From wild camping to developed campsites
Originally, camping meant sleeping in a tent or caravan, close to nature, with minimal comfort. Campers lived in direct contact with the elements and depended on their equipment and the vagaries of the weather. Over time, campsites have expanded their offerings: pitches for tents, motorhomes or basic rentals, modern sanitary facilities, campgrounds, playgrounds and, of course, the now essential swimming pool, which has reinforced the convivial spirit of outdoor holidays.
Then came modern rentals – spacious mobile homes, chalets, and unusual lodges – offering all the comforts of a small holiday home. Water parks, restaurants, entertainment and shows – and even spas – have transformed some campsites into veritable village resorts, where the comfort sometimes rivals that of a hotel (which may include beds made on arrival, breakfast delivery and cleaning at the end of the stay).
Finally, some high-end rentals promise maximum comfort: air conditioning, furnished terrace, adjustable LED lighting, plancha grill for cooking, etc. For example, Le Sylvamar***** campsite in Labenne and Domaine du Colombier***** in Saint-Cyprien offer premium mobile homes with spacious terraces and private swimming pools or jacuzzis, all in a generou t within large green spaces.
Les Jardins de la Pascalinette**** campsite in La Londe-les-Maures demonstrates that mobile homes (and other rental accommodation) can be equipped and furnished for maximum comfort.
Tamed nature: luxury surrounded by greenery
Even in high-end campsites, nature is very much present. The rental properties occupy large plots, surrounded by hedges and carefully planted trees. The campground becomes a landscaped garden, where comfort and aesthetics coexist with greenery and privacy, illustrating the evolution of camping towards a landscaped natural environment.
But this is no longer the raw nature of traditional campsites: here, you live in a landscaped environment, designed for comfort while maintaining a connection with the outdoors. Take a look at Le Brasilia***** campsite in Canet-en-Roussillon: its VIP areas are located in real landscaped parks, perfectly illustrating this blend of comfort and greenery.
This quest for harmony is also part of the glamping trend, where the experience of nature is combined with high-end comfort and an often eco-responsible approach. Indeed, more and more campsites are incorporating eco-responsible practices: the use of sustainable materials, rational water and waste management, and the preservation of green spaces to minimise the impact on the environment. Discover all the "eco-friendly" campsites in France (those that have been awarded the Green Key or European Ecolabel).
A blend of tradition and modernity
A key feature of contemporary authenticity: traditional pitches and rentals coexist. Campers in tents or caravans share the site with those staying in premium mobile homes or unusual lodges, promoting interaction and conviviality.
Examples: The Village Resort & Spa Le Vieux Port***** campsite in Messanges and La Sirène***** in Argelès-sur-Mer combine premium areas with pitches for tents or caravans, encouraging conviviality and encounters between holidaymakers.
Luxury and unusual: a new form of authenticity
Unusual accommodation – tree houses with spas, transparent bubbles, safari lodges... – offer exceptional comfort and an original experience. For an unusual experience in the heart of nature, the Isis en Cévennes*** campsite offers caravans or bungalows with private saunas, perched in the heart of a green estate, combining comfort and originality. On the luxury side, the Les Mouettes***** campsite in Carantec attracts visitors with its spacious and modern mobile homes, some with private jacuzzis and sea views, offering a high-end camping experience by the sea.
Authenticity is no longer measured solely by rusticity: it is defined by the experience, the freedom to set your own pace and the opportunity to share convivial moments in contact with domesticated nature.
Browse our selection of campsites offering luxury accommodation or choose a campsite offering unusual rentals to experience this new form of authenticity for yourself.
Conviviality and freedom preserved
Mobile homes retain all the advantages of camping: independence, freedom, conviviality and nature. Holidaymakers cook on site, choose their own schedules and socialise with their neighbours. Luxury and unusual features do not replace the spirit of camping, they adapt it to today's expectations.
High-end camping offers a modern version of authenticity: comfort, originality and nature coexist with interaction and conviviality. The real debate is no longer "rustic or luxury", but how to enjoy a campsite where authenticity and comfort coexist harmoniously.