Your camping holiday
with Aloa Vacances
Discover the different destinations in our beautiful regions of France and alsoin Spain as well as the different options and tips to make the most ofyour camping holiday.
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CAMPING IN FRANCE
Camping attracts more and more French people every year and France is one of the most attractive countries in terms of destinations and locations. From the countryside to the urban streets, France has everything you could want in a place to enjoy your summer holiday.
From the classic campsites to the more starred ones, the services provided are not all the same as well as the type of accommodation. The more stars the campsite has, the more comfortable or even unusual accommodation you can find, such as mobile homes, bungalows or tree houses.
Depending on the destination and the campsite, there are many choices: with swimming pool or water park, with or without animals, in the mountains or on the water, with family or friends, or for a relaxing or more sporting holiday.
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Finding the right campsite for your needs may seem an impossible task among the multitude of campsites in France. At Aloa Vacances, we have made it our mission to provide useful information on all these different options so that you can spend less time searching and more time having fun!
The best camping destinations in France and Spain
There are so many beautiful camping destinations to discover that there are places to suit every need. Whether you want to be surrounded by breathtaking nature or enjoy a bit of culture and history, there are plenty of amazing destinations.
Discover the destination that suits you among the best regions in France for camping and in Spain.
South Brittany
Brittanyis a beautiful place to visit during the summer. It has not only spectacular natural beauty, but also a rich culture and tradition. Between wind and tide, magic and history, Brittany has many assets to charm you.
Brittany has many beautiful campsites, especially in the south. It is perfect for camping enthusiasts who want to enjoy the green nature and salt marshes of Guérande while enjoying pleasant weather on a daily basis.
With this real seaside holiday, relax to the sound of waves and gulls under the enchanting words of Morgana and Merlin the Enchanter in the forest of Brocéliande. As these are Celtic lands, you will discover beautiful cultural and historical monuments and then take a gourmet break by indulging in the local cuisine with good pancakes accompanied by a good bowl of cider.
Of course, the proximity of the sea also allows you to take advantage of activities such as diving or boat trips to discover the small peninsulas off Brittany.
Vendée
The Vendée is a very popular region for camping in France, with many lively family campsites.
You can go for a walk in typical Vendée towns such as La Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables-d’Olonne or Saint-Hilaire de Riez, or in the countryside in the marshes as the department is one of the greenest in France.
What makes it so charming is the numerous sports and water activities available. With its 140 sandy beaches, the Vendée offers several sports such as :
It is also an opportunity to enjoy the start of the Vendée Globe, or to go to one of the best parks in the world, the Parc du Puy du Fou, which are two of the region’s top attractions.
To make the most of your stay, bring your bikes to ride the Vélodyssée de Vendée, a long motorway totally adapted and created for cyclists or walkers. It’s a simple way to do eco-tourism while enjoying time with family and friends in the beautiful countryside. To diversify your rides, there are many mountain bike routes as well as various walking tours.
With a very pleasant weather, you will not be bored in the many campsites of Vendée proposed by Aloa Vacances.
Charente-Maritime
The Charente-Maritime is very well known for its marine coastline and the famous port city of La Rochelle as well as its proximity to various islands such as the island of Ré and the island of Oléron. Ideal for spending peaceful moments close to nature, many campsites are available for stays in a mild, oceanic climate.
The Ile d’Oléron allows you to enjoy more or less wild landscapes where the fauna and flora are important, with the flagship town of Saint-Georges-d’Oléron where you can taste excellent local oysters or mussels. The preferred means of transport is by bicycle or on foot, although for the less sporty cars can be used easily on accessible roads.
You can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches and see the famous Fort Boyard not far from the island.
Don’t hesitate to come and discover this department if you want to spend a family holiday in a temperate climate.
Dordogne Périgord
Choosing the Dordogne as a destination means choosing a destination steeped in history with a local gastronomy that will delight the taste buds of the most gourmands.
You can enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of the area. You can choose fromsome of the most beautiful villages in France, some 15 Unesco World Heritage sites such asthe Lascaux cavesand numerous hiking trails.
Sarlat-la-Canéda is one of the most touristy towns where you can enjoy Sarlat potatoes with a good duck breast or local foie gras.
Mostly rural, this destination is more suited to nature lovers who enjoy walking, cycling or horse riding.
Corse
Ah the Island of Beauty! Between seas, mountains and small typical villages, Corsica is one of the favourite destinations of the French. This island between Italy and France, is mainly accessible either by ferry or by plane, it is also possible once there to rent a car to easily move around the territory. The winding, mountainous roads of Corsica are the source of its charm, with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, but they also require good tyres to avoid a breakdown.
With beaches along most of its coastline, the sea is warm and clear with fine sand, allowing you to enjoy a variety of water activities by boat or by swimming.
