THE MUST-STAY CAMPSITES IN FRANCE FOR FAMILIES
CAMPSITED REVEALS THE MUST-STAY CAMPSITES IN FRANCE FOR FAMILIES LOOKING TO GET AWAY IN THE OPEN AIR THIS MAY HALF-TERM & PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND
Campsited – an online platform offering the very best open-air experiences throughout Europe – has revealed the must-stay campsites in France for families looking to get away ahead of the Summer.
It is no secret that France is one of the best destinations in Europe for open-air holidays and experiences. From the mountains of the Pyrenees to the beaches of the Atlantic and the gorges of the Verdon; some of the world’s most beautiful campsites can be found in France, and fortunately for families, many of them offer the ultimate in family-friendly experiences. Below are Campsited’s top picks for the May Half-Term (28 May – 5 June 2022) and Platinum Jubilee weekend (2 – 5 June 2022)…
Kindly note, all prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children staying for a total of 7 nights. Families looking to stay for 3 nights over the Platinum Jubilee weekend will benefit from even greater value.
Brittany – For the Foodies
Often forgotten, the Breton food is one of the highlights of any holiday in Brittany. With a full third of the country’s coastline, Brittany produces France’s finest seafood, as well as simple and hearty local dishes which even the fussiest of children will love. Local specialities include crepes, salted butter, and cult pastry, kouign-amann – a sweet-lover’s dream made with 40% dough, 30% salted butter and 30% sugar, folded together, and baked until the dough puffs and the sugar caramelises. The result? A melt in the mouth texture in the middle with a brittle crunchy outside. A little bit like a croissant that’s taken a sugar bath.
To make the most of Brittany’s fine sandy beaches, families should choose one of the region’s many campsites near the sea, such as Camping Sandaya L'Escale Saint Gilles (from €202, approx. £170) or YELLOH! VILLAGE Port De Plaisance (from €245, approx. £208). Both of these are within a ten-minute walk from the beach, have swimming pools and waterslides and also have their very own kids’ clubs open in May and June, offering the too-good-to-be-true treat of some adults-only time.
Families looking for more culture and sight-seeing could choose a campsite near Quimper, Rennes, or Brest – Camping Locronan (from €146, approx. £123) is always a good option and Castel Camping Domaine de Bel Air (from € 279, approx. £236) is another alternative.
Ardèche – For the Nature-Lovers
Considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in France, Ardèche is full of campsites surrounded by valleys, rivers and forests, offering a multitude of outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Water babies need not worry about being too far from the sea as the impressive Ardèche river offers fantastic opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and rafting. If the beauty of the landscape and natural sites isn’t enough to entice, Ardèche is also an excellent choice for people who just love to explore small and authentic towns and villages such as Balaruc or Ruoms.
Although the whole region is beautiful, the campsites in Vallon Pont d’Arc are the most popular because of their proximity to the region’s incredible natural rock formation. It’s also an excellent location for being close to the Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet cave which is known for its prehistoric paintings. Why not try Flower CAMPING SAINT AMAND (from €140, approx. £118) or Camping Coeur d'Ardèche near the river (from €132, approx. £112) for comfort, fresh air, nature, and rural surroundings. Or, if you’re keen to be near Vallon Pont d’Arc to marvel at this natural wonder, Campsited recommend Domaine des BLACHAS (from €315, approx. £268), only a short cycle away.
Vendee - For Active Families
The Atlantic coastline of Vendee is lined with countless beaches, most of which have great facilities for thrilling watersports such as sailing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. Offshore, travellers can visit the charming islands of Noirmoutier and Ile d’Yeu, while inland they can wander through beautiful forests and natural parks, and visit the castle of Tiffauges, so whether families prefer the sea or countryside, they’ll find just what they’re looking for in Vendee.
Camping LES CHOUANS (from €284, approx. £240), YELLOH! VILLAGE - LE CHAPONNET (from €235, approx. £199), La Yole (from €202, approx. £172) and Camping Le Bois Joly (from €259, approx. £220) are Campsited’s top picks in Vendée – all with swimming pools, waterslides and within a short walk or cycle from the beach.
Languedoc Coast – For the Water-Lovers
The Languedoc Coast is made for those who love the water. Located on the Mediterranean between the Code d’Azur and the Spanish border, this region is famous for its family beaches and has many seaside resorts with Occitan charm. The sea here is known for being calm, almost like a lagoon – safe and welcoming for little ones who are still finding their confidence in the water.
When it comes to accommodation in Languedoc, campers will find beautiful seaside campsites with waterparks, luxurious bungalows, and unique glamping rentals. One of the main holiday destinations in the area is Argeles-sur-Mer, which is known for having a large number of open-air resorts – so much so that it’s sometimes referred to as the camping capital of Europe. Families looking to stay right on the beach should try Camping Californie Plage (from €266, approx. £225), Camping-Village le Floride & l'Embouchure (from €217, approx. £184), or Camping Argeles Vacances (from €367, approx. £311). Also only a short walk or cycle from the beach are Camping & Spa CAP SOLEIL (from €280, approx. £238) and Camping Resort Les Champs Blancs (from €194, approx. £164). For those seeking a real five-star resort experience with numerous restaurants, a spa and gym with fitness classes, separate lap and kids’ pools and everything else you can imagine, Sandaya Domaine de la Dragonnière (from €293, approx. £248) is a great choice.
There are more than 50 ferry crossings to France each day from 45 ports throughout the UK. Prices from £141 per person based on a return from Dover to Calais. Ferry crossings from 1hr 30mins available from Direct Ferries (directferries.co.uk).
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All prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children staying for a total of 7 nights
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