Brittany
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France travel guide
Camping
The complete guide to campsites, motorhome stops, regions, budgets and experiences across France.
France is one of Europe’s great camping destinations, and for good reason. It offers thousands of campsites, an excellent network of motorhome aires and an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences — from long Atlantic beaches and small wine villages to Alpine passes, turquoise lakes and medieval towns.
Why camping in France works so well: Many countries are excellent for camping, but France stands out because everything fits together so naturally. The infrastructure is good, the scenery is varied and the range of places to stay is exceptionally broad. You can base yourself close to the experiences you actually want and spend less time on unnecessary driving.
One of Europe’s largest camping networks: France has an exceptional density of campsites, from small family-run nature sites to large resorts with pools and activities. This gives you a genuine choice between simple rural camping, family camping, glamping and a more flexible motorhome holiday.
Variety that suits the camping lifestyle: Camping works best when you can adapt to the weather, your mood and the season. In France, you can head for cooler mountain temperatures when the coast becomes too hot, choose the Atlantic when the Mediterranean is busy, and combine wine regions with beaches without crossing a border.
Freedom to experience more: Camping allows you to stay close to the places you want to explore. You might wake beside a lake, cycle to a local market, visit a village or vineyard in the morning and finish the day with a swim or a simple meal outside your tent, caravan or motorhome. That proximity makes the journey feel more spontaneous while still giving you a secure base to return to.
Food and market culture made for campers: France is ideal for simple but excellent meals. With a small camping kitchen, you can eat remarkably well on baguettes, cheese, tomatoes, fruit, olives and local produce without needing a restaurant budget every day.
Camping is part of French holiday culture: Many French families camp themselves, and it shows. Campsites are familiar, well organised and often very family-friendly. It is a slower style of holiday without necessarily sacrificing comfort.
Choose your camping style: what suits you best?
Before choosing a region, it helps to decide what style of camping you prefer. This makes the rest of the planning easier and helps you find the right balance between comfort, freedom and experiences.
Family camping (3–5 stars)
Typically with a pool, water park, playgrounds, activities, a shop, restaurant and entertainment in high season. Ideal for families and anyone who wants everything in one place.
Peaceful nature camping
Greener, quieter and more spacious, with less entertainment. A good choice for couples, adult travellers, tent campers and anyone who values calm over a resort atmosphere.
Farm stays and small private sites
Small sites with simple facilities, beautiful surroundings and often local produce. Perfect for travellers seeking a distinctive, local and peaceful stay.
Glamping
Ready-pitched tents, yurts or small cabins with proper beds and often a private bathroom. Ideal if you want to be close to nature without the practical work of traditional camping.
Motorhome holidays: If you want to travel around and see a lot, combining campsites with motorhome aires is often the smartest solution. You gain flexibility on travel days and comfort when you want to stay in one place for longer.
When should you travel? Seasons, weather and prices
France is a large country, so the best time to go depends on the region. Even so, there are several clear patterns worth knowing.
High season: July and August
The advantage is that everything is open, the sea is warm and services are at their fullest. The disadvantages are higher prices, heavier traffic, larger crowds and often intense heat in the south.
- Book popular campsites early.
- Stay a little inland if you want more peace and lower prices.
- Where possible, avoid driving on the busiest weekend changeover days.
Shoulder season: May–June and September
Many travellers consider this the ideal time for camping in France. Temperatures are pleasant, roads are quieter and prices are often better. It is particularly well suited to motorhome tours, cycling holidays, walking, wine regions and local markets.
Low season: October–April
Fewer campsites remain open, although the southern coast and some sites near towns can still work well. Mountain areas have their own winter seasons, while certain regions are better suited to motorhome transit stops than to a traditional camping holiday.
Campsite or motorhome aire: which should you choose?
This is one of the most important choices for a successful trip. Choose a campsite when you want to stay several nights, use a pool, enjoy organised activities or a restaurant, have full facilities, or create a comfortable base for day trips.
Choose an aire when you want to stop for one or two nights, keep costs down, remain flexible, manage waste and water easily, and make spontaneous stops as you travel through the country.
Campsite
Best for three to seven nights, a family base, full facilities and a slower holiday pace.
Aire
Best for one or two nights, flexibility, budget travel and short stops during a road trip.
Visiting towns
An aire is often best when it is safe and practical; otherwise choose a campsite a little outside the town.
Motorhome aires in France: a complete guide
France has one of Europe’s best networks of motorhome aires. It can still seem confusing at first, so these are the essentials.
What is an aire?
An aire is a stop designed for motorhomes, often with marked spaces, grey-water disposal, toilet-waste disposal, fresh water and sometimes electricity. Some are free, while others charge a modest overnight fee.
The most common types
- Municipal aires: often affordable, close to town centres and very practical.
- Private aires: usually more structured, with gates, electricity and clearly stated rules.
- Aires beside campsites: flexibility combined with access to facilities.
- Aires at farms and vineyards: peaceful surroundings, views and a more local experience.
- Motorway and transit stops: useful as a backup, but rarely the best choice for an overnight stay.