Perched in the heights, you will find many charming old Corsican villages, far from each other because of the rich and omnipresent nature.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing or sporty hiking holiday, this is the ideal destination.
Landes and Basque Country
The Landes and the Basque Country are two departments in the south of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region that are very popular for holidays.
Anglet, Biarritz, Bayonne or St-Jean-de-Luzare very popular seaside resorts in the south-west of France due to their ideal location close to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, and their famous culinary delights such as Bayonne ham and Espelette chilli. Every year they have their own festival which is quite lively and attracts many tourists.
In the Basque Country, people like to party and many of them practice board sports:
- Water skiing
- Wakeboard
- Kitesurf
- Sea kayaking
- Stand Up Paddle
- Hawaiian canoe
- Surf
The atmosphere is therefore warm with beaches that are often crowded, especially in summer. You will probably hear the locals speaking Basque, their language is a great source of pride, the Basque country is more than a department or a region, it is a country in its own right!
The beaches in the Landes are well known for their ideal waves and attract surfers from all over the world. The dunes along the entire coastline allow for beautiful nature walks and picnics. Close to the Arcachon basin, there are many lakes and ponds to fish in as well as local farmers’ markets showcasing the region’s fine products such as Floc de Gascogne, Armagnac and excellent wines.
Languedoc-Roussillon
Many surprises await you in the beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. Including architectural and historical treasures such as the city of Carcassonne or thePont du Gard, the proximity to the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees and Spain, offer many activities.
You can enjoy the warmth of the south on the coast with the numerous beaches from Narbonne to Perpignan or rather in the city in cities where life is good like Toulouse or Montpellier.
In the hinterland, you can also enjoy beautiful hikes and discover caves in the rocks. Through the richness of its landscapes, you can discover beautiful panoramas in the middle of nature and you may be lucky enough to see pink flamingos and real Camargue horses on the side of Grau-du-Roi.
Close to Spain, part of this region is also known as “French Catalonia” and its inhabitants are very proud of their heritage, some even still speak the local dialect.
Many French people come to this pleasant part of France to rent a mobile home.
PACA
Particularly touristy, the Provence Côte d’Azur region is ideally located between the mountains and the sea, and offers numerous hikes among the most beautiful villages in France as well as beaches and prestigious places.
In Provence Côte d’Azur, there is always the possibility of rubbing shoulders with posh places and probably meeting stars, but it is also possible to take refuge in small creeks and in small villages more remote from the coast to enjoy more tranquillity.
The region has the distinction of having very pleasant temperatures all year round, so you can enjoy your camping holiday in both summer and winter.
Pétanque and seafood are very strong identities of the region, whether in Saint-Tropez or in Nice, and also lavender and Marseille soap which are key products to bring back as souvenirs in your suitcase.
This destination offers mainly mobile home rentals and is more suitable for households with a larger budget.
Spain
Spain, in addition to being a beautiful country with a rich culture, has the advantage of being close to France with almost equivalent services.
The most popular places to visit to enjoy nature are the Pyrenees and the many beaches on the Mediterranean coast.
The best time to go camping would be in the spring or summer, when you are more likely to see wildlife in the mountains or enjoy the summer season. It is also warm enough for activities such as water sports, exploring secret coves and caves and other outdoor activities. Catalonia is one of the richest regions in terms of cuisine and culture, especially with the Sagrada Familia.
When it comes to Spain, you will find great opportunities for camping. You can find cheap and expensive camping options that are perfect for different budgets.
All our tips for becoming a real camper
In this section, we offer you some camping tips that will make your trip more enjoyable.
Camping is usually a great experience for family and friends with lots of fun and activities. In order to make the most of your stay, it is essential to prepare in advance the type of rentals and the desired destination.
Tent or mobile home
For those on a budget and nature lovers, camping in a tent is probably the best option for you, while camping in a mobile home is more suitable for people looking for a comfortable holiday.
Each solution has its own particularities to take into account.
Any seasoned tent camper knows that good equipment is necessary to get a good night’s sleep, without having to pack too much stuff. If you want to make good tortillas or macaroni and cheese, make sure you have some essential kitchen tools!
The mobile home does not require you to carry so much equipment, but there are still things to bring that are not provided by the accommodation, such as linen, household products or food.
It is therefore important to establish your budget to determine which type of campsite to choose, depending on the location, the number of stars or the activities offered.
Atmosphere is one of the most important things to consider when camping. The size of the pitch will allow you to have more space between you and your camping neighbours for more peace and quiet, sleeping in a tent will allow you to enjoy the daily sounds of nature.
Keeping busy during your camping trip
If you want more atmosphere, most campsites offer evening activities such as games or comedy shows. Inviting your neighbours over can also be an opportunity to meet new people and share activities together.
During the day, family activities can include swimming, hiking, sightseeing, sports activities or amusement parks near the campsite. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, you can always find something to do.
