Road Trip Camping in France

You have probably heard about backpacking through Europe. Given that each country has a lot to offer, why not stay in just one and enjoy the sites. One country is Europe that is so vast is France. So with a rental car, why don’t you go on that road trip and go camping in France. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Before you drive off, you should do some planning so you know where you will be going. Naturally, this depends on how much money you have so consider how much you are willing to shell out for the entire trip.

The weather in France makes it great for camping all year long. Since you have to go back to work after the trip, you have plan how long you will be away.

There are over 10,000 campgrounds scattered all over France so you also have to know how far you will be driving and still have enough time to enjoy the campground. So you are sure that this campground is worth staying in, do some research by going online. Compare their prices and amenities because this will tell you whether to stay here or not.

Once you have decided on potential campgrounds, don’t forget to call in advance and make a reservation because you might be going during the peak season or when there is an event which means it will be pretty crowded.

People who schedule the camping trip before or after the summer season are better off because the rates are usually cut by half which means more savings. When all the arrangements have been made, you can already get a map and plan your route.

Before you head to the campground, it will be a good idea to print out the driving directions. Write down also the contact number of the place you are going so you can call if you get lost. If possible, encode all this information into your GPS unit which will reduce the odds of getting lost.

Make sure you also have all the equipment you need. This includes of course a tent, food, survival gear and a first aid kit. You can surely make a stopover at a grocery when your supplies are running low. Since you may get loss, see if you can get a GPS unit.

One thing you should know about camping in France is that you don’t always have to sleep inside a tent. The French government issues star ratings to campsites and if the rating for a certain campground is given a 4 or 5 star rating, this means you can take a dip in the swimming pool, eat in one of the restaurants or even sleep in an inn or hotel.

It should also be pointed out that camping in France is not only in the countryside but within the city itself. Believe it or not, there is a campsite inside Paris itself namely the Bois de Bologne Camp which happens to be just a few minutes away from Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower.

Who knew that a road trip and Camping in France can be done at the same time? With the right information and proper planning, you will have a great time seeing the famous landmarks and the beautiful countryside.

Nice Places to Go Camping in France

There are a lot of nice places to go camping in France. By staying in the outdoors, you get to save money rather than staying in a hotel.

One camping ground situated inside a 50 hectare manor is the Le Val de Bonnal. Despite the green grassy patches all around, this place is considered to be a heaven for water lovers as they have 4 lakes that allow you to go canoeing, swimming and wind surfing.

If you want to get some exercise, you can hike and visit the village of Bonnal. You will never get bored here because if you run out of things to do, you can check out unique activities organized for visitors.

Another camping ground is the Aluna Vacances in Ardèche that is near the town of Vallon Pont D’arc. It has a swimming pool with slides for you to cool off. For those that don’t want to swim, they can go on a canoeing trip. After dinner, you can sing your heart out at the karaoke, go dancing in the mini disco or sit and watch the live show.

Next is Le Ranc Davaine in Ardeche. As you explore the vast camping ground, you will notice the hidden valleys, majestic rocks and rivers hidden in greenness. If hiking is not your thing, you can fun and even meet new friends as you go to the aqua gym or participate in sports such as archery, volleyball and tennis.

Who said you can’t go camping near the beach? This is possible in France because of two great camping destinations to go to namely Les Sablons in Languedoc-Roussillon and Domaine de la Yole in Languedoc/Roussillon.

Both campsites have a sandy beach so your kids can make a sandcastle while you go out trying the various activities.

You can even do a little shopping as you go inside the various shops and find fruits, vegetables and excellent wine.

If you want a camping site that has the beach on one end and the mountains in another, you should go camping in Les Pêcheurs in Côte d’Azur. Because it is so central, you can take a drive in any direction and engage in various activities.

If you happen to go camping in Southern France, you get to enjoy the great scenery, the beaches and the fishing villages which you will not find anywhere else. If you want to do some shopping, you can go to the cities of Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez.

You may even want to take pictures in the canyon of Gorges du Verdon or visit the perfume distilleries. If you are traveling with kids, let them have some fun in the Aquatica inside the Frejus.

For those who want to go camping in the north, Brittany is an ideal place to go as you can see the rugged coastline and rocky coves. Since you can’t swim here, go south where there are long stretches of sandy beaches.

As you can see, there are a lot of nice places go to camping in France. You just have to do some research and find out what your family likes to do so you will enjoy your vacation. If you want to get a discount in any of these places, you are advised to book in advance.

How to Enjoy Camping in France

Camping is perhaps the best way to be close with nature. If you have done it in different parts of the US and want something different for a change, do this abroad and see if you can get the same experience while camping in France.

When you go camping, it is only natural that you bring the equipment from your home to the campsite. But if are going to cross the Atlantic to do that, it will probably be better to rent some of the equipment rather than bringing these along in your carry on luggage.

One of the most important things you will have to rent is the tent. Once you get it, read the instructions and practice setting it up a few times so you won’t have any problems doing this later on. This will allow you to do it without any difficulty when you arrive at the campgrounds in the later afternoon or after dark.

Also check the other equipment that you will be using for the trip including the flashlight, compass, knife and GPS if you are able to borrow one. These things are essential for your survival in the event that you get lost.

It will be a good idea to get all the information you need about the camp ground before deciding to go. That way, you are sure that there are different activities for you and the kids to do especially when you are staying there for a few days.

To do that, you can go online and check out the most frequented camping sites in France. You might be surprised to find out that some of the camping grounds in France are situated inside large estates or have an amusement park inside.

With that, you are sure that there are plenty of activities to do and you can even get the assistance of the organizers.

