1. The Cantal: volcanoes, lakes and wide open spaces
Cantal is an ideal destination for those looking for a change from the crowded beaches of the south. Here, the landscapes are dominated by volcanoes, valleys and wide open spaces. A hike up Puy Mary, a stroll through the Jordanne Valley or a day by the shores of Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès are all enough to make for a great holiday. Lovers of charming villages can also make a detour to Salers, whilst the more active will find plenty of hiking trails in the Cantal mountains.
Cantal also boasts a wide range of campsites, with many situated in the heart of nature, by a river or near a lake. Among them, the Camping du Domaine La Plage du Garoustel in Saint-Gérons enjoys a particularly pleasant location on the shores of Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, ideal for combining swimming, water sports and exploring the surrounding area.
Another option is Huttopia Lac de la Siauve, in Lanobre, which focuses more on a peaceful, natural setting on the shores of Lake Bort-les-Orgues. It’s a great base for enjoying the Cantal countryside and setting off easily to explore the hiking trails.
2. The Jura: lakes for swimming and forests to get lost in
The Jura is an excellent choice for those who want water and nature without necessarily having to head for the Mediterranean. Lake Chalain, the Hérisson waterfalls and Lake Vouglans are among the must-see attractions. For quieter days, head to the villages of the Jura vineyards or the trails of the Haut-Jura.
There’s a particularly wide choice in the Jura, with campsites around Lakes Vouglans and Chalain, as well as in the Haut-Jura. In Clairvaux-les-Lacs, Camping Le Fayolan is particularly appealing due to its proximity to the lakes and water sports, whilst also making it easy to set off and explore the region.
Further south in the department, Camping Chancia offers a more peaceful setting on the shores of Lake Coiselet, with surroundings ideal for swimming, fishing and walks.
3. The Vosges: the mountains without the crowds of the Alps
If you want to head for the hills without necessarily travelling to the Alps, the Vosges are a safe bet. Lake Gérardmer, Lake Longemer and the numerous trails in the Hautes-Vosges make it easy to spend several days hiking and swimming. The more adventurous can tackle the Hohneck, whilst others can simply enjoy the forests and winding mountain roads.
The Vosges offer plenty of campsites set amidst mountain scenery, particularly around Gérardmer and La Bresse. In Corcieux, the Domaine des Bans campsite is a good base for exploring the lakes and trails of the Hautes-Vosges, whilst enjoying lush green surroundings.
In La Bresse, the Camping Le Haut des Bluches allows you to stay in the heart of the mountains, close to numerous hiking trails and the region’s main natural attractions.
4. Haute-Loire: volcanoes, rivers and hilltop villages
The Haute-Loire is perfect for those who enjoy active holidays without the hustle and bustle of large tourist resorts. You can explore Le Puy-en-Velay, hike across the volcanic plateaus or canoe down the Loire. Another advantage is that the landscapes change rapidly and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming or hiking.
When it comes to camping, the department boasts several sites either by the water’s edge or in the heart of the countryside. In Chamalières-sur-Loire, the CosyCamp campsite is particularly well situated for enjoying the Loire and outdoor activities. It’s a great base for alternating between active days and relaxing moments at the campsite.
5. The Morvan: for a proper break
If your idea of a holiday is to slow down, the Morvan is definitely worth a visit. Forests, lakes, winding country lanes and villages make for the perfect setting for a camping holiday.
Lake Settons is, of course, a must-visit for swimming or water sports. Hiking enthusiasts can also explore the many trails in the regional nature park.
Here, there’s no need to plan a different activity every day: people come mainly to enjoy the peace and quiet. The Morvan is home to numerous campsites, with sites situated on the shores of lakes or in the heart of nature, perfect for making the most of this peaceful atmosphere.
6. The Lot: swap the beach for the river
Why head for the coast when you can spend your days with your feet in a river?
In the Lot, the Dordogne and Lot valleys offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, canoeing and hiking. You can also visit Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie or the region’s caves.