Facilities and payment
Washrooms are not standard at aires, so plan to be self-sufficient. Payment may be made at a machine, by card or app, through a barrier system or at reception.
Etiquette and strategy
Stay within marked spaces, empty tanks only at designated service points, respect maximum-stay rules and keep noise to a minimum. A sensible strategy is to begin at a campsite, use aires during the touring part of the holiday and finish with a few nights at another campsite.
A practical combination: Campsites provide comfort and a holiday base. Aires provide flexibility, lower costs and convenient short stops. Combining the two often creates the best journey through France.
Prices and budget: what does camping in France cost?
Prices vary enormously by region, season and standard. Coastal areas and famous hotspots cost the most, and July and August are the most expensive months. Pools, water parks, entertainment and premium pitches all increase the price. Rental accommodation and glamping may cost more than traditional camping with your own equipment.
How to save money without spoiling the holiday
- Travel in June or September.
- Stay 10–30 minutes inland from the coast.
- Use aires for short stops.
- Prepare breakfast and lunch yourself, and eat out on selected evenings.
- Choose fewer, better campsites rather than moving between many expensive sites.
Practical rules and French camping culture
Many campsites have fixed check-in periods, and their gates may close in the evening. Read the booking conditions and opening hours before arrival. During dry periods, restrictions on open fires may apply, particularly in the south, and local rules must always be followed.
Many sites accept dogs but require them to be kept on a lead and handled considerately. Some impose restrictions during high season or around pool areas. Motorhome aires often have their own maximum-stay limits, which should always be respected.
Safety: theft, driving tips and sensible habits
Camping in France is generally safe, but holiday traffic can attract opportunistic theft, particularly at petrol stations, motorway service areas, major tourist sites and around unattended bicycles.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Secure bicycles with a strong lock — ideally two.
- Use a safe or lockable storage compartment.
- Carry copies of important documents.
- Where possible, choose well-lit aires with several other motorhomes.
Camping with children: what makes the holiday easier
France is an excellent camping country for families. Look for good washroom facilities, shade, a pool or water park if the children love swimming, safe paths and ideally a bakery or bread-delivery service nearby.
In hotter regions, it helps to plan town visits and excursions for the morning, allow time for rest or swimming in the middle of the day and start the evening a little later. This creates a better rhythm for children and adults alike.
Food, markets and the camping kitchen: one of the holiday’s great luxuries
Camping in France becomes even better when you shop at local markets. Pick up picnic ingredients such as cheese, ham, tomatoes, fruit and baguettes, and try local specialities including honey, olives, pâté and regional cakes.
Simple meals that taste of France
- Salad with chèvre and walnuts
- Herb omelette
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Peach or nectarine with yoghurt for dessert
Map of camping regions and experiences
Interactive camping map
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Regional guide: the best areas for camping
France is almost tailor-made for region-based camping. The areas below suit different styles of holiday, from family breaks by the coast to wine regions, mountains and quieter nature journeys.
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Brittany – coast, cliffs and a true holiday atmosphere
Brittany is perfect for travellers who enjoy fresh air, dramatic scenery and small seaside towns. It offers rugged cliffs, long sandy beaches, excellent campsites and a more relaxed atmosphere than the hottest southern coasts.
It is a strong choice for family holidays, coastal walks, road trips and island excursions. Many smaller towns also have practical aires, making the region easy to explore by motorhome.
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Normandy – history, orchards and green landscapes
Normandy is a classic destination for camping by car or motorhome. Distances are manageable, and the region combines historic sites, long beaches, cliffs, cider, cheese and villages that reward slower travel.
It is an excellent choice for combining culture, scenery and food without turning every day into a long drive.
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Normandy
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Loire Valley – châteaux, rivers and cycle routes
The Loire Valley is ideal for relaxed camping. Châteaux, gardens, river landscapes and excellent cycle routes make it easy to use one campsite as a base for several days.
The region is particularly well suited to couples, adult travellers, culture lovers and anyone who enjoys picnics, riverside scenery and a gentler pace.
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Loire Valley
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Alsace – wine villages and postcard towns
Alsace is compact, beautiful and easy to explore. Stay at one campsite and visit wine villages one after another, combine Colmar and Strasbourg with smaller settlements, and add tastings and markets along the way.
It is an obvious choice for photography, autumn journeys, wine enthusiasts and leisurely road trips.
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Alsace
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Champagne and the north-east – sparkling wine, towns and history
Champagne is underrated as a camping destination, yet it works extremely well as a two- to four-day stage on the journey south or home. You will find vineyards, tastings, small towns and relatively short distances. Spend time in Reims and Épernay or join a cellar tour with a producer. Many campsites are attractively placed beside the Marne, with a peaceful atmosphere and good cycling and walking through the vineyards.
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Champagne
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Dordogne and Lot – village charm, rivers and food
This is one of France’s best-loved camping regions. It offers rivers for swimming and paddling, medieval towns, markets, castles and classic village life.
