Canvas and Cookouts: Camping in France

Camping is one of the most popular options for anyone arranging a holiday in France. Apart from the USA, there are more camp sites in France than there are in any other country, and you will find campsites absolutely everywhere, ranging in size, style and amenities. Are you planning a camping holiday in France? Then here’s a guide to the essentials you need to know.

Why is Camping in France So Popular?
There are a number of reasons why camping in France has long been a popular pastime for holidaymakers from the UK and around Europe. A few of the main advantages include the following:
• Stunning surroundings
• Affordability
• Great weather (most of the time)
• Excellent campsites with numerous amenities
• Huge range of campsites to choose from

Different Types of Campsites
One of the main reasons why camp sites in France are popular is because there are so many different types of campsites to choose from.

Some of the most popular campsites are the large sites. These tend to attract larger crowds, but they also have more amenities including swimming pools, bars, restaurants, discos and activities. These are rated by stars, with the best being the four-star sites.

Then you have the smaller village campsites, which tend to be a lot smaller than the large sites and often have fewer visitors. They usually have fewer amenities, but tend to provide all of the basics from shower blocks and washing facilities to a shop and swimming pool.
The smallest of the lot are the farm campsites, or ‘camping à la ferme’. These are often very simple, quiet sites.

Choose Your Ideal Surroundings
You may want to head out into the great outdoors when you go camping, or you may prefer to stay near to a city whilst enjoying the camping experience. In France, you will be able to choose from a wide range of locations, all with very different surroundings.

For example, you could choose to camp right outside Paris as there are many excellent campsites next to the city, which could be perfect for arranging day trips. Alternatively, you may want to camp near to the beach in Brittany, or enjoy the mountain scenery of the Alps. There are campsites in all of these areas and more, so think about which location would be the best fit for you.

When to Go
Most campsites tend to open no earlier than April and the majority close in the middle of September. July and August are the busiest months and although you will often have to share the campsites with more visitors, there are also more amenities available during these months. Some campsites may stay open right up to the end of October, but it is rare to find any open later than this.

Book Early for Popular Sites
If you want to go to a busy, large site, it is always a good idea to book early. Even if you are planning to find a quieter site, you can save a lot of stress by booking a place in advance. For the busier campsites, the earlier the better, but for the quieter campsites you can usually book a few days or weeks in advance.

Enjoy Your Camping Adventure in France
France is the perfect destination for camping. The weather is reliable in the summer, there is plenty of variety, and it can be a very affordable way to enjoy a fun summer holiday, without having to fly to the other side of the world. So keep the above tips in mind and find your perfect French campsite this summer.

Image credit to coolcamping.com