Where To Go Camping In France?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Le Ranolien, Brittany.
  • Sunêlia L'Escale Saint-Gilles, Brittany.
  • La Baie, Brittany.
  • La Garangeoire, the Vendée.
  • Panorama du Pyla, Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
  • Les Péneyrals, Dordogne.
  • Lavender farm, Provence.
  • Eurocamp Active, The Alps.

Can you camp anywhere in France?

France. Wild in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you're well away from tourist sites . You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don't light a fire.

Where can you camp for free in France?

An aire is a low cost or free private camping area in France . Often, they are run by the local town council. There are various names for this type of camping, though aire de service is by far the most common.

Is camping popular in France?

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 rare sectors of the French tourist industry that has actually benefited from the economic downturn.

Can you sleep on the beach in France?

In most areas (including many parks) visitors can pitch their bivouac or light tent in any suitable location on public land subject to the general rules concerning coastal areas, listed natural sites, historic monuments, and explicit local restrictions (notably a sign indicating no camping).

Where can you pitch a tent in France?

  • Camping Merry-sur-Yonne. Yonne, Bourgogne. ...
  • Camping au Lac du Drennec. Finistère, Brittany. ...
  • Camping Du Bas Meygnaud. Dordogne, Aquitaine. ...
  • Camping La Champagne. Corrèze, Limousin. ...
  • Moulin de la Geneste. Corrèze, Limousin. ...
  • O2 Camping. Manche, Normandy. ...
  • Country Camping. ...
  • Camping Aux Mêmes.

Can you wild camp with a caravan in France?

The answer is yes, the French government does allow ... with some caveats. These are: You must have permission from the landowner. You cannot wild camp with a motorhome or camper on the French coast.

Is car camping legal in France?

According to French traffic law, you may park your campervan or motorhome at the side of a road . When stepping out of your vehicle, always watch out for traffic.

What are airs in France?

What are aires? Motorhome aires in France are overnight parking areas in villages, towns, cities and the countryside all over the country . There are aires in Calais (near the Eurotunnel terminal site), aires in Brittany near dramatic scenery, in the middle of teeming cities and aires on the coast in southern France.

Can you have a campfire in France?

The sight and smell of smoke from smouldering garden waste in the countryside in France is not uncommon, but the use of domestic bonfires to eliminate waste is generally outlawed . The practice is prohibited both for health reasons and for the potential nuisance that it causes to neighbours.

How much does it cost to camp in France?

Prices can be around 32€ or 40€ per night for four people . Four-star campsites: private washing cubicles with hot water, dish-washing and clothes-washing sinks with hot water, pitches over 80m2, tarred roads within the site, food stores on or close by. Prices can go from 20€ to 50€ per night for four people.

Can you live in the woods in France?

But in France, like most of Europe, people are not allowed to build housing in forests or on agricultural land, only in designated housing areas and where they must respect building codes .

What is camping in France like?

The vast majority are situated near quaint villages or towns . While they aren't as large as four and five-star sites, they offer basic amenities such as clean bathrooms and hot showers. They also provide a different type of camping experience than larger chain, luxury 5-star campsites.

Can you caravan in France?

Easy to get to, but a great way to ‘get away from it all' camping in France is the perfect European destination giving many campers their first taste of camping abroad . France has around 3,500km of coastline which includes long sandy beaches, hidden bays and charming fishing ports.

Can you wild camp in the French Alps?

Wild camping in the French Alps

If you're looking for a more adventurous camping experience, then you're probably looking for the rules around free camping in the Alps. The bad news, is technically wild camping in the French Alps is not allowed under French law, unless permission has been granted from the land owner .

Where is wild camping allowed in UK?

Scotland is indeed the only area of the UK that effectively allows wild camping anywhere , thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which permits the public to camp on most unenclosed land.

Are French Aires Open?

France currently has few restrictions and most aires are fully open , although where there are services like toilets and showers, they may remain closed.

Is it cheap to camp in France?

Low-budget French campsites offer great value for money

Whether it's in the sunny south of France or further north in beautiful Brittany, low budget campsites are a great way to entertain your family when travelling on a shoestring.

How do you spell camping in French?

  1. gîte, le ~ (m) Noun.
  2. gîte de lièvre, le ~ (m) Noun.

Can you pitch your own tent at Eurocamp?

If you're looking for a parc with all the qualities of a Eurocamp holiday but would like to take your own caravan, tent or motorhome, then we've got the pitch-perfect choice for you ! Our sister company, Eurocamp Independent, has over 30 years experience in putting together bespoke European camping holidays.

Can you sleep in a campervan in France?

Can you stay overnight in an ‘aire de service' on a French motorway? Yes, often it is allowed . They often have specific motorhome parking areas and there will be an allowed time you are allowed to stay for.

Can I take my motorhome to France now?

All you need to do now is go through French Passport Control and you're ready to start your adventure. One of the benefits of travelling with a caravan or motorhome is that you can take as much luggage as you can fit in your vehicle, meaning you have no restrictions on the amount you pack.

Where can you camp for free in Europe?

  • The Nordics. Wild camp in the Nordics is more or less the most hassle-free experience you'll find. ...
  • Sweden. In Sweden, you are allowed to camp anywhere in nature, even on privately owned land. ...
  • Norway. ...
  • Finland. ...
  • Estonia. ...
  • Scotland. ...
  • France. ...
  • Spain.

Can I sleep in car in France?

Yes, it's legal , and I did it every slow night on graveyard when I was a cop. There are no state laws against it though some towns and cities have municipal code sections used to harass and discourage homeless persons. You shouldn't have a problem if you sleep in your car for whatever reason.

How much does it cost to hire a campervan in France?

The price of a van rental starts at 60 € / day in low season . For this price, you can enjoy a 100% habitable van with all the comfort equipment.

What is a campervan aire?

Motorhome stopovers, known as Aires, are mostly public parking areas and some private land where motorhome and campervan users may stop overnight for free or for a small fee . Aires symbolise the freedom of motorhoming.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.