Camping vacation in France: An enormous selection of camping sites
Camping in France is for those who want to enjoy a vacation in France with the freedom to go from place to place without sacrificing comfort at all. Add to that: At a very fair price. The whole family can enjoy the travel freedom and get memorable experiences. Sounds like you? If so, then France’s campsites are just for you.
The options are almost infinitely large. In France, there are over 11.000 campsites, all rated in a system from 1 star to 5 stars, kind of Michelin inspired? It makes it easy to choose right from a number of variables: Place, price, quality. The campsites also cover a wide range of opportunities to see France from a new angle, like camping on a farm or naturist camping? It is optional. 🙂
Camping in France is for everyone
You do not have to connect a camper to the family car or live in a camper to use the French campsites. You can be on a cycling holiday, hiking, traveling as a backpacker or just wanting an extremely comfortable family holiday. There are often huts or apartments or a camp tent. There is something for everyone. There are a few rules and tools that are good to know. E.g. this:
It is possible to camp freely in the countryside if the owner of the area agrees. However, it is not permitted to camp on public streets and roads, at the beach, at sights or in nature and water reserves. This is how each country has its differences, also in that area.
Camping in France guide/lists of campsites
All France’s 11,000 campsites are available at www.campingfrance.com. Here you can search for suitable places according to search criteria such as location, service, activities, etc.
In addition, you can buy camping books with a list of selected French campsites. Or buy Michelin’s “Camping France”.
By the way, it is not mandatory to bring a special camping card in France. You can just drop your regular travel pass at the campsite.
Also in the official camping and camper guide published by Motor Presse France in cooperation with the French Camping Association, you will find all the nearly 11,000 campsites in France. The guide can be ordered at the French camping federation FFCC’s website www.ffcc.fr (in French), at Motor Presse France or in a French bookstore. There is also an equivalent official guide for caravan campers on holiday in France.
The stars are sprinkled over the French campsites
The vast majority of the French campsites have been classified by 1 to 5 stars. The category is assigned according to the campsite general quality and facilities. However, such a star rating often only says something about the nature and extent of the facilities and services (eg area of storage, number of washing facilities, etc.) and does not take into account qualitative aspects such as green areas at the campsite or where warm a reception you may expect.
Where can I park my camper on a camping vacation in France?
According to the French Traffic Regulations, motorhomes must also park in parking lots and streets where there is a general parking permit – if the driver does not, due to its size, impede traffic or other road users – for maximum 7 days. However, tables, chairs, umbrellas, etc. are not allowed as this is considered camping and is only allowed in designated places.
Approved parking spaces for motorhomes with waste stations and power/water taps are usually located near a rest area and may be free as well as taxable. In France, there are almost 3,700 such caravan camps. Most of the 11,000 campsites in France also offer areas for motorhomes, either on-site or nearby. So this variation of camping vacation in France works very well.
Camping Municipal is for those, who want to camp easily and cheaply
If it is not just the activities and luxury you are after, then you will probably think about the simple public campsites, the so-called “camping municipal”. On the website of Camping Municipal (in French) you can find the public campsites in the different regions.
Camping in France on a farm, it’s a true nature holiday!
Camping in France on a private farm in the countryside
Do you want to stay close to the French people and maybe a French farm on your camping holiday in France? It is possible: Since 1988, “Bienvenue à la Ferme” is well-known for farms with tourist offers: sale of homemade products, traditional gastronomy, farms with display/education, accommodation/camping at the farmhouse. Eventually, more than 600 farms offer camping and shelters. On the “Bienvenue à la Ferme” website you can download guides to the individual regions/departments.
Do you want to pick grapes directly from the camper?
Do you want to come close to the local life of the country on your camping holiday in France and travel in a mobile home? Then you have the opportunity to get an extraordinary experience with the concept “France Passion”, which is a group of more than 2000 wine farmers, farmers, and traders, offering free and safe camping space for members of France Passion. It costs 29 Euro annually to be a member. The membership includes maps of France’s regions and a brand for the car. Voila!
Because it is quite free to use the many seats, there is no access to services such as toilets, water, etc., and the offer, therefore, does not apply to use a tent alone.
On the other hand, you have the opportunity to have a conversation with a local Frenchman or woman and perhaps an insight into their craft, life, and everyday life.
Camping in France is also about absolute quality: Camping Qualité
More than 600 seats in France have been awarded the “Camping Qualité” certificate. Certified campsites are evaluated on more than 600 criteria every three years, and the mark is, therefore, a testimony of good quality. It’s almost like Michelin stars, they do not come by themselves. Perfect for you who want the best for camping holidays in France.
What are the speed limits for driving a caravan in France?
For caravans that together with the car weigh more than 3.5 tonnes, the speed limit is 90 km/h on the highway (previously 110 kilometers per hour) and 80 km/h on the road.
More information about French camping
Féderation Française de Camping et de Caravaning (FFCC)
78, rue de Rivoli – 75004 Paris
Tel.: +33 (0)1 42 72 84 08 – Fax: +33 (0)1 42 72 70 21
Thanks to ffcc.fr ! www.ffcc.fr.
78, rue de Rivoli – 75004 Paris
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 42 72 84 08 – Fax: +33 (0) 1 42 72 70 21
Thanks to ffcc.fr ! www.ffcc.fr.
More travel tips in France?
Read more here on the intro page of France as a travel agent.
Or about the Ryder Cup, world’s largest golf tournament, in France in September 2018 and next time in Wiscon USA in 2020.
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