Riverside camping is particularly rewarding here. You gain a genuine summer atmosphere without the coastal crowds, and the region suits families and couples alike.
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Dordogne
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Provence – lavender, markets and hilltop villages
Provence is the dream for many travellers: lavender fields, olives, markets, hilltop villages and a wide range of campsites, both large and small. A base-camp approach with day trips works especially well here.
Summer conditions matter. Heat and drought may lead to restrictions on fires and access to certain natural areas.
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Provence
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Côte d’Azur – Riviera beaches and mountains behind the coast
The Riviera can be expensive and busy, but camping makes it easier to experience the area more intelligently. Stay a little inland and travel to the coast for the day. Prices are often lower and nights more peaceful, while beach towns, mountain villages and varied excursions remain within reach.
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Côte d’Azur
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Languedoc and Occitanie – more space, less stress
For many travellers, this is the smarter south. You gain sunshine, beaches and wine with more space and often better value than on the Riviera. The Canal du Midi, lagoons, small towns and wine areas make the region especially flexible.
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Occitanie
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The Alps – mountain camping and cooler summer nights
For fresh air, lakes, mountain passes and active days, the Alps are superb for camping. They provide a welcome break from coastal heat and are ideal for walking, cycling and nature-focused holidays.
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the Alps
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The Pyrenees – dramatic landscapes and smaller crowds
The Pyrenees are often quieter than the Alps, with beautiful valleys, mountain roads, villages, local culture and excellent walking. This is a region for peaceful, active holidays in nature without the same level of crowds.
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the Pyrenees
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Auvergne and the Massif Central – volcanic landscapes and lakes
This is a more secret side of France: green, affordable and rich in nature. Volcanic landscapes, lakes and walking routes come with less tourism than the coast. It is especially well suited to uncrowded family holidays and travellers seeking impressive scenery without coastal prices.
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Auvergne
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Corsica – the camping island for adventurers
Corsica is spectacular: mountains and sea on the same day, crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, mountain roads and many campsites in natural and coastal settings. It is a destination for adventure, nature and the combination of beaches and mountains.
Be realistic about driving times. Roads can be narrow and slow, which is precisely why staying several nights in each place is better than chasing too many stops.
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Corsica
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Suggested routes for 7, 10, 14 and 21 days
7 days: Loire Valley plus one extra area
- Three nights in the Loire Valley with a base camp, châteaux and cycling
- Two nights in a smaller town or village
- Two nights near a larger town, camping outside and visiting on a day trip
10 days: Brittany and Normandy
- Five nights in Brittany for coastal scenery and beaches
- Three nights in Normandy for history and towns
- Two peaceful overnight stops at aires on the journey home
14 days: the smarter south
- Seven nights in Occitanie for the coast, wine and canal landscapes
- Seven nights in Provence for villages and markets
21 days: a grand motorhome tour
- Five nights beside the river in Dordogne
- Two nights in the Loire Valley
- Five nights in Provence
- Two nights in the Alps
- Five nights in Occitanie
- Two nights at quieter aires on the return journey
Packing lists and equipment
Useful for everyone
Passport or ID, travel insurance, European Health Insurance Card, sunscreen, insect repellent, first-aid kit, head torch, power bank and chargers.
Tent camping
Extra pegs and guy lines, a tarpaulin or shade solution, comfortable sleeping equipment, ventilation and mosquito nets.
Caravan
Extension cable, adapters, levelling blocks, a gas-system check and an awning with the correct fixing equipment.
Motorhome
Gloves and equipment for waste disposal, hose connectors or adapters, additional bicycle security and a plan for water and electricity.
Remember this in the south
Shade is extremely valuable. Prioritise an awning or sun shelter, a reliable water routine and quieter activities during the hottest part of the day.
Common mistakes — and how to avoid them
- Too many stops — build in longer base stays.
- Driving days that are too long — plan conservatively.
- Ignoring heat and shade — prioritise shade in the south.
- Assuming everything will be available in July — book ahead or keep a backup plan.
- Weak theft prevention — secure bicycles and remove easy temptations.
Frequently asked questions
Is camping in France expensive?
It depends on the region and season. Coastal areas and high season can be expensive, while inland areas and the shoulder season are often very reasonably priced.
Do you need to book in advance?
In July and August, advance booking is often advisable in popular areas. June and September are much more flexible, especially for motorhomes using aires.
Are motorhome aires safe?
Most are safe, but normal precautions still apply. Where possible, choose well-lit aires with several other motorhomes.
Can you wild camp?
Rules vary locally, and restrictions are common in coastal areas and nature reserves. Always follow signs and local regulations.
Camping in France is about more than where you sleep
France is so well suited to camping because the style of travel matches the country itself. You get close to nature, markets, villages, mountains, beaches and the small detours that often become the best memories of the holiday.
Whether you dream of family camping by the coast, a relaxed motorhome tour, wine landscapes and local markets, or mountains and cooler nights, there is a region and a camping style to suit you.
Explore our interactive map of campsites in France: Campsite map
Explore our interactive motorhome map of France: Motorhome map