Forget windswept tents, damp sleeping bags, and sleeping on rocky ground, whether you're in the north, south or central France, you're likely to come across some of the best glamping sites in Europe.
To help inspire your next glamorous-camping trip, we've put together a list of some of the best glamping spots in France, from the beautiful beaches of the south, to the enchanting forests of the north. You’ll be swapping from blow up air beds to four posters before you know it!
Why glamping?
A glamping trip offers you and your family the best of both worlds, the freedom of a traditional camping trip, combined with the luxury of a five-star resort. You’ll get the chance to experience sleeping under the stars, with a little more glamour and access to home comforts.
Glamping also gives you the chance to make the most out of long summer holidays and see more of Europe in style. From mountain ranges to historic towns or relaxing beaches, summer is one of the best times to go camping in Europe. Start your journey in France, and travel as far into Europe as your unique journey allows.
Spend time with the ones you love in the beauty of the French countryside
What should you pack for a Glamping trip?
Glamping is the halfway house between the comforts of home while still getting the beauty and tranquillity which comes with camping the traditional way. Before you leave, it’s worth speaking to the owners at your glamping accommodation to find out what’s included in your booking. You might not be expected to bring a tent, but there might still be items you will need to provide.
Your glamping gear list should be designed to prepare you for anything the wilderness may throw at you and ensure you get the most out of your trip:
Bedding
While some accommodations are happy to provide bedding, it might be worth bringing your own in case. After all, nothing says luxury like extra pillows!
Mosquito repellent
Sadly, staying in a log cabin rather than a tent doesn’t protect you from insect bites, so make sure you’re well stocked up on insect repellent.
Toilet paper
Most glamping sites provide at least one roll of toilet paper to get you started but taking your own is always wise.
Tea towels and washing up liquid
If your glamping accommodation provides a sink or washing up facilities, make sure you have everything you need to make use of it.
Electricals
Although some sites have electrical appliance available, a small torch and a portable charger for your phone is always a good idea.
Midi-Pyrénées
The mountainous backdrop and rivers combined with proximity to Spain make glamping in the Midi-Pyrénées an exciting option.
The journey from Calais is well worth it as you will arrive in just under 9 hours, allowing you to set your own pace. Not only can you use it as an overnight stop before continuing into Europe, the beauty of the southern region makes it a standout destination on its own.
Visitors can explore the stunning scenery of the Western Pyrenees National Park, and the available hiking, fishing and canoeing activities make it the perfect place for anyone with an adventurous spirit.
Imagine waking up to stunning mountainous views
Limousin
Located in Southwest France, Limousin is another area that’s rich in natural beauty and many Brits have a second home here. Although not densely populated, there is a rich culture for visitors to immerse themselves in. The region is famous for its porcelain and has a successful basketball team.
Although the stunning railway station means it’s often recommended for people to arrive via train, using LeShuttle means you can be there in under 7 hours and with everything you need already packed in your car.
Rhone Alpes
Glamping in the Rhone Alpes is another great way to break up a trip around Europe. Not only do visitors have the opportunity to explore the beauty of the northern Alps, they can also indulge in the thermal baths across the region.
The nearby city of Lyon combines has some stunning parklands, meaning visitors can experience all the joys of city life, without the quiet of their holiday being spoiled.
Gorges de l'Ardéche
Situated in South-Central France, this friendly glamping site is the perfect setting for your next family break. Visitors can book into one of the sites many Mongolian-style yurts, all featuring luxury double and single beds, access to a stylish wash block, and a kitchen. Outdoor hammocks allow you to relax in the sun after a hard day exploring the gorges. Dogs are also welcome, so there is no need to leave your furry friend behind if you do decide to visit.
If your family is the adventurous type, take advantage of the onsite mountain bike hire and explore your local surroundings or try your hand at rock climbing on the limestone cliffs that surround the River Ardéche.
Take to the trails and start your next adventure
Nouvelle Aquitane
Boasting a wide variety of landscapes, Nouvelle Aquitane sits between the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees mountains, and the Massif Central. This combination means there’s plenty to please everyone. Popular destinations for tourists range from cities of art and history like Bayonne and Bordeaux, to any one of the incredible sandy beaches.
