The origins of camping: a new way of travelling
Modern camping emerged at the end of the 19th century, at a time when outdoor activities were gaining popularity in Europe. The British explorer Thomas Hiram Holding, often considered the father of modern camping, played a major role in this evolution. Passionate about cycling and adventure, he organised camping trips and in 1908 published The Camper's Handbook, one of the first guides dedicated to camping.
Originally, camping meant travelling differently: sleeping in a tent, moving around freely and enjoying a simple experience in direct contact with nature. This philosophy first attracted explorers, sports enthusiasts and hiking enthusiasts before gradually reaching a wider audience.
Camping in France: the decisive impact of paid holidays
In France, camping really took off in the 1930s with the introduction of paid holidays. For the first time, a large part of the population was able to go on holiday. Camping quickly established itself as an ideal solution: economical, flexible and suitable for families.
The first campsites appeared in seaside resorts, in the mountains and in the countryside. Holidaymakers travelled by car, transporting their tents or caravans, and discovered outdoor holidays. Camping gradually became a symbol of popular French holidays.
The Trente Glorieuses: the golden age of family camping
After the Second World War, the democratisation of the car profoundly transformed tourism. Between the 1950s and 1970s, camping developed massively. Infrastructure improved, sites were organised and collective services multiplied.
Camping became as much a way of life as a form of accommodation. Families would meet up every summer, children would play together and a real culture of convivial holidays developed. This period had a lasting impact on the warm image associated with camping in France.
The transformation of modern camping
From the 1990s onwards, holidaymakers' expectations changed. Outdoor tourism entered a phase of modernisation. Campers wanted to stay in touch with nature while enjoying a level of comfort comparable to that of other forms of tourist accommodation.
The advent of mobile homes marked a major turning point. Campsites invested in facilities, developed entertainment programmes and offered increasingly comprehensive services. Camping gradually became a credible alternative to hotels and holiday clubs, capable of appealing to a very wide audience.
Glamping and new trends in outdoor tourism
In the 21st century, camping continues to evolve with the rise of glamping, a contraction of "glamour" and "camping". This new approach combines immersion in nature with comfortable accommodation. Lodges, wooden cabins and equipped tents offer a different experience without compromising on comfort.
This move upmarket is in line with travellers' new expectations, which are more focused on experience, disconnection and sustainable tourism. Camping is thus responding to contemporary desires for more responsible holidays that are closer to the local area.
Why camping remains a safe bet for holidays in France
Camping remains as popular as ever because it has evolved without losing its identity. It offers a rare combination of freedom, conviviality and accessibility. Everyone can find their own way of travelling, from a simple stay in a tent to a comfortable holiday in equipped accommodation.
More than a century after its inception, camping remains deeply linked to the idea of shared holidays and outdoor escapism. Its history shows a constant ability to adapt to the lifestyles and expectations of travellers. Between tradition and innovation, it continues to embody a unique way of discovering France and its landscapes.