Going camping means enjoying nature, the great outdoors and convivial moments with family or friends. Clearly, campers don't want to have to drive everywhere they forget a litre of milk or want to improvise drinks with their mobile home neighbours... And finding fresh bread or pastries for breakfast just a stone's throw from your pitch is a real luxury – and one of the services that campsites offer holidaymakers.
Mini-markets are a real asset during your stay: they are convenient, make it easier to organise meals and sometimes offer a taste experience thanks to local products. In addition to food, many mini-markets also sell general merchandise, souvenirs, beach equipment and cleaning products, allowing holidaymakers to find everything they need on site without having to travel far.
In this article, we invite you to discover the different types of mini-markets you might find at campsites, from traditional convenience stores to shops promoting local flavours.
Basic mini-markets: essentials for when you need something quick
At many campsites, the mini-market is primarily intended to meet everyday needs. It sells bread, drinks, toiletries and tinned food — enough to help out holidaymakers who don't want to run to the nearest village. These local shops are particularly useful for those staying in tents or motorhomes, when preparing home-cooked meals is limited.
Examples include Aux Portes de Paimpol*** in Brittany, which offers a few basic products near the reception, and Activ'Loisirs Les Pins*** in Charente-Maritime. Here, the mini-market fulfils its basic role: accessible, convenient and indispensable for last-minute shopping.
Mini-markets with fresh produce and bakery items
Some mini-markets go further and offer a range of fresh produce. You can find bread and pastries baked on site, fruit and vegetables, and even frozen products to fill the fridge in your mobile home. These offerings allow holidaymakers to remain independent while enjoying fresh, quick meals without having to go into town every day.
One example is the Les Brunelles***** campsite in Longeville-sur-Mer, which is renovating its mini-market for 2026: enlarged and modernised, from 2026 it will offer bread and pastries baked on site, fresh fruit and vegetables, and a selection of products for cooking directly on the campsite.
Other campsites also offer this experience: La Grainetière***** campsite on Île de Ré offers bread, pastries and fresh produce for its residents, while Yukadi Village Le Logis**** and Bois Soleil***** (Vival brand) provide fruit, vegetables and fresh produce for preparing simple meals on site.
These mini-markets are a real convenience for families or those who want to cook directly on their pitch without sacrificing product quality.
Mini-markets promoting local produce and producers
Some campsite mini-markets don't just offer convenience or fresh products: they showcase local produce and specialities. These shops often offer regional wines, artisan cheeses, jams, local beers and seasonal fruit and vegetables, sourced directly from producers - often via short supply chains.
This is the case at the Camp du Domaine***** campsite in Bormes-les-Mimosas, where the 200 m² grocery store offers a wide selection of local products and a comprehensive wine cellar, and Le Jardin de la Pascalinette**** campsite in the Var, with its 80 m² space and regional wine cellar, which promotes local producers from La Londe, Hyères and other market gardeners in the Var. Le Pin Parasol***** in the Vendée also showcases regional products, while Domaine Les Ranchisses***** in the Ardèche promotes local specialities under the label "Goûtez l'Ardèche" (Taste the Ardèche).
Even Le Carbonnier**** campsite in the Dordogne stands out by promoting local products in its grocery store.
These mini-markets allow holidaymakers to discover local flavours, support the regional economy and extend their holiday experience beyond the campsite. For food lovers or families who want to cook with authentic products, this is a real bonus.
Franchised mini-markets or chains
Finally, some campsites have mini-markets affiliated with well-known chains such as Vival or U Utile. These shops offer a full range of fresh produce, groceries, drinks and sometimes even regional products, while guaranteeing regular opening hours and standards that holidaymakers are familiar with.
Examples include Bois Soleil (Vival) and Camp du Domaine (U), where you can find essentials for emergencies, fresh produce for cooking on site and a selection of local specialities. For holidaymakers, these mini-markets combine convenience, consistency and quality, offering an experience similar to that of a small neighbourhood mini-market, right in the heart of the campsite.
The limitations of campsite grocery stores
Despite all these advantages, campsite mini-markets also have their limitations. Out of season, some may be closed or offer a reduced range of products, forcing holidaymakers to go into town for certain purchases. Prices may also be higher than in local shops, due to the proximity and convenience of the service. Finally, mini-markets are sometimes limited in size, which can restrict choice for large families or those who want to do a proper shop for several days. It is therefore still useful to plan your shopping in the nearest supermarket, while enjoying the convenience and variety that these mini-markets offer during your stay.
Despite these limitations, mini-markets remain a real asset for holidays, saving time, offering fresh, local produce and simplifying life on site, even for just a few days.