An unusual experience during your camping holiday
Camping is constantly evolving and now offers much more than just pitches or mobile homes. Unusual rentals are attracting more and more holidaymakers looking for originality and a change of scenery. Inspired by traditional dwellings from around the world, these accommodations offer a unique experience for holidays that are out of the ordinary.
Below, discover the main types of accommodation inspired by peoples from around the world that can be found on French campsites, as well as examples of campsites offering these unusual rentals, so you can plan your stay with complete peace of mind.
Unusual camping accommodation: travel the world without leaving the UK
Mongolian yurt: sleep in a nomadic dwelling on a campsite
Inspired by the traditional yurts of Mongolian nomads, this round tent evokes the dwellings of Central Asia while offering all the modern comforts you need for a camping holiday.
On campsites, furnished yurts generally measure between 20 and 35 m². Their circular shape gives a very pleasant impression of space, often sleeping 2 to 6 people depending on the model. Most of the time, there is a double bed and one or two single or convertible beds, as well as a din. The bohemian, cosy feel is enhanced by the exposed wooden structure and interior fabrics.
Book your stay in a yurt at the municipal campsite Le Reclus*** in Séez, Savoie, which offers yurts for couples or families (4 people).
Native American teepee: an unusual night in a traditional tent
Inspired by the teepees of the Native American peoples of North America, the teepee tent allows you to relive the spirit of traditional dwellings while enjoying modern comforts.
The teepees offered at campsites generally have a surface area of 10 to 25 m². The layout is more minimalist than that of a yurt, but remains very functional, with 2 to 4 beds in most cases. Teepees are often equipped with real beds or camp beds, sometimes supplemented with extra mattresses. The space is deliberately uncluttered to preserve the spirit of adventure and a return to basics. You can find teepees among the unusual rentals at Le Ventoulou**** campsite in Thégra (Lot), La Bosse**** in L'Epine and L'étang du Puy** in Saint-Mars-la-Réorthe (Vendée).
Safari tent/lodge tent: glamping in a safari atmosphere
The safari tent is inspired by the spirit of African bush camps and combines adventure and comfort, offering an immersive and spacious experience in the heart of nature. It is particularly popular in high-end campsites and "glamping" establishments, for those who want to enjoy an unusual experience under canvas while benefiting from comfortable facilities.
Safari tents generally measure between 25 and 50 m², often with an additional 10 to 20 m² wooden terrace. They usually sleep 4 to 6 people, divided into one or two separate bedrooms: a double bed and single or bunk beds for children. Some models even include private bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
Many campsites offer safari tents, Kenya tents and other lodge tents for hire. We particularly recommend the Bois de Saint-Hilaire*** campsite in Chaleadray (Vienne), the Vallée des Vignes**** near Saumur (Maine-et-Loire), La Pinède**** in Excenevex (Haute-Savoie), Slow Village*** in Saint-Cybranet (Dordogne) and Lodges de Bois Chambord*** in Mont-près-Chambord (Loir-et-Cher).
Trapper/Canadian tent: the spirit of camping and adventure
Inspired by the tents used by trappers and adventurers in Canada, the trapper tent, often called a Canadian tent, offers a simple and friendly stay, ideal for families or lovers of authentic camping. It combines a spirit of nature with minimal comfort, but enough to fully enjoy the experience under canvas.
The trapper tent is a triangular or slightly trapezoidal structure reminiscent of the shelters used by North American explorers. When camping, it generally measures 15 to 30 m² and can accommodate 2 to 5 people, depending on the model, with a double bed and single or convertible beds. Some modern versions even have a small dining area or relaxation corner.
Versions for 2 people, such as Trigano's Moorea tent, revisit the classic Canadian tent concept for a stay closer to nature.
Rent a trapper tent, for example, at Camping Val de Saures*** in Entraygues-sur-Truyère (Aveyron), Camping Huttopia Font-Romeu*** (Pyrénées-Orientales) or Camping Seasonova L'étang de la vallée*** in Combreux (Loiret).
Bohemian caravan: unusual accommodation with nomadic charm
Inspired by the traditional caravans of Europe's gypsy communities, the gipsy caravan offers picturesque, bohemian accommodation, ideal for an original camping experience.
The caravan is a more compact form of accommodation, with an interior surface area generally between 15 and 25 m². It usually sleeps 2 to 4 people, with a fixed double bed and sometimes a convertible bench seat or bunk beds for children. The space is very well optimised, cosy and charming.
Many campsites offer stays in gypsy caravans, such as the Sanguinet Plage***** campsite in Sanguinet (Landes), the Isis en Cévennes*** campsite in Saint-Julien-de-la-Nef (Gard) and the Les pêcheurs*** campsite in Pont-de-Poitte (Jura).
Finnish kota: sleep in an unusual Nordic chalet
The Finnish kota is a small wooden cabin with a polygonal or conical shape, inspired by the traditional shelters of the peoples of the Far North. When camping, it offers a cosy space that is perfectly suited to nature holidays, both in summer and winter.
The surface area of a furnished kota is generally between 10 and 25 m², with a capacity of 2 to 4 beds (some campsites offer more spacious models). The interior is often organised around a central space, sometimes equipped with a stove or a secure brazier, which enhances the cosy atmosphere typical of Nordic accommodation.
This type of accommodation appeals to holidaymakers looking for peace and quiet, originality and an immersive experience close to nature. It is possible to stay in a Finnish kota at campsites such as Les Mancellières**** in Avrillé (Vendée), L'étang du pays blanc**** in Guérande (Loire-Atlantique), Les Capucines**** in Saint-Michel-en-Grève (Côte d'Armor) or Les Cantarelles*** in Alrance (Aveyron).