To avoid the crowds, the trick is to choose a campsite slightly off the beaten track from the best-known attractions. The Lot has plenty of sites by the river or in the heart of the countryside. In Rocamadour, Camping Les Cigales is a particularly good base from which to explore the medieval town and the landscapes of the Dordogne valley.
7. Ariège: the Pyrenees at their most natural
The Ariège is particularly suited to campers who want to enjoy the mountains without necessarily seeking out the major resorts. On the agenda: hikes, waterfalls, mountain lakes and Pyrenean villages. You can also visit the Niaux Cave, Montségur Castle or simply go for a walk in the valleys.
It’s a destination where the car quickly becomes a secondary consideration: once you’ve settled in at the campsite, there are walking opportunities everywhere.
The Ariège has numerous campsites where you can make the most of this natural environment. In Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Camping Le Pré Lombard is ideally situated for exploring the valleys and tourist attractions in the area.
In La Bastide-de-Sérou, Camping l’Arize offers a lush, green setting in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
8. The Périgord Noir: heritage, nature and swimming
The Périgord Noir is a sure-fire choice for a camping holiday. Around Sarlat, Domme and Beynac-et-Cazenac, you can enjoy medieval villages, castles and the River Dordogne all in one go. A canoe trip down the river, a visit to Castelnaud or a stroll through the gardens of Marqueyssac are all easy ways to mix up your days.
The Périgord Noir has numerous campsites, well spread out around the main tourist attractions. In Sainte-Nathalène, Camping La Palombière is situated a few kilometres from Sarlat, making it a good base for exploring the region’s villages and castles whilst enjoying the campsite’s facilities.
Further east, the Moulin de la Pique, in Pays de Belvès, offers a more natural setting. It’s an ideal location for enjoying the peace and quiet whilst being within easy reach of the Périgord Noir.
9. The Drôme: head for the countryside rather than the coast
In the Drôme, it’s simply a matter of choosing the right area. The surroundings of the Drôme Provençale, the Diois or the Vercors allow you to enjoy magnificent landscapes whilst staying away from the busiest areas. On the agenda: swimming in rivers, Provençal markets, hiking and exploring hilltop villages.
There is a particularly wide range of campsites in the department, including traditional sites as well as farm campsites and natural campsites. In Saillans, Camping Les Chapelains enjoys a leafy setting on the banks of the Drôme, ideal for combining swimming, outdoor activities and exploring the valley.
In Comps, Camping La Source du Jabron offers a more natural atmosphere, with the Jabron river nearby and plenty of opportunities for walks through the landscapes of Drôme Provençale.
10. Brittany: camping between the sea and nature
Brittany is an ideal destination for those who want to combine camping, wide open spaces and coastal scenery. From the Pink Granite Coast to the Quiberon Peninsula and the Gulf of Morbihan, there’s no shortage of opportunities for walks and exploring.
On the agenda: walks along coastal paths, secluded coves, charming villages and local markets. And even in the height of summer, you often only need to venture away from the best-known resorts to find a much more peaceful atmosphere.
Brittany has numerous campsites, often situated near the coast. In Ploumanac’h, Camping Le Ranolien is a great base for exploring the Pink Granite Coast and its coastal paths. In Morbihan, Camping de la Tour is another excellent option for discovering the Gulf of Morbihan and its surroundings.
How can you really make the most of a peaceful campsite?
Choosing a less crowded destination is a good first step, but the campsite’s location can make all the difference. A campsite situated a few kilometres from a very popular tourist attraction will often be much quieter than one right next to the main attraction.
Another option is to be flexible with your dates. If your holiday schedule allows, travelling in late August or September often means you can enjoy temperatures that are still pleasant whilst avoiding some of the crowds and hustle and bustle of the height of summer.
Finally, don’t rely solely on the number of stars or the size of the water park. For some people, the best holidays are simply those where you can enjoy a peaceful breakfast, with a river, a lake or the mountains as your only backdrop.