Which are the best campsites in Aquitaine for discovering the South-West?
Choosing the right campsite to visit the South-West of France depends on your wishes and plans. If you love the sea, opt for a campsite by the beach, such as in the Landes or the Basque country. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, choose campsites near the Pyrenees mountains or around the Arcachon basin. Finally, for a holiday combining culture and relaxation, many campsites around Bordeaux or Toulouse offer easy access to historic sites while enjoying the natural surroundings. In all cases, the campsites in the South-West combine comfort, friendliness and exceptional scenery. Here is a selection of the best ones for you:
Campsite rentals near Bordeaux
The Bordeaux Lac **** campsite in Bruges is located just 8 km from the centre of Bordeaux, and offers a full range of facilities for a comfortable stay. Spread over 13 hectares by the lake, it offers various types of accommodation, including cottages, chalets and fisherman's cabins, sleeping from 2 to 8 people. For traditional campers, pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes are also available. For leisure activities, the campsite has a heated swimming pool with a paddling pool for children, ideal for relaxing with the family. For meals, an on-site restaurant serves regional dishes, and a grocery shop is available for everyday needs. Children can enjoy dedicated play areas, and sports facilities such as a basketball court and table tennis tables are available. The campsite is ideally located for exploring Bordeaux and the surrounding area, with direct access to the lake and its water-based activities, as well as the leisure centre just 1 km away. Nearby public transport makes it easy to get to Bordeaux city centre.image
Campsites to discover Les Landes and the Basque Coast
Camping Abaya *** in Hendaye is a 3-star establishment offering a range of accommodation including mobile homes, canvas bungalows and pitches for tents, caravans and motor homes. The site is pedestrianised, creating a calm and friendly environment. Facilities include a children's play area, a sports field and a petanque area, as well as a catering service including a snack bar, a pizzeria and a restaurant. Children's entertainment is also organised. The campsite is located around 2 km from the Deux-Jumeaux beach and close to Abbadia castle, offering the ideal setting for lovers of nature and outdoor activities.
South-West campsite by the sea
The Atlantica **** campsite, located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the Basque coast, is a 4-star establishment offering a variety of accommodation including mobile homes, chalets and canvas bungalows, as well as pitches for tents, caravans and motor homes. Set in wooded grounds just a few minutes' walk from a popular surfing beach and 15 km from the Spanish border, it offers a range of quality services to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. A heated swimming pool with three waterslides for all to enjoy. Varied activities for all the family, including a mini-club for children, a games room, a bouncy castle and sports facilities such as a gym and a multi-sports pitch. An on-site bar-restaurant for enjoying meals in a friendly atmosphere. Direct access to the beach to make the most of the Basque coastline. An ideal choice for a family holiday, combining comfort, leisure activities and discovery of the Basque region.
South-West France by the sea
Le Truc Vert campsite **** located in Lège-Cap-Ferret on the Cap-Ferret peninsula, is a 4-star establishment set in unspoilt natural surroundings. Spread over 10 pine-wooded hectares on the seafront, the campsite offers 476 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, less than 300 metres from the supervised Truc Vert beach, renowned for its surf spot. An on-site bar-restaurant and grocery shop for your daily needs. Evening entertainment in season to keep the whole family entertained. Facilities such as a hammam and sauna for your relaxation. The campsite is also crossed by a cycle path leading to Cap-Ferret, making it easy to get around by bike and explore the surrounding area. Finally, the campsite has been awarded the Clef Verte label, reflecting its commitment to an eco-responsible and sustainable approach.
Campsite in Nouvelle-Aquitaine - near Lake Biscarrosse
Les Prés Verts *** campsite, located in Gastes in the Landes region, offers a range of accommodation including mobile homes, bungalows, chalets and cabins on stilts, all in a shady setting with direct access to the beach of Lac de Biscarrosse. A heated swimming pool with paddling pool, whirlpool, three slides and water games for all the family to enjoy. Play areas, mascots and a children's club to keep the little ones entertained. Barbecue areas, bike hire, direct access to the supervised beach at Lac de Biscarrosse. Grocery shop and Wi-Fi available throughout the site. The campsite is crossed by the Vélodyssée, offering direct access to cycle paths for cycling enthusiasts. It also has the Clef Verte label, reflecting its commitment to an eco-responsible and sustainable approach.
