A camping holiday in France offers you and your family the chance not to just get back to nature, but the opportunity to enjoy and experience another country as well.
Plus, with the added bonus of being able to get to your campsite from the convenience of your car, you can avoid those long airport queues faced by airplane travellers.
Our handy guide below, provided by European Breakdown Cover, gives you the details for the most popular and family-friendly camping sites in France, that are easy to reach from Calais by car, with directions provided by RAC Router Planner.
Camping in the South of France
Panorama du Pyla - Open 08 April to 03 October
Panorama du Pyla is located beneath a beautiful pine forest, at the foot of the Dune du Pyla.
Here, campers get to enjoy a visual feast provided by the Arcachon basin, the Arguin sandbank, the Dune du Pyla and the forest of Les Landes.
Sun lovers can stay at the site’s rental accommodation that has an unrestricted view of the sea, whereas those looking for a bit of shelter from the sun can enjoy the shady camping pitches, also with a sea view.
With a15-hectare pine forest, heated swimming pools with a water slide and 1200 m2 of sunbathing terrace, games and a club for the children, mini-market, bar, restaurant and creperies, there is plenty for young and old alike to enjoy.
Find directions from Calais to Panorama du Pyla with RAC Route Planner - the journey should take approximately eight hours and 22 minutes.
Camping in Northern France
Castel Camping de La Bien-Assise - Open 02 April to 26 September
Castel La Bien Assise is conveniently located near the Channel Tunnel, barely a 20-minute drive away.
With its English-speaking staff, the grounds provide easy access even for large vehicles. The facilities accommodate statics, tents and glamping tents, but never feel crowded.
Even though the site is big, privacy is provided by hedges and trees, which also provide needed shade in the summer. The facilities are excellent, with well-kept toilets, plenty of hot water, a bar, a restaurant as well as a pool, tennis court, gym and playground for children.
Find directions from Calais to Castel Camping de La Bien-Assise with RAC Route Planner - the journey should take approximately 17 minutes.
Driving in France Kit from £24.49
Did you know you could be fined up to €530 for not carrying the right kit with you in France?
Family-Friendly Campsites in France
La Croix Du Vieux Pont - 29 March to 3 November
The beautiful La Croix Du Vieux Pont, located at the edge of the River Aisne, is spread over 100 acres and has 660 separate camping plots.
The static pitches are ample and well-kept, with the touring and pre-erected tent pitches closer to the river. There are various activities for adults and kids, including: 10-pin bowling, Laser Quest, billiards, archery, climbing wall, beach volleyball, football, tennis, table tennis, canoeing, pedalos, bike hire, trampolines, children’s quad bike circuit, minigolf or even horseriding.
A golf course is 30 minutes away and there is also a pool, with changing rooms provided. The site also offers a bus drive to Disneyland Paris.
Find directions from Calais to La Croix Du Vieux Pont with RAC Route Planner - the journey should take approximately two hours and 27 minutes.
- Everything you need to know when driving through France
- Driving in Europe checklist
- International Driving Permit: how to get one and where you need it
- Bordeaux, France: classic wine country
.jpg)
The recently renovated Le Camping du Lac de la Liez is a five-star site located on the shores of Le Lac de la Liez.
Perfectly suited for long or short stays, their pitches offer views overlooking the lake, as well as the old city of Langres.
Depending on the time of year, there are daily activities including a morning children’s club, pony riding as well as sports activities and evening entertainment in the bar.
The outdoor pool has a small fountain area and sun beds, with an indoor pool and sauna nearby. The lake is also host to a number of water sports, including windsurfing, sailing, pedal boating, water skiing and an outing on a rubber ring.
Find directions from Calais to Du Lac De La Liez with RAC Route Planner - the journey should take approximately four hours and 30 minutes.
Camping in Central France
Les Chevrets - Open 31 March to 14 October
Approximately a six-hour drive from Calais, Les Chevrets is full of heritage, character and spectacular coastal landscapes.
Located in Saint Coulomb in Ille-et-Vilaine, in Brittany, the site offers 600 pitches and 63 rentals. The site features three Mongolian style yurts and there are also a number of attractive cabins amongst the trees that look out towards the sea.
The staff speaks English, German, Spanish and Dutch, and the activities on offer include fishing, bathing, boating, wind surfing, sailing and a supervised beach.
Find directions from Calais to Les Chevrets with RAC Route Planner - the journey should take approximately six hours and 20 minutes.
Buy a European Driving Kit from £24.49
Don’t get stung with fines abroad for not having a European Driving Kit
Camping in West France
Camping De Rodaven - Open 01 April to 30 September
The Camping de Rodaven is located on the banks of the Nantes-Brest canal in the heart of Finistère – ideal for campers who are looking to enjoy both the countryside and water activities.
The campsite offers 94 spacious camping pitches for tents, caravans or camper vans and the activities include fishing, kayaking and bike-riding.
What’s more, just 200 metres away you’ll find tennis courts and a swimming pool. The beautiful town of Châteaulin is a mere 10 minutes away, offering a number of charming restaurants and shops, and a Thursday market.
Find directions from Calais to Camping de Rodaven with RAC Route Planner - the journey should take approximately six hours and 42 minutes.
If you travel to France all year round or are just driving for a short trip, find information on European Breakdown Cover here. Find out more about our dedicated services if you break down in France now.
