wonder that France is a popular camping destination. Thousands of campsites are dotted nationwide, with excellent facilities like shower cubicles, shops and saunas.
Our guide covers what to bring on a camping holiday in France, the local rules and the top camping spots to inspire your itinerary.
Looking for exciting activities to add to your camping trip? Look no further than GetYourGuide.
What to bring camping
First time camping in France? Here are some essentials you shouldn’t leave without.
- Tent and tent pegs
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping mats, air beds or camp beds
- Pillows
- Camping stove
- Cooking utensils
- Water carriers
- Camping chairs
- Torches
- Toiletries
We recommend bringing light, quick-dry clothing and waterproof layers to prepare for any weather.
French camping rules
France boasts several regulated camping sites with brilliant facilities. Wild camping is generally prohibited in France unless you agree with the landowner. Some French national parks allow wild camping, and this is usually indicated at the entrance.
Some farmers offer their land for a maximum of six pitches (20 campers). This is known as farm camping.
The areas where camping is forbidden include:
- Roads
- Classified natural sites
- Classified heritage sites
- Near historical monuments
- Beaches
- Less than 200 metres from water points used for consumption
France’s top camping destinations
Whether cycling along the Loire Valley’s château-lined streets, exploring Normandy's spectacular coastline or seal-spotting in the Baie de Somme, camping in France will exceed your expectations.
Here are some of our top picks for camping holidays in France.
1. Baie de Somme
Stretching between the Pointe du Hourdel and the Parc du Marquenterre, the Baie de Somme is the perfect camping spot. Named the 'Grande Site de France' in 2011, this estuary has a unique blend of landscapes, from dunes and pebble beaches to pine forests and white chalk cliffs. It's home to grey and harbour seals and attracts migratory birds for hunting.
Camping in the Baie de Somme promises an exciting adventure in the heart of France's unspoilt wilderness.
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2. Loire Valley
The Loire Valley encompasses France's grandeur. This land of majestic châteaux, fine wines and beautiful landscapes is a hotspot for campers. There are several campsites to choose from, including along the banks of the River Loire and on the outskirts of one of the charming towns.
Whether cycling between Orléans and Angers to visit the magnificent châteaux, tasting the local wines or basking in the sun along the Loire, camping in the Valley is a treat for the soul.
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3. Brittany
In the northwestern corner of France, Brittany offers sweeping coastline views. The peninsula is sandwiched between the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Celtic and Iroise Seas, overlooking the Gulfs of Gascony and Morbihan. Camping in Brittany promises breathtaking landscapes, including rugged cliffs, moors and sandy beaches.
Try the local seafood, hike through the Brocéliande Forest or bike along the spectacular Pink Granite Coast.
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4. Burgundy
This region in central France offers unspoilt landscapes, delicious food and a rich cultural heritage. Known as one of the country's main wine-producing areas, Burgundy will transport you back in time with its quaint villages. Camping here means learning about the region’s history, trying local delicacies and exploring France's natural wonders.
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5. Auvergne
In the heart of the Massif Central, Auvergne is another favourite among campers in France. With volcanoes, mountains and the Allier Gorges as a backdrop, you'll enjoy views of the French landscapes at their finest. Whether hiking through the Aubrac Regional Nature Park or spotting local wildlife in the charming Artense Valley, camping in Auvergne is unforgettable.
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6. Normandy
Normandy has played a significant role in European history, from the Norman invasion in 1066 to the D-Day landings in 1944. Dramatic seascapes, magnificent architecture and historic landmarks make this French region one-of-a-kind. Camping in Normandy lets you get close to its many wonders, from the iconic Mont Saint-Michel to the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry.
Normandy is the birthplace of the Impressionism art movement thanks to its contrasting landscapes. If you're planning your next camping adventure but don't know where to head first, Normandy is hard to beat.
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7. Champagne-Ardenne
Whether or not you like champagne, camping in Champagne-Ardenne is an unmissable experience. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, charming towns and endless vineyards, this region is simply spectacular. Try the champagne route tour, wander through the vineyards or visit the cathedral city of Reims.
Planning to travel to Champagne-Ardenne by car? Learn about the local rules in our guide to driving in France.
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