Camping Le Pyla **** in La Teste-de-Buch is a 4-star campsite offering a range of accommodation including air-conditioned mobile homes, lodges and pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes by the sea. Heated outdoor swimming pool with paddling pool for children. Direct access to Robinson beach, ideal for families. Children's clubs, a play area and inflatables to keep the little ones entertained. A fitness room for sports enthusiasts. A bar, restaurant, grocery shop, launderette and surveillance service to ensure your comfort and safety.
The Huttopia Sarlat **** campsite is located just 800 metres from the historic centre of Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the Dordogne. It is set in 13 hectares of unspoilt countryside and offers a range of accommodation including mobile homes, canvas and wooden tents, caravans and chalets. There are two heated swimming pools, one of which is covered, and a paddling pool for children. A Café-Comptoir is available on site, offering takeaway meals, pizzas and dishes prepared with local produce. Summer entertainment is organised for children and adults, as well as facilities such as a petanque area, children's playground and games room. A fitness room is available for sports enthusiasts. It is also an ideal base for exploring the sights of the South West, such as the Lascaux caves and the Dordogne valley.
Campsite South West less expensive
Camping Municipal Le Coucut ** is located in Castelnau d'Auzan Labarrère, in the Gers department. This modest-sized campsite offers a peaceful setting for relaxation, while being part of a leisure park offering a variety of activities. It has 13 pavilions sleeping 4 to 6 people, plus 2 mobile homes. 17 pitches are available for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Facilities are available for people with reduced mobility. Holidaymakers can enjoy tennis courts, padel courts, a fishing lake, a 3x3 basketball court and a children's playground. A restaurant is available nearby. Ideal for a peaceful break, with easy access to a variety of outdoor activities.
Les Glères *** campsite is located in Cauterets, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, just a 5-minute walk from the town centre, the thermal baths and the cable cars leading to the ski slopes. Set on the banks of the Gave de Cauterets river and close to the forest, it offers a peaceful, leafy setting. The campsite offers 75 hedged pitches suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes. 26 rentals are available, including fully equipped chalets and mobile homes. A children's play area, a multi-purpose room, a relaxation area, barbecues, a picnic area, a TV lounge, a meeting room, table tennis tables and children's games. Camping Les Glères is ideal for families and nature lovers, offering easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and thermal baths. It is located 10 km from Lac de la Glère.
Le Rupé *** campsite is located north of Toulouse, in the Sesquières green belt. It is open all year round and is around 7 km from the Capitole city centre, accessible by bus, metro, car or bike along the banks of the Canal Latéral. The campsite offers 187 marked pitches, with or without shade, suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes, and 12 mobile homes for rent for those preferring more comfortable accommodation. A snack bar and pizzeria are available for on-site meals. The campsite has a playground, sports field, petanque area and table tennis tables. The campsite offers a peaceful setting close to the centre of Toulouse, ideal for visiting the Ville Rose in south-west France.
Campsite with large water park in the Dordogne
The Lascaux Vacances campsite **** is located in Montignac, in the Dordogne, right next to the famous Lascaux caves. Set in 12 hectares of woodland overlooking the Vézère valley, it offers a peaceful, green setting. The campsite offers a range of accommodation including cottages, mobile homes and chalets. For campers, pitches suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes are available. A 1,000 m² water park with indoor heated swimming pool, paddling pool and slides for all to enjoy. An on-site restaurant serves local cuisine, so you can discover the flavours of the Périgord. A wellness area is available, offering massages, body treatments, a whirlpool bath and sauna for optimum relaxation. There is a range of activities for everyone, including children's clubs and evening entertainment, as well as sports facilities such as a multi-sports pitch, a zip line and a large trampoline. It combines modern comforts with immersion in nature, making it an ideal choice for families and prehistoric enthusiasts wishing to explore the region while enjoying top-quality facilities.
