The best campsites in the south of France

The best campsites in the south of France

Often associated with the glamourous, fast-paced lifestyle of the rich and famous, the south of France also has a quieter side. Filled with areas of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, sandy beaches, and plenty of campsites, the region is the perfect holiday destination.

If you’re trying to plan a camping trip, LeShuttle has scoped out some of the best campsites in the south of France for your family break this summer.

Driving to the south of France

From our Calais terminal, the drive to the south of France takes a little over 11 hours. We recommend breaking your journey up with a stopover in Orléans, which will give you the chance to stretch your legs and escape the confines of the car.

Stopover in Orléans

To get from Calais to Orléans head towards Paris on the A16, before taking the A10 to Orléans. The drive itself will take around 4 and a half hours, so you’ll get a good portion of your journey to the south of France complete before you stop.

Orléans was famously liberated by Joan of Arc in 1429, so make sure you visit the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc during your stopover. 

Luxury campsites in the south of France

One of the benefits of a south of France campsite is the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to be at one with nature. Plenty of campsites are known for offering a luxury camping experience with plenty of good food, wine, and activities onsite. 

Camping Méditerranée Plage

Le Méditerranée-Plage is a camping village located in the Languedoc region. One of the site’s key selling points is that it offers direct access to the beach, so is ideal for early morning walks along the sand. 

The site itself is wonderfully well equipped, with a heated outdoor pool, waterslides and a dedicated sunbathing area. For anyone wanting some peace and quiet, or to make full use of the poolside bar, there is also a dedicated kids club and entertainment for teens. Barbecuing is permitted onsite, but you’ll also have access to an ice cream shop, pizzeria, snack bar and more formal restaurant.  

Finally, outside of July and August Le Méditerranée-Plage permits dogs, so if you want to bring your four-legged friend along it’s best to book outside of these months.

L'Esterel Caravaning d'Agay 5-star campsite

Renowned as being one of the most beautiful campsites in France, Esterel Caravaning is a camping experience unlike any other. Based on the French Riveria, the site is 3km from the beaches of Saint Raphaël and the Côte d'Azur, giving you plenty of variety in paces for a day by the shore. 

Aside from the spacious ‘standard pitches’ the site also offers ‘Deluxe’ pitches which are all equipped with a heated shower room, kitchen and electrical connection. The ‘Impérial’ pitches available have the addition of a private hot tub, washing machine, barbeque, and dishwasher.

Beyond the pitches, the site itself has numerous activities on offer. As well as having 5 swimming pools each complete with accompanying waterslides, L'Esterel Caravaning d'Agay also has a beauty centre. Treatments on offer here include hydro jet massages and manicures, plus yoga and access to the sauna and hammam. 

There is also a dedicated activities team, offering entertainment options for both children and adults throughout the day and into the night. If you want the ultimate ‘glamping’ experience, this is the site for you.

Oasis Village Club

Oasis by name and oasis by nature, this 5-star campsite in the Var is a members-only destination, more reminiscent of a holiday resort. Blending all the attractions of nearby Provence seamlessly with the site’s natural surroundings gives guests the best of both worlds. 

You’ll have access to multiple pools, which offer everything from water aerobics to quiet sunbathing spots. The Oasis village also offers family leisure activities like table tennis and mini golf, so if you fancy some friendly competition, you’re in the right place!

Domaine du Colombier

Another 5-star camping spot located between St Tropez and Cannes is Domaine du Colombier. Its proximity to several beaches creates a tropical atmosphere that is heightened by the site’s aquatic park and lagoon style pool complex. 

Once you’re finished racing down the waterslides or floating around the lazy river, you’ll be able to enjoy the Domaine du Colombier’s extensive evening programme. Featuring magic shows, live music, and cabaret performances, your evenings will fly by in fits of fun and laughter. 

Campsites for nature lovers

If camping for you is more about spending time in nature, fear not. Plenty of the south of France campsites are in prime spots for you to spend as much time as possible immersed in the natural world.

Le Val de Cantobre

Nestled within the lush expanse of the Grands Causses Regional Park, this small (but perfectly formed) campsite overlooks the valley of the Gorges du Tarn. The gorge itself is one of the longest and deepest in Europe, and the valley in Millau is famous for its cherries and vineyards.

