The 20 best campsites in France
Camping trips in France were a large part of my childhood. My dad would bemoan having to wear Speedos over 'normal' swimming shorts in the campsite swimming pool; Mum would read the paper road map wrong, taking us on a convoluted detour; and I'd make a bunch of new French friends I couldn't communicate with.
France does campsites well. You can camp in the most unexpected of places, like central Paris, or a stone's throw from Disneyland, just as you can pitch up in the middle of the mountains, or on the banks of Lake Annecy. Camping doesn't necessarily mean under canvas though: glamping has become increasingly luxurious, with giant structures and five-star facilities. Many campsites come with ready-erected tents, static caravans and mobile homes. If you love the outdoors, but hate the faff that comes with it, you're covered in France.
Brands like Eurocamp, Yelloh! and Huttopia have sites all over the country. Eurocamp caters largely to families with packed daily activity schedules, Yelloh!'s'villages generally have all the home comforts you could want, and Huttopia is all about barefoot luxury. CampingFrance.com is a good way to find smaller, independent campsites, with 9,000 listings.
Paris
Northeast
Northwest
Central France
Southwest
The Alps
The Mediterranean
Corsica
Paris
Capfun Freland
Best for Disneyland
Just 30 minutes by road from Disneyland Paris, Capfun Freland is a little like a theme park itself, with several swimming pools, water slides, ping-pong tables and a football pitch – plus a kids' club four days a week. Book the Mad Magician's house (sleeps four), a topsy-turvy house bigger on the first floor than the ground floor. It's also an hour's drive from Parc Asterix. From £236 a week for two
Camping de Paris
Best for a city break
In the Fifties, my dad pitched his tent in a bombed-out cemetery near the Arc de Triomphe. These days, wild camping in central Paris wouldn't be tolerated. Fortunately, Camping de Paris, on the edge of Bois de Boulogne, is open year-round. It's a bit of a faff for the metro (bus 244 to Porte Maillot station; 10 minutes), but where else could you stay in Paris and pay less than an Eiffel Tower entry ticket? Fom £27 for two per night
Northeast
Domaine d'Haulmé
Best for a short journey
Green, laid-back and with a gorgeous mix of Flemish and French architecture, the Ardennes is made for peaceful and cheap family camping trips, easy to reach from the UK by ferry or Le Shuttle. Haulmé has all the regular accommodation choices — tent pitches and chalets — plus bell tents, tiny houses, vintage caravans and geometric domes. Hire kayaks on-site to cruise down the River Semois. From £9 per night
Northwest
Camping Sandaya l'Anse du Brick
Best for outdoor activities
A stone's throw from the Cotentin Peninsula's beaches, choose from sea view villas, light wood chalets or two-floor safari-style lodges with canvas roofs at Camping Sandaya. The pull is the outdoors. There's no nightlife, but plenty of hiking, cycling and water sports. Direct UK ferries arrive in Cherbourg. From £45 for two nights (minimum stay)
Yelloh ! Village Camping les Mouettes
Best for spa treatments
Half-campsite, half-spa, Les Mouettes has a balneotherapy pool (using natural mineral waters and mud), massage rooms, and a restaurant that wouldn't look out of place at Soho Farmhouse. The splintered and dramatic Breton coast that greets you when you unzip the awning. Tent pitches come with private bathrooms. From £69 for two nights (minimum stay)
Lodg'ing Nature Camp Crozon
Best for small-site charm
A tiny campsite with just 19 festival-style bell tents and panoramic, sunset-facing sea views. Lodg'ing is a sociable little place, with breakfast served in the open-sided gazebo. Tents are very spacious and dazzlingly white, and there's a little beach and lido at the bottom of the hill. From £114 for two nights (minimum stay)
Un Lit au Pré, La Ferme de Penquelen Huella
Best for farm vibes
There's no Wi-Fi, but there are cows, chickens, goats, sheep, geese, ducks, pigs, dogs and… guinea pigs. The cosy lodges with canvas roofs at Un Lit au Pré look like little farmhouses, and you can play at being a farmer too by mucking in with feeding the farm animals, and eating produce straight from the farm shop. From £292 for two nights (minimum stay)
Central France
Huttopia Senonches
Best for upgraded activities
This couldn't feel further for Paris, yet it's only 90 minutes away. Forested, on the banks of a lake, and with wood-fired hot tubs and activities like basketry, going to Huttopia Senonches is like going to a middle-class festival rather than camping. Just beware extortionate cleaning fees; £76 for as little as a two-night stay, unless you do your own end-of-tenancy deep clean. From £120 per night