What are the must-sees in the South West?
Bordeaux and its vineyards
Bordeaux, capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is a veritable wine hub where tradition and modernity meet. The city itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hasmajestic architecture, with iconic squares such as the Place de la Bourse and its Miroir d'eau. But it's in the surrounding area that magic really happens. The vineyards of Bordeaux, some of the most prestigious in the world, stretch as far as the eye can see, offering spectacular landscapes where elegant châteaux mingle with rows of perfectly aligned vines. From the famous Médoc appellation, with its powerful red wines, to the sweet Jurançon and its fruity whites, every corner of this terroir tells a unique story. A visit to one of the wineries will plunge you into the heart of this wine culture, with refined tastings and an insight into the secrets of winemaking. Bordeaux and its vineyards are not just a stopover for wine lovers, but an invitation to enjoy an unforgettable sensory experience.
The Basque Country and its traditions
The Basque Country, a true land of identity, stands out for its ancestral traditions and deep attachment to its culture. Set between the sea and the mountains, this region has breathtaking scenery and typical architecture, with white houses with red or green shutters, particularly visible in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Espelette.
Not far from there, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau dominates the landscape, with its iconic shape making it an iconic summit in the Pyrenees. This majestic peak offers exceptional panoramic views and is a favourite spot for hikers and rock climbers. The beauty of its ridges and surrounding valleys make it a must-see for mountain and wilderness lovers.
Lac de l'Oule, nestling at an altitude of 1,500 metres in the Pyrenees, is a veritable haven of peace. Accessible by a relatively easy hike, it seduces visitors with its crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush green forests and majestic peaks. An ideal place to recharge your batteries in the heart of the mountains.
The Basque Country is also a place where customs are omnipresent: dance, music, Basque pelota and local festivals punctuate the lives of its inhabitants throughout the year. Basque cuisine is rich and tasty, with specialities such as Espelette chilli pepper, Bayonne ham and chipirons (stuffed squid). The colours of the Basque flag - green, red and white - symbolise the unity of this proud and welcoming people. The Basque Country is an immersion in a world where every stone, every song, every dish tells a story deeply rooted in the heart of this region.
The Arcachon Basin and the Dune du Pilat
The Bay of Arcachon is a true natural wonder, a place where sea and land meet to create breathtaking landscapes. This protected lagoon, fringed by golden beaches, is a veritable haven of peace, a dream for those drawn to nature and tranquillity. Small islands such as the Île aux Oiseaux, with its emblematic cabanes tchanquées, offer a picturesque spectacle, while oyster-farming villages such as Gujan-Mestras provide an insight into the world of oyster producers. The Basin is also a popular spot for water-based activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing. A few kilometres away, the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe, rises majestically to a height of over 100 metres. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes Forest and the Arcachon Basin. A unique experience that combines physical effort with visual rewards, where you can enjoy the immensity of the landscape, whether on foot, paragliding or simply taking a moment to marvel at this giant of sand.
The villages of the Dordogne
The Dordogne, in the heart of Périgord, is a region where history, nature and architecture blend harmoniously. Sarlat-la-Canéda, the medieval jewel of the Périgord Noir, is a town of cobbled streets, golden stone houses and a magnificent central square. Every corner of the town seems to tell a story, and its traditional market, where local produce such as foie gras and truffles are king, is a veritable voyage of taste. A few kilometres away, the village of Domme, perched on a cliff, offers impressive panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. This fortified village, with its bastides and ramparts, invites you to take a walk back in time. The Dordogne is also the cradle of prehistory, with the famous Lascaux caves, whose fascinating cave paintings bear witness to the life of our ancestors over 17,000 years ago. The Lascaux II site, a faithful reproduction of the paintings, allows visitors to discover this exceptional heritage. With its picturesque villages, majestic châteaux and prehistoric sites, the Dordogne is a region where you can lose yourself in time while savouring the present.
