Camping in Nouvelle-Aquitaine by the sea: your ideal getaway

Plage de Charente-Maritime, en Nouvelle-Aquitaine © iStock

Nouvelle-Aquitaine boasts 720 km of coastline, from the Médoc to the Basque Country: fine sandy beaches, fragrant pine forests, peaceful lakes and world-famous surf spots.

This summer, take a camping holiday by the sea in the south-west of France... Whether you dream of a cabin under the pine trees, an XXL pitch for your van or a five-star lodge with a spa and ocean views, Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers an unrivalled variety of seaside campsites. The mesmerising waves of the Atlantic Ocean, calm lakes, and delicious local cuisine: the stage is set for a 100% Atlantic holiday, combining unspoilt nature and high-end services. It's up to you to choose the beach that suits you best!

The Atlantic Coast in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: an exceptional coastline and unmissable seaside resorts

Atlantic coast beach in Hourtin© iStock

Between the Gironde estuary and the first cliffs of the Basque Country, the Atlantic coast of New Aquitaine offers a mosaic of landscapes and seaside resorts, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Royan charms visitors with its 1950s architecture and large, lively beach, while Saint-Georges-de-Didonne and Saint-Palais-sur-Mer offer a more peaceful coastline, with coves and coastal paths.

Soulac-sur-Mer, with its Belle Époque villas, bears witness to the region's seaside past. Further south, Carcans-Maubuisson appeals to families with its beaches and large lake. Lacanau attracts water sports enthusiasts and offers a lively atmosphere in the heart of the pine forest.

Pine forest near Lacanau, Atlantic Médoc© IStock

Biscarrosse combines lake and ocean for a variety of activities: sailing, paddleboarding or simply relaxing. Mimizan has a family atmosphere, with its beach lined with dunes. As you approach the Basque Country, Guéthary retains its coastal village charm, while the bay of Hendaye offers calm waters that are ideal for children.

Charente-Maritime: gentle living and Atlantic charm

Panoramic view of the Conche des Baleines beach on the Île de Ré© iStock

North of the Gironde estuary, Charente-Maritime offers a contrasting coastline, with lively seaside resorts and unspoilt islands. Châtelaillon-Plage attracts families with its vast supervised beach. Further out to sea, the islands of Oléron and Ré offer a unique charm. Accessible by bridge, the Île de Ré enchants visitors with its green-shuttered villages, bright sand and cycle paths that wind their way between salt marshes and vineyards. The wilder Île d'Oléron attracts visitors with its long ocean beaches, pine forest and small oyster ports.

See all campsites by the sea in Charente-Maritime

Gironde: between the ocean and the basin

The Arcachon basin on the Cap Ferret side© Adobe Stock

Arcachon, with its villas in the Ville d'Hiver, and Cap Ferret, dotted with oyster huts, reveal two sides of the same region. To the west, the ocean beaches of Grand Crohot and Truc Vert face the Dune du Pilat; on the Arcachon basin, sidethe calm waters invite you to take a boat trip to Île aux Oiseaux or Banc d'Arguin. In Vendays-Montalivet, the vast beaches and the scent of pine trees provide the ideal setting for a family holiday.

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The Landes: endless beaches and pine forests

On the shores of Lake Biscarosse© Alain Vacheron - Office de tourisme Biscarrosse

106 km of golden sand border Europe's largest forest. Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains surrounds a peaceful marine lake; Seignosse is a surfer's paradise; Messanges remains an unspoilt haven for kitesurfing. Cycle paths and footpaths criss-cross the dunes, revealing nature reserves such as the Courant d'Huchet.

Moliets-et-Maa attracts surfers with its powerful waves and renowned schools, while Capbreton, the only fishing port in the Landes, charms visitors with its fish market and lively atmosphere.

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The Basque Country: charm, traditions and authenticity

Miramar beach in Biarritz© iStockphoto

Biarritz and its Côte des Basques, Bidart perched on its cliff, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its sheltered bay: here, the ocean and Basque culture merge. With a makila in hand, you can admire the waves of Guéthary or the long beach of Hendaye before enjoying a ttoro in the port.

See all campsites by the sea in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques

What are the 5-star luxury campsites by the sea in the south-west?

New Aquitaine has 40 five-star campsites located less than 5 km from the ocean, redefining luxury camping with heated infinity pools, panoramic spas, premium suites, multilingual kids' clubs and local cuisine. Discover the 20 most beautiful campsites on the South Atlantic coast

Focus on the 5-star La Côte d'Argent campsite in Hourtin-Plage, Gironde

With a tropical lagoon, indoor water park, spa facilities and spacious pitches under pine trees, the 5-star La Côte d'Argent campsite offers the best of the Atlantic coast in premium style. Discover all the campsites near Lake Hourtin.

Focus on the Resort & Spa Le Vieux Port campsite in Messanges (Landes)

In the heart of a vast pine forest, the 5-star Camping Village Resort & Spa Le Vieux Port offers a complete 5-star experience: a huge 7,000 m² water park with a wave pool and surf simulator, luxury accommodation for up to 10 people, and chalets with private jacuzzis facing the dunes.

The privilege of direct access to the beach at a campsite in south-western France

High-end rentals just a stone's throw from the beach© VILLAGE RESORT & SPA VIEUX-PORT (Messanges - 40)

Staying at a campsite with direct access to the beach means you can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean to the full without having to take the car or cross any roads. In the morning, you can reach the waves on foot or by bike, towel over your shoulder, for a swim or a surf session. At the end of the day, you can enjoy the sunset with your feet in the sand, just a stone's throw from your mobile home.

See campsites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine with direct access to the beach

Water parks on campsites: fun and relaxation

A water park on a campsite in Gironde© La Côte d'argent (33)

From the Médoc to Labourd, campsites compete to be the most original, with looping slides, counter-current rivers and heated Zen pools.

Discover a selection of campsites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine with a water park