Camping Le Capeyrou
Best for reliable weather
If there's anywhere perfectly geared to camping in France, it's the Dordogne. Impossibly green, but with more reliable weather than Brittany, and plenty of forests, rivers and vineyards, four walls are obsolete here. Neatly slotted between Beynac-et-Cazenac's magnificent château and the River Dordogne, at Le Capeyrou you can pretty much access your plot by kayak. From £45 for two nights (minimum stay)
Camping Huttopia Lac de la Siauve
Best for cheese lovers
Choose between the (chilly) lake and the (heated) swimming pool after a day of consuming some of France's finest cheeses in the Cantal region. There's plenty for all the family at Camping Huttopia Lac de la Siauve, including a treetop adventure park, and an activities schedule that includes fishing, guided walks and regular concerts. The chalets and trapper tents are pure glamping, there's no roughing it. From £13 per night
Southwest
Camping Marvilla Parks – Atlantic Club Montalivet
Best for beach access
Spilling directly onto the beach in Gironde, this Eurocamp site has mobile homes, chalets, and tents (including two-storey tents). Throughout summer, there's a packed activities schedule, with game nights, live music and aqua aerobics. The enormous beach on the doorstep has all manner of water sports. From £139 per person per week (three-night stays also available)
Vegan Surf Camp
Best for surfing
It's surprising that a vegan campsite exists in France. Naturally, this one in Moliets-et-Maa in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in south-western France comes with surfing or yoga packages (or both, if you're perfectly in balance). The camp also runs vegan cooking classes and gives free journaling books with yoga package sign-ups. It's a unique lifestyle, but you'll certainly feel better at the end of your stay. From £408 per week with meals, excluding activities
Camping Cabaliros
Best for mountain landscapes
The perfect hiker's hangout in the heart of the Pyrénées has a plethora of trails and mountain lakes on its doorstep. Camping Cabaliros stays open in winter (mobile homes only), and is only a two-minute drive from Cauterets ski resort. Twitchers will have a field day: frequent sightings include eagles, barn owls and kingfishers. From £12 per night
The Alps
Camping le Lac Bleu
Best for adventure
Mountain hikes, paragliding, pedalos on the lake and boat trips… Lake Annecy is nature on steroids, and allegedly has the cleanest water in Europe. If you're looking to escape the UK's sewage-ridden coast, you could do worse than camping at Camping le Lac Bleu by Lake Annecy, whose wooden jetty points right out towards the mountains. The swimming pool is a welcome alternative to the glacial lake. From £22 per night
Camping de la Meije
Best for hiking
Most people associate La Grave with skiing, but in the summer it's a great base for numerous hiking, including the 14 day Tour des Écrins, and has excellent cheese shops to fuel your hunger. At Camping de la Meije, there's a small playground, a swimming pool and a mini-golf course, but the reason you'd really stay here is for the views, the perpetually snow-covered peaks of the Écrins. From £19 per night
Camping Valbonheur
Best for cooler temperatures
Another campsite gloriously sandwiched between lake and mountain, Camping Valbonheur stays cool even in the height of summer. Their 'igloos' (domed wooden huts that look like the top half of a wooden caravan) are very picturesque, if not particularly spacious. There are also lodges, chalets and some rather spectacular safari tents, which open up right onto the ponds (pack mosquito spray). From £12 per night
The Mediterranean
Camping Domaine de la Bergerie
Best for intimacy
Between Vence and the picture-perfect artist's town, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the stone buildings of Camping Domaine de la Bergerie look like the Provence of yesteryear. It has been running for over 70 years, and its recipe for success is having the best of all worlds. It's small enough to feel intimate, but also has a shop, restaurant and swimming pool – plus the beach is just a 20-minute drive away. From £16 per night
Nova Lodges
Best for glamping
Calling anyone who hates camping, there are no tents, only lodges, begging the question, what is a campsite? When it's packaged like this, with a palm-fringed swimming pool and direct beach access, it's more upmarket than many hotels.
