There’s nothing quite like camping when you want to get away from city life! At the seaside, in the countryside, or in the mountains, enjoy a privileged setting at a 4 or 5-star campsite, the perfect place for getting back to basics: nature. Whether you’re going camping for the first time or you need a refresher course, take a look at our top tips for preparing your holiday in a camper van, a caravan, or a tent!
Choose the right destination: 2 things to remember
The first thing to do when preparing a camping trip is naturally to choose where you should pitch your tent. When making your choice, you have to remember two things: the environment you dream of and how you want to spend your days.
Whether you dream of relaxing at the seaside, hiking along the shores of a lake, fishing near a river or admiring breath-taking sunsets over the ocean, rest assured that you will find what you are looking for among our 4 or 5 star destinations. Just listen to your heart!
The second thing to look at is the activities available on-site. All our campsites offer their share of activities for all the family, but some offer you the chance to try your hand at specific sports: a kitesurfing lesson at a campsite near Guérande, rafting and canoeing in the Gorges du Verdon, a surfing session at our campsites on the Atlantic coast, trails and hiking in the Auvergne, a bicycle ride along Lake Annecy… Come and experience some new passions!
Choose your camping pitch: standard or PREMIUM
Now that you’re clearer in your mind about your destination, it’s time to take a look at the accommodation available on site. Each of your campsites has pitches which vary from 80 to 120 m². They are also connected to the water and electricity supply to facilitate all your daily needs.
The most demanding campers will opt for the comfort of our PREMIUM pitches: they have their own private sanitary facilities, garden furniture and free Wi-Fi access.
Others will opt for a glamping stay in a fully-equipped lodge tent, a privileged alternative, somewhere between a mobile home and a tent!
Choose the ideal period: high or low season?
Open from spring, our campsites invite you to take advantage of their exceptional environment right through to the first glimmers of autumn. If you don’t yet know what time of year you want to camp, here is an overview of the advantages of the low and high season.
The main benefit of a stay during the high season: the variety of activities available. July and August mean daily activities for the children: our free children’s clubs and teens’ clubs keep the very youngest busy every afternoon. Therefore, this is the perfect period for families that want to make the most of their stay!
Naturally, in the low season our campsites are less lively and there are fewer activities on the programme. Consequently, prices are lower, especially if you take a look at our special offers before you leave!
Book in advance: the best solution for ensuring the best spot!
Whatever the period you have chosen, it is always best to book in advance. Especially if you want to add the “choice of pitch” option when reserving so as to be sure of getting the perfect spot: a shady pitch, facing west, next to your friends, away from the crowds, etc. Everything is possible, but first come first served!
It’s easy to choose your ideal camping pitch: study the plan for the campsite on which the pitches are indicated with numbers.
Estimate your holiday budget… then exceed it!
If you’ve followed our 4th tip, you have time left to constitute a holiday fund solely for leisure activities: surfing lessons, tree-top adventure trails, shopping excursions, restaurants, and more. The money you’ve carefully saved will ensure that you’re able to take full advantage of your stay and return home without any regrets. It’s worthwhile planning in advance!
One piece of advice for holidaymakers: if you can, plan to have 20% more money than your initial budget. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, this little extra can be very useful if you have to find a new activity at short notice!
Check the weather forecast: no nasty surprises!
Experienced campers know all too well that it is the weather that decides your fate! To avoid being disappointed, it’s best to plan your stay in July and August when the weather is more clement. For those who prefer mid-season temperatures, be sure to check the weather forecast as often as possible, as early as 15 days before departure. This will help you pack the right equipment and ensure that you bring your rain gear if necessary.
For our campers who are opting for a stay by the seaside, remember to also check the beach weather forecast! And if the weather isn’t great, you can always take refuge in the covered and heated pool.
Prepare your bags: essentials for experienced campers
The date of departure date is approaching and it's time to pack your bags! To ensure you don't forget anything, take a look at our checklist of camping essentials. A little extra for families: a first-aid kit in case of an accident!
If you’re planning to cook for yourself, opt for non-perishable food and light snacks that you can take with you on walks. And to be an exemplary camper, take cookware with you that you can wash and reuse!
One final piece of advice from one camper to another: take time to test your camping equipment before you leave. Count your tent pegs, inflate your mattresses, and check how bright your torch is, etc. There will still be time if you have to replace some things before you leave!
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