Camping in France

Camping in France can be a perfect countryside vacation, especially for families. Imagine swimming in the pool to the left with a scenic view of lake and mountains. Wake up in the morning and listen to the "Coucou" (cuckoo bird); walk through alpine meadows and see the blue gentians. That's just the beginning. By picking your campground carefully you can spend part of the day touring historic villages or museums and then return to the campground to rest, relax, and let the kids have their kind of fun.

Campgrounds in France are rated from one to four stars. Three and four star campgrounds usually offer a variety of accommodations, ranging from tent spaces to mobile homes and Chalets with all amenities, including fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. Most have playgrounds for children, pools, waterslides, and a variety of games, including tennis, mini golf, etc.

La Viste Campground, above is located on the largest artificial lake in Europe, Lac de Serre Poncon, and is in a natural reserve. Hiking, fishing and water sports are featured. There is a restaurant, grocery store, snack bar, and a museum showing the creation of the lake. Campsites range from tent areas to fully equipped chalets. La Viste is near Grenoble, Nice, and Marseille.

A big advantage to camping is meeting people in a relaxed setting. Sometimes the French can seem a little brusque, but they are probably on their way to work. At a camp, the atmosphere is less formal. In addition to the French, many other Europeans take camping vacations. Your children will provide easy introductions for you.

July and August are traditional vacation months in France. The campgrounds will be the most crowded then. If you are able to go camping at other times of the year, the grounds will be quieter. Speaking of quieter, Europeans do not make as much noise as Americans. Loud music and loud voices are not appreciated.

You will find campgrounds in all parts of France. Brittany and the Channel are popular destinations. At La Galliottes on the Cotentin Peninsula near Cherbourg, you can enjoy horseback riding on the beaches and nearby countryside. Riding lessons are geared for the very young (18 months) up to seniors who are taking up riding for the first time, with advanced lessons also (you can bring your own horse too). All the regular features of a seaside campsite are available too. La Brande, on the Ile de Oleron, south of La Rochelle in Brittany, has water slides, pools, organized children's games, including child care, kayaking in the natural areas of the island, and all the facilities you could want for the practical side of life. Argeles in the Roussillion is another popular camping destination. The fun picture above shows a novel use for the popular "Deux Chevaux" (two horsepower) as the Citroen 2CV is lovingly called.

The cost of the campgrounds will vary according to the season, but is much less expensive than a hotel. During July and August, most of the bigger campsites rent by the week; the smaller sites and off-season allows for shorter stays. La Brand, at high season, offers a chalet for 4 people for 565 euros (around $625) per week. The same chalet, in May and June rents for 290 euros. La Mont Serein offers tent sites for 4 euros per night plus 4 euros per person (2 for children), caravan sites are 5 euros per night plus 4 euros per person, electricity is 2.5 and 4 euros.

Camping offers a unique, inexpensive way to see the best of France, come and enjoy it!