Beachside accommodation facing St Tropez, each lodge has a fully-equipped kitchen, private patio with sun loungers, and two bathrooms – Nova Lodges is camping bragging rights with none of the fuss. From £500 per week
Yelloh ! Village Le Sérignan Plage
Best for extra activities
You could easily spend a week here and not leave the campsite. Le Sérignan Plage boasts gym classes, tennis and padel courts. There's nightly entertainment, and everything from fencing to baking classes for kids. Tempting though it is, make the effort to leave, the local beaches are lovely and unspoilt (although many are designated nudist beaches). From £183 per week (shorter stays also available)
Corsica
Camping L'Oso Porto-Vecchio
Best for calm atmosphere
Set back from the coast, this campsite is a haven of calm, even in the height of summer. Chalets, mobile homes and tent pitches at Camping L'Oso are well spaced, with plenty of trees for privacy. The best pitches and chalets look directly over the River Oso. Check in for as long as possible, the myriad of activities on offer nearby range from canyoning and diving to horse riding along the beach. From £153 per week
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No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Best camping chairs 1. Best Buy Camping Chair: Vango Embrace Chair When the sun sets on a campsite, there's nothing better than sinking down into your chair and enjoying a sundown but usually, when that happens, the temperature drops and even a light breeze can chill you through the fabric of a standard folding seat. Not so with the Vango Embrace, a luxuriously quilted and padded number that wraps around your entire body – a style sometimes known as a moon chair – and keeps you well off the ground, meaning that you stay warmer and comfortable even when night falls. It's made from a sturdy steel frame (it can take a weight of 19 stone!) that's easy to unfold – I could even do this with one hand – and when you're done, it easily pushes down and back into its carry bag. The fabric is Vango's own trademarked offering that feels soft to touch but is durable and hardwearing – even if you spill your drink on it and need to vigorously clean it (trust me, I speak from experience). You do, of course, pay for this unrivalled comfort and not just with money. At 5kg, it's considerably heavier than most standard two-person tents. Fitting it into the boot of a smaller car will see it take up a lot of space, too. But if you're car camping for several days, it's definitely worth the bulk. Key specifications 2. Best Value Camping Chair: Trespass Folding Padded Camping and Garden Deck Chair Paddy Whereas the other padded and value options here tend to fold in on themselves in a cuboid shape, this model from Scottish brand Trespass folds flat (good for storing in the shed between trips or behind seats in a campervan or caravan) and still manages to pack in a good amount of comfort in a padded foam seat. The frame is made from steel, hence the slightly heavier weight compared to other options, but this does make it sturdy to sit on, so good for those who are less steady when sitting down. The sitting height is average and the maximum load is decent for the price. It was easy to fold away and set out. For campers who feel the cold, the design of this one will mean draughts as it's not the bucket style, which keeps wind at bay, but that can be mitigated by using a blanket or a good jacket. My only niggle is the finish, though the fabric feels fairly robust, the stitching in places feels like it might fray with use relatively quickly. Still a decent option for the low price. Key specifications 3. Best Camping Chair for the Garden: Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair Recommended by Rebecca Astill This is my camping chair of choice for days spent watching my boyfriend play cricket. It's strong, stable, padded and comfortable enough to sit in all day. Plus, the insulated cup holder keeps a glass of rosé lovely and cool. (Making it an excellent choice as an occasional garden chair, too.) It comes with a carry bag which the chair easily collapses back into and its long handle means it can be slung onto my back while barely noticing the weight. The polyester fabric is nicely padded. It's even breathable in 30C heat, which is impressive. The only thing I'd change is to make the headrest slightly more upright; it slopes back, which means you have to sit up to chat to anyone or, in my case, watch cricket. I've seen other camping chairs which have a zip in the headrest to store the bag, which then creates a cushion. I do think this would make an excellent addition, but other than that it's a practical, comfortable chair. Key specifications 4. Best 'just in case' Camping Chair: Helinox Chair One (re) For something light and packable with more comfort than the featherweight model, I like Helinox's newly designed Chair One (re). First hitting the shelves in 2012 when the South Korean father-and-son founded company produced what became the first in its field of portable camping furniture, the previous iteration was always quite low to the ground (34cm) and could be a little unstable (especially for larger users). The new version has addressed both of these issues. Thanks to added tension in the body of the chair it now feels a lot sturdier and adding four extra centimetres to the sitting height – it's now a little over 38cm – means it's closer to the standard-sized camping chair, yet still packs down remarkably small - 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm (about the size of a bowling pin). Its green credentials have also improved, with the frame now partly being made from repurposed aluminium (basically the scraps of metal left of the factory floor that would have been discarded) and the fabric is certified recycled polyester. The addition of a side pocket is handy for storing a phone or keys and setting it up is fairly