Onsite, pitches are terraced so everyone can make the most of the valley views. You can also rent family-sized tents with real beds if you want to ensure you get the best night’s sleep possible.

Beyond the stunning surroundings, Le Val de Cantobre also offers a restaurant and pizzeria in a former medieval farmhouse. There is also a dedicated barbeque area on site which is ideal for enjoying dinner and the sunset. 

In terms of activities on-site, there are plenty of guided walks offered throughout the summer. You’ll also be able to spend time in the onsite waterpark, complete with three water slides and a lazy river to ride down.

Camping La Cascade

A 5 hour drive from Orléans via the A71 south and the A75, Camping La Cascade is a family campsite stretching across 5 acres along the Jonte river. The site, which is in the heart of Languedoc, offers eco-camping experiences that enable guests to fall in love with the Cevennes National Park.

Onsite facilities are simple but effective. Wake up each morning to a fresh bread delivery and settle down each evening to a sumptuous dinner cooked in either the solar oven or on the barbeque. During the day, make use of the ping-pong tables available and host an impromptu tournament. If you’re unlucky enough to encounter a rainy day, there is also the children’s library, packed with reading material.

The main draw of this campsite is the surrounding area. You’ll have the charm of the local village and market, plus the stunning views over the Gorges de la Jonte, and the river, which is the perfect place to go swimming.

Huttopia Font-Romeu

Located on the edge of the Pyrenees, a stay at the Huttopia Font-Romeu means you’ll be able to open your tent each morning to breathtaking mountain views.

From the heated, outdoor pool, you’ll be treated to an unobstructed view of the mountains. If you want to get a bit closer, there are plenty of hiking trails on offer for you to explore. Equally, if you fancy a challenge, the site also offers paragliding flights and white-water rafting trips through the region. 

Huttopia Font-Romeu's restaurant and terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a family meal, and here you'll find more of those unbeatable views.

Campsites near to beaches

The south of France is known for having some of Europe’s most incredible beaches, and finding a campsite nearby is the perfect way to take full advantage of these.

Le Vieux Port

Less than a 6 hour drive from Orléans, Le Vieux Port is just 500 metres from the beach. Based in Messanges, this 5-star campsite in the south of France is ideal for anyone keen to spend their holiday swimming, surfing, and trying different water sports.

Beyond the beach, the campsite itself has plenty to offer guests. Enjoy a series of swimming pools complete with slides, a surf machine and a wave pool. There’s also a kids club, a bouncy castle and pony rides available. 

For older guests, there’s crazy golf, a well-stocked games room and a wellness centre all accessible onsite. Similarly, you’ll be able to make the most of the bar, restaurant and traditional bakery throughout your stay. 

If you’re looking for more holiday activities, why not hire bikes and explore the local trails? Alternatively, take a day trip to the ritzy seaside of Biarritz, or pretty Bayonne.

Camping Sandaya Tamaris

Halfway between Sète and Montpellier, guests who decide to pitch their tents at Les Tamaris campsite will be able to make the most of the stunning Mediterranean coastline. 

The site has recently had renovations on its 480m aquatic park, and bathroom block, so everything is ready and waiting for your arrival. For families travelling with children or teenagers, there’s a kids club and teenage entertainment available onsite. 

Not only will you have direct access to the private Arequiers beach, but also Les Tamaris’ ‘Tam Tam Beach’ club. Undoubtedly, while staying at Les Tamaris, the only way to spend the day is with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets across the ocean. 

Camping Le Pavillon Royal

The beauty of Le Pavillion Royal’s location is indisputable. Based on Biarritz and Bidart, every pitch is just a few minutes’ walk from the Basque coastline and offers uninterrupted views across the ocean.

Services available at the Pavillion Royal include a swimming pool and a separate paddling pool for younger guests. There is also a playground, massage parlour, and restaurant offering local specialities.

Of course, you’ll also have unlimited access to the beach, which is ideal for long walks, swimming and surfing. After a holiday spent enjoying the sea air, you’ll be ready to return to real-life firing on all cylinders. 

Start your south of France camping adventure with LeShuttle

Ready to book your south of France camping holiday, or to explore more of France’s stunning campsites? Whether you pitch up in Brittany, at one of the many municipal campsites across the country, or even decide to upgrade from a tent to a caravan, LeShuttle is the perfect way to start your journey.