Campsites in the South of France: Best Camping Spots

Enjoying a glass of wine in the Provence surrounded by the wonderful scent of the lavender fields, swimming in the bright blue sea in the bays of the Calanques or exploring the winding alleyways of small mountain villages like Gourdon or Sainte-Agnès...

There is a reason why the French south is so popular with travellers. Between the Côte d'Azur, the Pyrenees and the Alps, camping fans like to stay a little longer. We'll tell you which campsites are particularly good for enjoying the lightness of the south of France.

Where? Along the coastline between Petite Camargue and the Pyrenees, and between the Mediterranean and the inland low mountain range of the Cévennes.

Known for: Up to 300 days of sunshine a year, wine growing, fishing, stalactite caves & of course endless beaches and sea.

The small campsite Le Moulin du Luech near Nîmes has set itself the goal of offering you a relaxed camping holiday in harmony with nature that surrounds the site, far away from the usual everyday stress. Luech Mill" takes its name from the river on whose banks the campsite is located. You can look forward to green, shady and spacious pitches and various activities such as pottery classes, massages or yoga. The Cévennes National Park, which invites you to go hiking and cycling, is not far from this beautiful spot.

Our next campsite recommendation is also located in the middle of the Cévennes at the foot of Mont Aigoual. Under the shade of chestnut, birch, poplar and mulberry trees, you can set up camp at the small campsite Le Mouretou. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the Hérault, which borders the site, or in the site's own pool, or enjoy a delicious pizza on the restaurant terrace. The site is the perfect starting point for hiking and cycling tours and water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. We also give the campsite extra points for its commitment to environmental protection.

At the campsite Villemarin you'll find 25 shady pitches for your camper, in the middle of a green vineyard, about 10 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. The perfect spot for wine lovers, the campsite is not only exceptionally beautiful, it also offers wine from the estate for sale. If you want more than wine tasting in the countryside, you can reach the Gorges d'Héric (sober, of course) after about an hour's drive. Here you will find waterfalls, gorges and untouched nature. Villemarin is also environmentally conscious and uses solar energy.

Hot tip for those who want to be right by the sea when camping in the south of France and don't mind larger campsites: The campsites at Les Méditerranées. You'll find this 5-star campsite in Marseillan Plage directly by the Mediterranean Sea as Camping Charlemagne, Camping Nouvelle Floride and Camping Beach Garden. In addition to the proximity to the sea, you can look forward to pools, water parks and a spa area, as well as lots of other activities. Fancy a dance class or yoga?

Where? Between the Mediterranean, Italy and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Known for: Diverse landscape of endless coastline, high mountains and lavender fields.

Close to the medieval (and worth seeing) Roquebrune-sur-Argens and not far from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Côte d'Azur campsite Les Pêcheurs, `the fishermen`. Only 11 kilometres separate you from the sandy beaches of Fréjus or Saint Raphaël, and if that's too far for you, you can always cool off either in one of the heated swimming pools, in the nearby river Argens or the lake de l'Aréna. The river and lake are also ideal for a variety of water activities.

You don't always have to drive to the coast for direct water access. The idyllic campsite de la Bonde near Sannes in Provence is located directly on the 30-hectare pond that gives the site its name. Direct access to the beach is not the only advantage of the site: a tennis court and multi-sports court as well as the bar and restaurant ensure that all guests feel right at home here. The surrounding area also has a lot to offer outside the campsite. Discover the Basses Gorges du Verdon while hiking or pay a visit to the beautiful alleys of the university town of Aix-en-Provence.

Under pine and eucalyptus trees, just 200 metres from the beach, at the western end of the Giens peninsula, you can stay at the campsite Olbia. Your peace and quiet will only be `disturbed` by the chirping of the cicadas, because the campsite deliberately does not have an entertainment programme. But you certainly won't get bored, because the area is ideal for water sports and nature exploration, for example on the Douaniers coastal hiking trail.

Quiet and relaxed is also the way to go at the campsite Les Mouettes, 'The Seagulls', is located in the picturesque harbour town of Martigues in the heart of Provence on the Côte Bleue. Just 400 metres from the campsite, you can soak up the sun and enjoy the water on the sandy beach of Sainte Croix. In addition to the beach access, there are also several hiking trails in the immediate vicinity, so you can also really let off steam outside the water.

You don't want to miss the lavender fields that are so typical of the Provence landscape? Then the campsite Provence Vallée might be just the place for you. The Valensole plateau, with its vast lavender fields in bloom, is only 30 minutes away from this beautiful campsite with a swimming pool. Especially cool: During the high season between July and the end of August, you can look forward to a different food truck dropping by every week with delicious food.

The alpine rim lake Lac d'Annecy definitely is an absolute tourist highlight in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is therefore hardly surprising that a large number of campsites have settled on its shores. Our recommendation: the small, charming campsite at Le Clos Don Jean, located below the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and just 15 minutes' walk from the lake shore. The surrounding region is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, hikers and curious burger lovers.

Southern France in summer - it gets warm. So it's always a good thing if your campsite either has a pool or access to a natural bathing area, for a little cooling down after long days. On the banks of the Doux in the valley of the same name you will find the campsite Le Viaduc, which offers you just that and much more. In addition to almost 50 pitches for campers and motorhomes, you can also rent very unusual accommodation here and enjoy relaxing days in idyllic green surroundings. The area invites you to explore: Not only is there a beautiful old viaduct to be seen near the campsite, the Doux Valley is a true paradise for hiking fans and cyclists, and charming villages and impressive castles are also numerous here.

Attention volcano enthusiasts: Our next recommendation, the campsite Huttopia Royat, is located at the foot of the famous volcano Puy de Dôme. This volcano, which has been dormant for a long time, is a popular place to hike and admire year after year. The Huttopia Royat campsite, situated on the edge of the forest, is also worth a visit with its heated swimming pool and beautiful location in the middle of the greenery. In addition to the Puy de Dôme, you can also discover a high ropes course or the small but beautiful town of Clermont Ferrand.

Waking up with a view of the Mont Blanc massif? The campsite des Écureuils in popular Chamonix makes it possible and is the ideal place to stay for anyone who loves mountains. The campsite and its surroundings offer you not only an excellent view, but also many different possibilities for sporting activities, and you don't have to miss out on restaurants and bars here, despite the lofty heights.