straightforward. It may be a little more expensive than the bulkier models, but for those wanting to save space in the car or backpack and not sacrifice as much comfort for the privilege, this is a great 'just in case option' on all camping trips. Key specifications 5. Best Luxury Chair: Isabella Thor Chair In 1957 Denmark's Søren Odgaard decided that no tent on the market was quite right for him, so he designed one in his basement. Now his company, Isabella, has a reputation for camping accessories that focus on comfort and quality. The Thor Chair embodies this – it's made from a lightweight aluminium frame, but feels sturdy. The seat and padded headrest are made from a ventilated but hardwearing material and it is reclinable – they claim eight positions, though I felt it was a bit of an over-sell, seeing as it only seems to relate to the number of notches on the arms. Either way, it is certainly comfortable to sit in and there are optional add-ons to pimp it out for even greater luxury, from a foldable footrest to a detachable side pocket and even a made-to-measure towel. The only real drawback is the size. Although easy to fold, it still has a total length of 120cm and width of 61cm, meaning I couldn't fit it in the boot of my small car. If you have a large vehicle, though or even better a campervan, this won't be an issue. Key specifications 6. Best Picnic Chair: Regatta Director's Chair with Side Table For those of us who firmly believe that food eaten outdoors tastes better, then a chair with an added foldaway table can turn a good picnic into a great one. Styled like a Hollywood director's pew, Regatta's offering is easy to set up with a quick pull on its arms. The polyester fabric is comfortable yet durable and the table will easily take a drink (in a dedicated cup holder) and a small plate or snack. With a seat height of 46cm you are kept well off the floor and folding it away is straightforward. It is a flatpack affair – though despite the table, it is slightly smaller – meaning great for storing in a caravan or shed, but a little trickier in a small car boot. It is mid-range weight-wise and takes up to 15 stone, but considering that you're essentially taking a table and chair with you, it's a comparatively small price to pay. Key specifications 7. Best Lightweight Chair for Taller Campers: Sitpack Campster 2 Following a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, this new version of the lightweight, foldaway, previously three-legged backpacker's chair now features an infinitely more stable four-leg design. On first glance, it is much like Helinox's Chair Zero below – the Campster also folds down to 35cm, roughly the size of a water flask. It is also easy to put up, allegedly in five seconds, which I found impossible, but it is straightforward. So you might be wondering how they manage to sell it for £35 less. Firstly, it should be pointed out that it's heavier by a whole kilogram. If you're camping with the car, this won't be a dealbreaker, but for backpackers, this might (pardon the pun) tip the scales in favour of Helinox. If you're after comfort over grams, or are a taller or heavier camper, however, then the Campster II is for you. Not only does it have a higher seat, making it easier to get in and out of and can take an additional three stone, but also comes with some fairly luxurious add-ons for an additional price – and weight of course – including a snuggly fleece seat warmer. It has two side pockets, which I felt a tad unnecessary given that using just one affects the stability. But, overall, a decent compact option for those wanting comfort and portability. Key specifications 8. Best Lightweight Camping Chair: Helinox Chair Zero It's easy to baulk at the price tag of this one – especially when you see the packed size of the item you're purchasing (it folds down to smaller than a thermos flask), but as is often the case with outdoor gear, what you are paying for is the lack of bulk. While similar to Helinox's Chair One above, the Chair Zero is even more compact. For me, as an ardent wild camper, the idea of taking a camping chair when I head to remote places used to be laughable. Their weight made them a comfort I'd just have to do without. But then the Helinox came along in 2012, at the time weighing in at just under 1kg. Since then, I have been tempted on several occasions to throw one in my backpack to avoid evenings hunched over in my tent. Hitting the scales at half a kilogram (that's less than an iPad), this latest lightweight version is still sturdy and strong – it can hold a whopping 18 stone (that's more than some full-size chairs here) – and is insanely easy to put up. The strong aluminium alloy poles, a higher grade than used in aircraft, simply slip into the fabric pockets and it's ready to sit in. Admittedly, the one sacrifice is the low seat height, which on snowy or uneven ground could be cold or less comfortable. People with weaker legs who struggle to rise should opt for something higher. But, with such a low weight, this will always be a great option for backpacking, camping and even on long walks. Key specifications 9. Most Comfortable Camping Chair: Coleman Forester Series Bucket Chair Armless bucket chairs that you can sink into seem to be rising in popularity, like the Vango in our number one spot and this Coleman Forrester bucket chair. Unlike the Vango, this one isn't padded – but rest assured, it's still extremely comfortable. I thought I'd miss having armrests to relax my arms, but I barely noticed they weren't there and it made the chair lighter. The one downside is that the drinks holder has to be strapped onto the bottom, as you can see in the photo. It holds a water bottle, but up-ends any glass with a stem, predictably. I'm not sure I could sit in it all day, because of the lack of back support with the bucket design, but the fabric is pulled tight enough to give a reasonable amount of rigour. The back