This makes camping an ideal choice for unforgettable memories with your children. Some campsites are also baby-friendly, with bathrooms equipped with baby kits and play areas. And for your four-legged friend, you can also find campsites that accept dogs.
Whether it’s for relaxation, sport, your children, your teenager or yourself, you will always find a camping solution that meets your needs.
The weather
All that remains is to choose your holiday destination according to your preferences. If you are looking for warmth, prefer the Landes, PACA or Languedoc-Roussillon regions; Brittany and the Vendée will allow you to enjoy the sea while doing sports activities in regions with a strong historical and cultural heritage.
Opt for aquatic areas for more entertainment
One of the main attractions of campsites that appeal to many families are the water areas such as swimming pools or playgrounds for children.
Water parks offer a fun way to enjoy camping while getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Even if your campsite doesn’t have one, many of them are located near large parks. Suitable for young and old alike, their many water sports facilities cater for all members of the family. From the paddling pool to slides of various sizes, fun is guaranteed!
For the less adventurous, open or closed pools sometimes offer aquagym classes or relaxation areas with hammam, sauna and jacuzzi.
Having access to aquatic areas for your children allows you to occupy your days and relax without having to worry about their safety thanks to regular checks and lifeguards on duty.
It is usually the more upmarket campsites that offer such services.
Going camping with your children with peace of mind
Going away as a family can often be complicated in terms of finding activities that everyone can enjoy.
Fortunately, the variety of activities on the campsite makes this task easier and allows you to enjoy your stay to the full.
Would you like to visit the region with your partner without worrying about your children?
Take advantage of the children’s clubs – this allows you to let your children play with others of their age while you look after your own.
The children’s club is a type of service that provides resources and services for children that are often not available at home or at school. It usually includes recreational activities, groups for children with similar interests and activities such as art, walks or games.
This allows them to have more fun on activities they like on their own and not to get bored.
There are also activities to do on your own or with your family, in the open air or with the facilities provided by the campsite.
Which beaches to choose to be at the water’s edge ?
Since “beach” often rhymes with “holiday”, it is a very popular destination during the summer to be able to cool off at the water’s edge and enjoy the many water activities. With so many beaches, there is no shortage of places to discover during your stay in France.
A large number of campsites with or without stars on Aloa vacances offer direct access to the beach, so you can put your feet in the water at any time.
So which campsite should you choose to make sure you are in the best place?
- The south of France is known for its beautiful beaches with clear waters and wide stretches of sand. The white sandy beaches of the French Riviera are perfect places to spend your day exploring the beauty of this region.
There are so many different ways to enjoy the French coastline – whether you want to attend the famous Cannes Film Festival or simply take a trip along the coast to explore some hidden coves along the way. - On the Atlantic coast, you can get a good tan while enjoying water activities. For sportsmen, you can find activities such as surfing, water-skiing, kayaking or sailing, especially in the Languedoc, the Basque country or the Vendée.
One of these is the Vendée Globe, a boat race that attracts large numbers of spectators every year and offers a unique experience to discover. It is also possible to go diving or take a boat trip in Brittany to the many peninsulas.
Or simply enjoy the pleasures of swimming, taking care to choose supervised beaches.
Even if your campsite is near a beach, many offer a swimming pool or even a water park where your children can have fun on the slides in complete safety while having direct access to toilets and changing rooms.
The number of stars the campsites have will give you an idea of the quality of the services offered by the campsite, also with the help of online reviews left by internet users.
The different types of campsites to know before leaving
The best way to enjoy your season in the wilderness is to choose your campsite carefully.
There are different types of campsites offering different types of accommodation.
The mobile home
Mobile homes are very popular these days, as they offer more space and comfort, and people who choose this type of rental only have to “drop their suitcase”.
Equipped with a mini-kitchenette, there are often one or more bedrooms separate from the small living room/kitchen with an outdoor area to sit and enjoy the weather. A true small holiday home, they are temporary accommodation that can be towed to other locations. Do not hesitate to discover our selection of mobile homes for all budgets.
Unusual accommodation
With the development of mobile homes, other types of accommodation have appeared, such as caravans, bungalows or tree houses. Suitable for people looking for an unusual experience, these rentals are found in more upmarket campsites.
Camping by the sea or in the mountains
Depending on the location, activities and recreation will differ. Some campsites will be closer to nature and local life, while others will focus more on family activities to accommodate all members of the family.
Starred campsites
Campsites are awarded stars for their location, facilities and activities. The more stars a campsite has, the more quality facilities it will have: sauna, gym, multilingual reception, more attractive facilities and pitches. A 5-star campsite will have a compulsory swimming pool.
The 1 and 2 star campsites are the most affordable and offer more ‘bare’ pitches to pitch your tent, but the services offered are very limited.