Suddenly, it seems, we’ve discovered that traveling doesn’t necessarily have to be about a specific destination; it can simply be a green space or a small grove of trees. Within these spaces, we wander freely, chat leisurely, and find solace in nature.
France can be dubbed the “camping capital,” with over 11,000 registered campsites, nearly half of the total number in Europe. The campsites are meticulously managed and categorized into three main types: leisure campsites (Loisirs), tourism campsites (Tourisme), and natural campsites (Aire naturelle). These campsites are further classified based on star ratings: one-star, two-star, three-star, four-star, five-star, farm campsites, and camping on farms.
Summer camping is highly sought after and falls within the peak season for camping. It’s advisable to determine the per-person camping area in advance to enhance the camping experience.
Below are some exciting camping recommendations.
Le Grand Champ
Located in the town of Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, the Grand Champ campsite offers a surprising alternative in this famous skiing town. While the campsite at the foot of the mountain may not be luxurious, its prime location feels straight out of a healing movie scene.
The campsite can accommodate 50-100 people. For those seeking activities, joining the town’s events in Chamonix is an option. Take the cable car to Mont Blanc or hop on a small train to see the glaciers. Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample choices for rock climbing, cycling, paragliding, and rafting.
Camping Lac de Serre Ponçon
Lac de Serre-Ponçon is the largest artificial lake in Europe, situated in the Hautes-Alpes department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. The lake’s waters exhibit shades of turquoise, and there are over 300 sunny days each year. The campsite, spanning 19 hectares near the lake, is surrounded by peaks reaching 3000 meters and is part of a natural reserve, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains.
The campsite features a beach, natural streams, various water sports, and ball games. Additionally, there are paragliding experiences available, providing breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, with rare take-off and landing spots in the same location.
The campsite offers a great deal of flexibility in choosing camping spots, including positions overlooking Lake Serre-Ponçon. It accommodates tents, caravans, and camper vans, and facilities include five all-weather sanitary areas open 24/7, as well as refrigerator and barbecue rentals. Additionally, cabins are available for rent in two sizes: for six or eight people, each equipped with a terrace, kitchen, and private bathroom.
