Hi all,
We are looking to spend 3 weeks in France in the Summer holidays and we have no idea where to start! There will only be 2 of us and don't want to stay on the massive campsites full of kids! (sorry kids :) ) We would definitely want some lovely sunshine. Any ideas of where to start?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
For the last couple of years we have been to Camping de Vaudois at Roqubrune Sur Argens, close to Frejus down on the Med, I think the campsite has just 80 touring pitch's.
They also take ACSI CampingCard upto the first week of July, so 13€ per night inc electric!
Even if you are going in peak, the pitch prices are good and you can guarantee the sunshine that's for sure.
But the best bit about this 3 Star campsite, is that it has no animations whatsoever, which makes the place uber relaxing even in mid July.
Lets start with what you do want. Lovely sunshine? I'd plan one overnight stop wherever you go. What else? River swimming? Castles? Seaside?
Now we're footloose and fancy free again we try to theme our hols. For example, last year we went to the Camargue and the Ardeche stopping off in Beaune in both directions and staying on smallish sites. The theme was river swimming, but then we saw the Camargue on a documentary and wondered why we'd never been. It was hot (37+) in the Camargue and really pretty. The Ardeche can be a bit touristy but the river is good for swimming or canoeing.
They have little campsites all over where you won't meet ravening hordes of Britkids. Some of these are called Municipal campsites and are run by the council but are usually very nice indeed. The one at Beaune is the poshest one I've been to (but hey, it is Beaune after all). A bit of a disappointment, as it's 80% gravel pitches for camper vans, but it is very efficiently run and the restaurant is lovely.
Hint: use Google Maps & search for
Camping near Marseille
(add the location of your choice, obviously).
Hi Alexis and Emma. Best to start browsing general guide books to France - Eyewitness series, Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, etc - to decide where you want to go and how far you want to drive.
Choosing campsites can come later - they are everywhere, about 9000 of them. Come back to us later when you know where you are going and someone will suggest suitable campsites to suit you. Enjoy your planning.
When are you planning to travel? You say 'summer holidays' but does that mean the school holidays, or just the summer period. Right up until early July it's possible not to book sites at all, similarly after the second week in August - so you can go as you please, following the weather, or tips from other people you meet on site!!
Avoid the first couple of weeks of August, we usually go the 2nd half of August.
As previously said, find things you interested in seeing/doing then look for campsites in the area.
The joy of French camping is that it's still possible, even in Summer, to be quite spontaneous. The best moments we've had have often been in small towns, while pitching up on municipal sites or similar, the antithesis to the large organised family seaside places, though we've had good times there too. Lisex's notion of theming is a good one. From your suggestion of "beach, towns with shops, restaurants etc. Nice and chilled atmosphere" I'd suggest Honfleur; La Rochelle and around; Royan and around; Collioure and around; though if you add in river beaches you're spoiled for choice.
It's the happy accidents I enjoy - like the owner's pot-belly pig wandering through the camp restaurant (Langres); or trying the local absinthe (Auxonne); the onsite oyster shack (Loupian).
South of the Loire is good for warmth and culture; south of the 45th parallel is good for sun. The Midi is hot (days over 30deg), and mediterranean in outlook. The Dordogne warm and like a hot English summer (Mid 20s). And remember it gets addictive, so leave plenty for following years!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: First time to France - 3 weeks, advice
