Gone are the days when camping in France was a rudimentary sport for desperate young families who needed a break. Accommodation is no longer restricted to feeble weatherworn tents, and facilities extend beyond the basic salle de bain.
Never tried it? Here’s our compilation of France’s best coastal campsites for kids, so you can you can break from tradition without breaking the bank.
Camping Escale Saint-Gilles, Brittany
A winning formula has been negotiated at Camping Escale Saint-Gilles by devoting equal attention to parents and their children.
Located on the beachside with spectacular views across the bay, kids can take advantage of the large pool with waterslides and play areas, children’s clubs during July and August, and numerous opportunities for rockpooling nearby, while their respective adults enjoy some rest and relaxation at the onsite spa and gym.
Domaine Les Moulaines, Vendée
Tucked away behind the sand dunes of La Guérinière is Domaine Les Moulins, where chic trappers’ tents and double-storey tipis replace the usual tired sea of mobile homes.
There are also cabins if you’re feeling flash, each kitted out with warm duvets, rainforest showers, and functional kitchens that make it feel like home.
Outside, there are a few more humble spots where you can pitch your tent – taking advantage of the pool, spa, and kids’ club facilities without paying the premium.
Camping Domaine du Colombier, French Riviera
The Yelloh! Village craze is taking France by storm at the moment, with new campsites springing up across the country.
Especially popular with young families, Domaine du Colombier is no exception to this rule, and offers grass tent pitches from only €18 per night.
Take a stroll through the floral gardens or head to the brilliant golden sands of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël for a quick dip in the ocean. Onsite highlights include two restaurants, balneotherapy spa, and the expansive 3800m ² lagoon bordered by an artificial beach.
Camping Les Baleines, Île de Ré
Return to nature with the fruit of your womb at this campsite on the tip of the Île de Ré, which can only be reached via a bridge from the mainland.
Framed by the picturesque setting of Plage de la Conche and Whale Lighthouse, your kids will love beachcombing the wide, desolate shores as you stroll along behind them.
Camping Le Sérignan Plage, Languedoc
Another saving grace brought to you by the good people at Yelloh! Village, Camping Le Sérignan Plage is reputed to be one of the best campsites in the South of France.
Located just metres from the shore, the campsite boasts access to wide stretches of golden sand that slope down gently into the Mediterranean, making it safer for children to play here.
Feature © Dejan Ristovski/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