also comes up high, meaning you can comfortably rest your head while chatting. Be warned, it sits quite low, which is noticeable if you're in a group of mismatched camping chairs. Other than that, I love the simplicity and relaxed style of this chair. Key specifications 10. Best Compact Camping Chair: Outwell Cardiel For something equally as low bulk and weight as the Helinox, at a fraction of the price, there is Outwell's Cardiel Black. Essentially two sit mats lashed together with adjustable straps to create a seat with a backrest, it folds down easily to fit into most backpacks or chuck into your car 'just in case'. The obvious sticking point for some will be the lack of height off the ground – this doesn't only look like a sit mat, it basically is a fancy version of one. However, this can work well for a number of scenarios, in particular on the beach when other chairs would sink into the sand, or to simply make standard campsite benches more comfortable and supportive. The fabric is tough and durable and easy to clean and folding it out is simple and fast. There's even a small pocket great for stashing keys or a phone. Key specifications 11. Best Heated Camping Chair: Vango Radiate Grande DLX If the idea of sitting outside leaves you a little cold, then Vango's heated range offers a solution. There's a near-invisible heating element built into the lower panel of the backrest, which runs off a power bank (not supplied) that can fit snugly in the inbuilt pocket under the seat. It has four temperature settings controlled by a large button – one click for red (hottest), down to blue (coolest). Despite my scepticism on how much heat I could get from a single panel, once paired with a blanket over my legs, it did indeed keep me toasty well after sunset. The seat can be adjusted from upright to near lie flat – with seven options available – meaning you can completely chill, without actually getting chilled. The fabric is robust and durable, yet comfy to touch and is padded and designed to radiate heat, meaning once the pad warms up (which literally takes seconds), you feel the benefit almost immediately. It comes with a moveable headrest for added comfort and there's a tall option available too. When not in use, it packs down flat, so easy to store at home, though it is still quite large (111cm x 9cm x 75cm) and less portable than others, especially if you have a small car. The main drawback is the high price tag, though for glampers who love a little luxury (and warmth) or those with back issues, it'll be worth it. Key specifications 12. Best Children's Camping Chair: Kampa Mini Tub If there's one thing I've learned after having my son, now nearly two, it's that the camping chair he most wants to sit in is whichever one I am currently occupying. That all changed when I got this specially made-for-kids option. Featuring a range of designs – unicorns, cars and woodland creatures – he was immediately taken with the owl on the latter while I, meanwhile, was enamoured with the fact that, unlike most kids' options, there were no open sides he could inadvertently slip through or try and climb between. It's also well-padded for comfort, easy to fold away and with a seat height of 28cm, he can easily get in and out of it himself. It is, unsurprisingly given the padding, a little bulky, but it takes an impressive weight load, meaning it should last him a while. At a push, it can even just about take my weight when he undoubtedly steals my seat again… Key specifications Weight: 2.7kg Seat height: 28cm Maximum load: 60kg (9.4 stone) 13. Best Folding Camping Chair for Festivals: Snow Peak Take Bamboo Score: 8/10 We like: Lifetime guarantee, bamboo and canvas design We don't like: It's heavy and not cheap Rocking up at a festival with your camping gear is not just about comfort and practicality, but about what your kit says about you too. With this bamboo and canvas designed foldaway number – which not only takes a reasonable weight, packs down easily to fit in your car/campervan and features a long back and decent seat height for maximum comfort – it shows that you care as much about sustainability as you do about style. As well as the wood being responsibly sourced, the chair is guaranteed to last a lifetime, with Snow Peak pledging to repair it no matter how old it is. It may not be the lightest offering here, but those eco-creds do take a weight off your mind and thanks to the removable and washable canvas seat, you can enjoy the festival knowing that any food or drink mishaps are easily dealt with. Key specifications Camping chair FAQs Which is the comfiest camping chair? There are a lot of padded options, including the Vango Embrace which I have made my number one pick. Some also have extras, such as reclining functions or built-in tables. But these are bulky and best suited to people heading to their campsites by car. I believe the most important thing when choosing a camping chair is to check out the seat height: some are low and not easy for everyone to get in and out of. Child-sized camping seats are available, too. For wild camping aficionados like me, or those who want to take minimal gear with them, look instead for small pack size, low weight and fabric durability. Finally, no matter if you're going wild or mild, always check the chair's maximum load weight. You want to be sure that every member of your party can be safe and comfortable. What material are camping chairs made of? The first portable folding stool is believed to have been made over 4,500 years ago in Mesopotamia, but JB Fenby's 1881 folding chair in wood and canvas set the standard and still inspires many of the camping chairs made today, including the Snow Peak bamboo chair above. The arrival of lightweight aluminium post-WW2 expanded the possibilities and nowadays there's a huge range of specially-designed outdoor seats to choose from, usually made from weatherproof synthetic fabrics and meshes.