If cars are not allowed inside the campground, that means you have to walk a bit to get there. Just be sure that the distance is manageable because you will only end up exhausting yourself carrying all the gear.

When you reach the camp ground, set rules for the safety of everyone. For instance, children should not wander off alone, they should never approach animals and they must not taste or touch any of the vegetation. Everyone should also learn some basic first aid and fire safety.

Since you don’t have a stove or an open in a campsite, it is best to bring food that is easy to cook and prepare. You may not find hotdogs or burgers here but you can surely make up for that by cooking sausages, marshmallows and a few other delicacies that you can only find in France.

After camping in France for a few days, clean up and make sure all the garbage that you have made is collected and store properly. That way, your children will learn to be responsible and so that other campers who will be visiting this site in the future will also be able to enjoy it.

The purpose of camping outdoors is to get away from the everyday comforts and be close to nature. By doing some planning, you will be able to enjoy that even if you decide to go camping in France.

How to Buy a Tent for Camping in France

Camping in France is very different when you sleep in a mobile home compared to a tent. This is because in the mobile home, you get the amenities similar to what you have back home. If you want the simple life and sleep on the ground, you need to have a tent. So you get the best value for your money, you have to know how to buy the right tent.

Tents come in different sizes and shapes. When you are buying one, choose based on the weather conditions where you will be camping. For camping in moderate elevations, you can buy a three season tent but if you are will be camping in high elevation, you should get a 4 season tent.

You should also consider how many people are going on the camping trip because tents can hold 2, 3 and 4 people. Naturally, tents that are able to hold more heads are more expensive and this could each close up to $700.

Aside from how many can sleep inside the tent, also consider how much equipment you will be keeping inside when you go to bed.

When you go shopping for a tent, get a brand that is well established in the industry. Some brands worth checking out include Kelty, Marmot Mountain, Mountain Hardware, North Face and Sierra Designs. Aside from seeing it in specialty stores, you can get more information about what each one has by visiting their websites.

That way, you sure that the tent will not be blown away if the wind is too strong or that water will not enter if it rains very hard.

The only way that can happen is if the tent is made of strong materials. The fabric should be made either of nylon or polyester. Between the two, polyester is better since it can withstand UV rays. It should also be breathable so it is not too hot or too cold inside and of course waterproof so you won’t get wet if it rains.

Since most tents have poles to keep it upright, be sure that this is made of aluminum or fiberglass. You can ask the sales assistant about this or read the label which should mention the tent material specifications.

You can find tents for camping in sporting goods store or online. But if you want to test it, you are better off seeing it in person. Should the price be a bit expensive, see if someone on the web is selling it for a more affordable price.

One thing you will notice when looking at the different kinds of tents available is that there are trade-offs between each one. For instance, taller tents although comfortable are not that wind resistant. Shorter tents that can withstand strong winds and are warmer inside may make you feel claustrophobic.

You just have to weigh the pros and cons of each one and then decide which one is best for your camping trip.

Whatever design you decide to bring along for your camping in France, be sure to practice setting it up so you won’t have any problems even when you arrive in the camp ground after dark. If you are doing this for the first time or have other things to bring along and there is not enough space, see if you can borrow one instead.

How to Buy a Sleeping Bag for Camping in France

Once you have found a tent for your camping in France, the next thing you have to buy is a sleeping bag. This is because tents don’t come with that and if you don’t invest in a good one, you will not be able to sleep very well at night.

There are 6 things you have to look for when are looking for a sleeping bag namely size, shape, warmth, fabric, weight and price.

If you are the one who is going to use the sleeping bag, naturally this should fit you. There should be room enough for you to lie on your back and also be comfortable if you move to your side.

The next thing you have to consider is the shape of the sleeping bag. These days, you can find them in mummy or tapered shape, one that is narrower at the bottom or the most common which is the shape of a rectangle.

Of the three shapes, the best is the mummy or tapered shape sleeping bag because it provides the most warmth and it is the least bulky when you are packing it with the rest of your gear.

Speaking of warmth, there is no standard set in the industry. This depends on the manufacturer but to give you an idea, if it is given a 3 star, the sleeping bag is good for you use only during the summer. If you go camping during the winter, it is best to buy a 4 star rating sleeping bag.

What makes the sleeping bag warm is the material. Some sleeping bags are made using goose down that is a natural fiber. The only problem with this fabric is that it is very uncomfortable to use when it is wet. It also takes a long time before it dries. Your option then will be a sleeping bag that uses synthetic fills.

The sleeping bag is not the only thing you will carry when you go camping. So when shopping for a sleeping bag, make sure that this weighs at least 6 pounds or less.

When you are shopping for a sleeping bag, consider also the outer shell. Ideally, this should be moisture resistant as this keeps out dampness. The problem with this is that it also keeps the moisture in. If you happen to sweat easily, better get a sleeping bag made of a cotton exterior.

It is best to also get one that has a dark color because this keeps the sleeping bag warm during cold days and dries more quickly.

The last thing to consider when shopping for a sleeping bag is the price. If you around, you can find one for less than $60 while more durable ones will be the hundreds of dollars. For people who camp regularly, better buy one for long term use.

Now that you know what to look for when you buy a sleeping bag, there are two things you have to do when you use it.

First, after a good night’s sleep, open the bag so you can let the air go out. If the weather is good, spread it out and lay this on top of your tent.

Second, after using it on a camping trip, hang it using clamps or leave it folded loosely as this will help it last longer and ready for your next adventure.

You will sleep much better if you are able to buy a good sleeping bag and it doesn’t matter if you are camping in France or just in your backyard.