Dordogne
Deep in Dordogne, in Les Mathevies, is the Glisten Camping site, which is home to a range of super-modern, geo-dome shaped tents. The domes include comfortable double beds and 'hanging' beds for kids, as well as a kitchen, outdoor table, and an onsite pool for when you want to cool off.
For a fun day out, take your family down to La Forêt des Ecureuils, a nearby adventure park where you can fly through the forest on zip lines. Alternatively, if you prefer to be in the water, enjoy a day canoeing along the Dordogne River, where you can paddle past various idyllic villages.
Brittany
One of the most popular holiday regions in France, Brittany’s proximity to the coast means visitors to many of the glamping sites here will have the luxury of waking up to ocean waves and feeling the sand beneath their toes. If the beach isn’t for you, Brittany has plenty of other places to explore like the city of Rennes, a mixture of medieval streets, museums, and green spaces.
Bains-sur-Oust
This charming camping site is located just outside Bains-sur-Oust and is populated by idyllic canvas lodges surrounded by oak, elm, ash, and chestnut trees. The lodges are complete with outdoor decking, making them the perfect wildlife watching post. With only the gentle tweeting of birds for company, this luxury camping experience is perfect for those looking to escape.
Onsite, visitors can enjoy fishing in the pond, as well as canoeing in the nearby River Oust. If you fancy a trip into the city, the site is only a short drive from Nantes, a charming city with plenty of restaurants and shops offering local delicacies.
Immerse yourself in nature with all the comforts of home on your next glamping trip
Pays de la Loire
In the tiny hamlet of Port de Vallée, in the Pays de la Loire region, you'll find the safari-style lodges of Le Mouton, perfect for an exotic glamping experience. Each lodge is located just outside the site's main B&B and dotted around Le Mouton's little lake. Lavish interiors include comfortable bedding, storage, and a well-equipped kitchen. Each visitor also has access to the site's swimming pool and jacuzzi, as well as a mouth-watering barbecue on your first night and fresh pastries and bread every morning.
Normandy
Famous for being the site of so many historical events, Normandy is a charming region just North of Paris. Visitors to the area will get to witness the iconic Mont Saint-Michel first-hand and spend time exploring the D-Day beaches.
The site of so much beauty and history, Normandy and its beaches are a must-see
Manche
Complete with beautiful beaches and countryside, Manche is the ideal glamping spot. Visitors to Forest Escapes can spend the night in the sites stunning tree houses complete with bunk beds, double beds, eco toilet, and Indonesian shower room. There’s also a glamping glade where breakfast, lunch and dinners, as well as the sites homemade cider is served.
There’s plenty to see and do in Mache itself, with the chance to visit the beach or explore the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel either on foot or on one of the many mountain bike trails.
Centre Val De Loire
The Centre-Val de Loire region sits at the centre of northern France with the stunning Loire Valley in the middle, defined by its farmland and palatial châteaux. It’s also a primary wine-producing region, known especially for its white wines.
Batilly-en-Puisaye
For an entirely different outdoor experience, book a stay at Family Ecolodge, a glamping spot that consists of wood cabins and tree houses. Located in Batilly-en-Puisaye, a small commune in the Loire department, you'll have a varied selection of accommodation to choose from, as well as access to the sauna, games, and Wifi.
The site’s Squirrel Perched Hut is a tree house with its very own private bathroom. You'll be treated to a four-poster double bed, which is often the best place to watch the birds flutter in and out of the trees from the hut's windows.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the nearby Toucy Farmer's Market, where fresh veg, fruit and flowers are on offer.
Planning your glamping holiday
Before setting off on your trip, it’s a good idea to plan your route. Whether you’re staying on one site, or travelling across Europe to Switzerland, Berlin or beyond, the sky’s the limit.
Start your French glamping holiday with LeShuttle
Getting across the channel with LeShuttle is easy. In just 35 minutes you can be in France, and after that, you’re well on your way to your glampsite.