The Gers and Gascony
The Gers and Gascony, lands of tradition and culture, are regions where the soul of the South-West is revealed through their verdant landscapes, typical villages and art of living. Auch, the prefecture of the Gers, is a veritable historical centre, with its majestic Sainte-Marie cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its picturesque streets offering uninterrupted views over the Garonne valley. This city, birthplace of the famous D'Artagnan, is also the ideal base for discovering Gascony and its rural heritage. Further south, the Cognac region, as well as being a land of wine production, is also an invitation to wine-tasting and history. Estates and distilleries such as those of Hennessy and Rémy Martin offer immersive tours, where you can discover the secrets behind the production of the famous spirit, a true symbol of the region. With its charming villages, châteaux and rich terroirs, the Gers and Gascony are regions where the gentle way of life blends with an incomparable culinary and wine-growing tradition.
The Pyrenees Regional Nature Park
The Pyrenees Regional Nature Park is a paradise for mountain and nature lovers, offering spectacular scenery and unspoilt wildlife. Cauterets, a spa resort nestling at the foot of the mountains, is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding wonders. A few kilometres away, the Lac de la Glère, a true Alpine gem, captivates with its crystal-clear waters and wild setting, perfect for hikers in search of tranquillity and natural beauty. Further south, the village of Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its grandiose cirque, a natural amphitheatre of vertiginous cliffs. The Gavarnie waterfall, one of the highest in Europe, cascades down in a spectacular veil, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This magical place embodies the majesty of the Pyrenees, where every path, every summit and every waterfall tells an ancient story, forged by the elements and time.
Toulouse, the pink city
Nicknamed the "Pink City" because of the colour of its bricks, Toulouse is a true historical and cultural centre of the South-West. At the heart of this dynamic city are architectural treasures such as the Place du Capitole, the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the banks of the Garonne. A few kilometres away, the Lauragais hillsides offer a picturesque, bucolic setting, with hills covered in fields of wheat and sunflowers, punctuated by small villages of undeniable charm. These serene landscapes invite you to take a stroll, as does the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This canal, which links Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea, winds its way through magnificent landscapes lined with century-old plane trees, offering cyclists and walkers breathtaking views of the surrounding fields and hills. Whether you're looking for a peaceful cruise on the canal or a hike through the hills, Toulouse and the surrounding area will immerse you in an atmosphere of gentle living, combining nature, history and the art of living in the South-West.
The Lascaux caves and prehistory
The Lascaux caves, located in the Vézère valley in the Dordogne, are one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world, celebrating the art of our ancestors dating back more than 17,000 years. The walls of these caves are covered with magnificent cave paintings depicting animals such as horses, bison and deer, executed with astonishing precision and expressiveness. This masterpiece of prehistoric art was discovered in 1940, but because of the humidity and the risk of deterioration, access to the original caves is now forbidden. However, the Lascaux II site, a faithful reproduction of the cave, allows visitors to enjoy an immersive experience by discovering the famous frescoes in their original context. This unique site offers a fascinating journey into the past, revealing the artistic skills and deep connection of our ancestors with their environment. Lascaux II, with its meticulous reconstructions, is a privileged window into prehistory and one of the greatest testimonies to human creativity.
What do we eat in the South West?
The South-West of France is a true gourmet's paradise, offering a wealth of culinary delights based on local produce. Among the must-try specialities are duck breast and confit, delicately grilled and often accompanied by a fruit sauce, and cassoulet, a generous dish based on white beans, sausages and duck or lamb meat. Foie gras is also a star of the region, served as a starter or side dish, while Bayonne ham will delight charcuterie lovers. On the sweet side, canelé (a Bordeaux speciality) offers traditional flavours, as does piment d'Espelette, which spices up many dishes with its spicy, aromatic touch. Accompanied by a good Bordeaux wine or Floc de Gascogne, these specialities bear witness to the authenticity and conviviality of this gourmet region.