The south of France is a very popular holiday destination due to its glorious weather, beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and fabulous food, and camping in the south of France allows you to get right into the heart of it all.
Here, we share some of the best places to pitch your tent, park your campervan, or hire a caravan in the south of France, and all of the great things that you can do during your holiday when you take the ferry to France.
Camping in the Ardèche
Outdoor activities and camping in the south of France go hand in hand, and the best place to combine the two is the Ardèche. Known for its wonderful landscape of trails, rivers, forests, and caves, this French department offers its visitors a whole range of options when it comes to getting outside and having awesome adventures.
One of the best activities in the Ardèche is kayaking or canoeing through the Pont d’Arc. This impressive limestone bridge was formed naturally by the Ardèche River and is known as being the gateway to the Ardèche Gorges. The gorges themselves boast the alternative name of ‘Europe’s Grand Canyon’ due to stretching 35km and taking millions of years to form. There are loads of signposted walks to choose from which will help you to discover this wonder for yourself, and you’ll be able to admire plenty of nature and wildlife as you stroll along.
There are lots of camping options in this area of the south of France, including those with landscaped beaches and great locations right on the Ardèche River. Many campsites have swimming pools and entertainment options, so you’ll find loads to do when you’re not out exploring the area.
Camping in Provence
Camping in the French region of Provence gives you the opportunity to visit its famous lavender fields, wander around traditional village markets, and see the striking Carmargue landscape (including its pink salt marshes and flamingos) for yourself. Combine these attractions with olive groves, pine forests, and beautiful cities, and this is one destination that will truly immerse you into French life.
If you fancy adding a bit of glitz and glamour to your French camping escape, you’ll find it easy to reach the stunning Riviera from your base in Provence. Head further south to discover cities popular with the rich and famous, including St. Tropez, Nice, and Cannes, plus the principality of Monaco, and spend time soaking up some rays on their lovely beaches. You’ll also find some delicious seafood here, and are sure to love the opportunity to sit and people-watch as you enjoy a fantastic meal.
There are loads of great camping opportunities in Provence that will put you into the centre of all it has to offer. Stay on the outskirts of pine forests which can be explored by foot, bike or horse, camp close to quaint villages which offer delightful local markets selling food, artwork, and antiques, choose a campsite which offers swimming pools and water sports, or select one with easy access to a beach – the choice is yours!
Camping in the Pyrénées
For camping in the south of France with a view, look no further than the stunning Pyrénées. Despite being a popular destination for skiing in the winter, this mountain range boasts fantastic hiking, horse riding, cycling, and camping opportunities in the warmer months, and the views are simply unbeatable.
There’s nothing like spending time out in the fresh air among beautiful surroundings, and camping in the Pyrénées offers just this. Put on your hiking boots or climb onto your bike and head out to explore the lush, green scenery before relaxing in one of the natural thermal springs, or diving bravely into one of the icy cold pools. You’ll also find a range of adventure parks, plus climbing, caving, and canyoning opportunities here, so you can try something new and exciting during your holiday in the south of France. You must remember to schedule in a visit to Lourdes while you’re here. This town can be found in the foothills of the mountains and is home to the Sanctuary Our Lady of Lourdes, the most visited Christian pilgrimage site in the world!
When you choose to camp in the Pyrénées, you’ll find everything from quiet and relaxed sites to those packed with pools and water slides, so there truly is something for everyone. Don’t forget that you can take your bike on holiday when you travel by ferry, so you won’t need to worry about hiring one when you get there if you do decide to explore on two wheels.
Now that you know the best places for camping in the south of France, don’t delay in booking your Dover to Calais ferry and start planning your holiday in this wonderful part of Europe today.
