Why

French campsites are in the main incredibly family friendly and it is a very cost-effective way of having a family holiday and seeing many of the huge attractions of France including the countryside and beaches, the mountains glamorous locations in the South of France and the many theme parks.

Many of the most popular campsites and holiday parks have superb facilities including swimming pool and water slides, children's entertainment programmes, sport and well equipped mobile homes. Some even have wellness and spa centres.

Kids love the freedom of campsites. There's never a dull moment with exciting facilities such as swimming pools, water chutes, and lots of other children to play with. Sports and games on offer are geared to the different age groups, so there’s no chance of the kids getting bored. It is easy for them to mingle and make new friends and in many (but not all) campsites there are great kids clubs for children of all ages. Do check the age requirements, whether they are open when you are going to be there and have a look at our guide for selecting a kids club.

If you are considering taking the family camping abroad for the first time then do check out our helpful tips about camping and choosing a campsite and if you are pitching your own tent our checklist on camping packing.

When

The summer is best for camping and the further south you go the more reliable the sunny weather will be.

How

How you get to France and your campsite will depend on where you are travelling from and your budget. If you are travelling from Ireland you can take the ferry from Rosslare to either Cherbourg or Roscoff or from Cork to Roscoff. From the UK there are several ferry routes and the Eurostar.

Camping operator prices can include a return ferry crossing. The ships operating these routes are no ordinary ferries and you'll find plenty to keep the family amused during the journey. You can book ferry crossings here independently and do check out our guide to travelling with the kids by ferry.

If you want to fly-drive you will generally get a deduction off the price of your holiday. You can check special offers and deals on flights. You will need to think about getting to and from the campsite and about renting a car for excursions. We would recommend that you do hire a car if you fly for excursions and also to sample some of the local cuisine and partake in all the things to see and do around your campsite.

Family Accommodation

Your family can take their pick from a basic tent to the latest luxury mobile home or even a tree house with Keycamp. Try to go a bit bigger than you think you will need. Our recommended operators for France include Siblu, Keycamp and Eurocamp.

Top suggestions for french family campsites

There are literally hundreds campsites in France and standards vary considerably. Here are a few suggestions of campsites that have really good family facilities

Chateau des Ormes, Dol De Bretagne, Brittany

The Chateau des Ormes is set in a magnificent woodland setting overlooked by a Chateau. It is one of the top of the class and has been a family favourite for many years. Families are accommodated in tents and mobile homes and in newly introduced tree houses. Children must be over eight to stay in the tree house. The facilities are impressive including kids clubs, sporting facilities, a fantastic water park style pool complex with a covered pool and its own 18-hole golf course. You can book this through Eurocamp and the tree houses (as well as other accommodation on the campsite) through Keycamp.

La Croix du Vieux Pont, Berny Roveere, Paris

This is a park which is beautifully situated beside a gently flowing river. It is ideal for children and has a special parkland play area as well as three pools one with a retractable roof and another with a water slide. There are lakes, pedalos and great forest walks as well as kids clubs and good sporting facilities. You can enjoy visits nearby to both Paris and the Disneyland resort which are within driving distance. You also have the option the Asterix theme park close by and the opportunity of going champagne tasting. This is another par with k that has the tree house option with Keycamp and you can also book with Eurocamp or Siblu.

La Garangeoire, St Julien-des-Landes, Vendee

In the Vendee there are endless golden beaches where the Atlantic rollers provide lots of challenges for water sports enthusiasts. The climate is good in the summer and there is lots to see and do with the family. The park is set in a magnificent estate of a Chateau with mature woodlands and lakes all around. It is close to the beach and has good sporting facilities including fishing and boating, a kids clubs and several pools. You can book this with Eurocamp.

La Baume, Frejus, French Riviera

This is a lively and well equipped park with a wide range of the facilities including two pool complexes and a four lane waterslide. There is a new indoor pool, tennis courts, a children's play area, a beaches close, evening entertainment, kids clubs and it is close to be lovely town of' Frejus. There are also lots to see and do with the kids on the beautiful French Riviera. You can book this with Eurocamp.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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