Camping has changed its face
Forget the outdated image of a “rustic” holiday. These days, camping bears little resemblance to a simple pitch under the pine trees with a tent you’ve pitched yourself. It has evolved into genuine open-air hotels under the open sky, where you can move seamlessly from the lagoon-style pool to giant water slides, from the spa to restaurants, and from kids’ clubs to evening shows. You live outdoors, but with a level of comfort that rivals that of a hotel. And this trend has largely taken shape around major chains such as Capfun, Yelloh! Village, Sandaya, Homair or Camping Paradis, each of which has established its own vision of the holiday experience. Behind their different worlds, a single idea is taking hold: camping is no longer just accommodation, but a destination in its own right.
Tailor-made holidays
There are campsites where everything springs into action first thing in the morning, with an almost non-stop buzz. Children dash off to the large water parks, with their slides and water games, whilst parents finally settle down for a quiet coffee. This is often the world of groups such as Capfun, where the focus is on fun, activity and lively holidays.
And then there’s another way to enjoy your stay. A gentler, more relaxed pace. You cycle along the paths, take your time getting to the sea or the pool, and linger on the terrace in the evening. At these more “nature-oriented” campsites, such as those run by Yelloh! Village, the experience is based more on striking a balance between comfort and the natural environment.
Some sites go even further in creating a refined atmosphere. Large water parks, carefully landscaped gardens, more stylish accommodation, on-site restaurants… the whole experience gives the impression of a truly polished holiday. This is particularly the hallmark of chains such as Sandaya, which focus on a more upmarket version of outdoor accommodation.
Others, by contrast, focus on affordable yet comfortable stays, where everything is designed to let guests simply enjoy their holidays. This is the approach taken by groups such as Homair, which offer a simple, flexible experience designed to let guests enjoy their holidays without any constraints.
The true holiday spirit
But beyond the facilities, each brand also cultivates a certain atmosphere.
At Camping Paradis campsites, the experience is built around a sense of community. Days are filled with activities, games and socialising, and evenings quickly take on a festive, almost communal atmosphere.
In contrast, groups such as Cybèle Vacances favour a more family-oriented, down-to-earth atmosphere, where guests can enjoy a sense of calm and a close-knit community.
And then there are also more independent campsites, sometimes grouped under networks such as CAPA, where you can step away from the norm to discover more unique places, often deeply rooted in their local area.
For behind these outdoor accommodation establishments lies the whole of France, and every road becomes a promise of a different landscape.
France, XXL landscapes
🌊 The Atlantic: freedom, wind and wide open spaces
From the Vendée to the Landes, the ocean runs the length of the coastline. Vast, almost endless beaches, where golden dunes meet pine forests that smell of resin warmed by the sun. Here, the days begin early, to the rhythm of local markets and cycle paths that wind between villages and dunes. You cycle, stop for a coffee on a terrace, then head straight for the beach. The afternoon stretches out between swimming in powerful waves and naps in the shade of the pines. In the evening, everything slows down. The air is salty, the sky turns golden , and the coastal villages gently come to life around restaurants and night markets.
🌴 The Mediterranean: white light and gentle warmth
From the Var to the Hérault, right up to the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Mediterranean sets its own pace. A brighter, almost dazzling light, more saturated colours, and the feeling that the days never want to end. You alternate between swimming in coves with turquoise waters, strolling through the narrow streets of hilltop villages, and wandering through Provençal markets brimming with olives, melons and the scent of lavender. In the evening, the harbours gently light up. You dine on a terrace, facing the sea, whilst the warmth still lingers in the air.
⛰️ The Alps and the lakes: coolness and vastness
Here, everything takes on a new dimension. The mountains rise up, massive, and the valleys open out onto lakes of an almost unreal blue. Mornings are cool, sometimes misty. We set off early on a hike, rucksacks on our backs, to reach vantage points where everything seems silent, immense, untouched. The afternoon is spent by the water: swimming in an alpine lake, paddleboarding, or simply napping in the grass with the peaks in view. And in the evening, in the small mountain villages, the lights reflect off the wooden and stone façades.
🌿 The countryside and the South-West: tranquillity and authenticity
Dordogne, Lot, Ardèche… here, France slows down. The roads wind through hills, forests, golden fields, and stone villages where time seems to stand still. We explore hidden caves, hilltop castles, and food markets where everything tempts you to stop. You swim in clear rivers at the foot of cliffs, before settling down for an impromptu picnic. The days are simple, yet full. And perhaps that is what true luxury is all about.
So there’s just one thing left to do: find the perfect place to stay to make the most of it.
10 campsites in France for a great summer holiday
Here is a selection of 10 campsites across France, to extend your holiday.
Capfun Les Chênes de Medis — Médis (Charente-Maritime)
A vast campsite surrounded by pine trees, with a prominent water park and a decidedly family-friendly atmosphere. Days are spent on the slides, enjoying activities and returning late from the nearby beach.
Camping Cybèle Vacances l’Océan — Brem-sur-Mer (Vendée)
Here, the sea is just a few steps away and naturally sets the pace for the day. Life here is lived to the sound of the waves, with swimming, walks along the coast and simple evenings spent in the sea breeze.
Yelloh! Village Sylvamar — Labenne (Landes)
A truly immersive setting between pine forest and ocean, designed for comfort and relaxation. Swimming pools, cycle paths and nature all around make for a balanced and soothing stay.
Homair Saint Avit Loisirs — Saint-Avit-de-Vialard (Dordogne)
A large campsite nestled in the Périgord forest, combining nature with a full range of facilities. A water park, activities and walks in the Dordogne make for a well-rounded holiday for families.
Sandaya Riviera d’Azur — Fréjus (Côte d’Azur)
A beautifully designed campsite, where palm trees and water features create a real resort atmosphere. Guests can alternate between relaxation, activities and gentle evenings under the southern sun.
Camping Paradis Le Pearl — Argelès-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A lively campsite just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, where the festive atmosphere is part of the experience. Evenings are convivial, whilst days alternate between the beach and entertainment.
Camping CAPA Domaine de Léveno — Guérande (Loire-Atlantique)
Set between salt marshes and the wild coast, the surroundings are peaceful and very natural. People come here to slow down, enjoy bike rides and the Atlantic coastline.
Capfun Fort Falabraque — Seltz (Bas-Rhin)
A more unusual setting, nestled between the forest and the fun-filled atmosphere typical of Capfun. Families will find a complete playground here, combining entertainment and nature.
Homair Arinella Bianca — Ghisonaccia (Haute-Corse)
A seaside campsite with direct access to a long, fine sandy beach. Set between a water park and the Corsican maquis, the setting combines relaxation, nature and Mediterranean views.
Sandaya Paris de Maisons-Laffitte — Yvelines (Ile-de-France)
A green retreat on the outskirts of Paris, right on the banks of the Seine. Ideal for a short break, combining nature, city life and a quick escape.
What if true luxury were simply staying put?
After all, sometimes it takes very little to change your perspective. A road winding towards the sea, a forest opening onto a lake, a village waking up on an August morning. Far from the notion of distant destinations, these holidays tell a different story: a France that is closer, more varied, almost infinite when you take the time to explore it. What if this summer, the most beautiful journey wasn’t the one that takes you furthest… but the one that helps you rediscover what was already there?
To extend your journey, explore all our travel articles dedicated to discovering France.