Imagine waking up surrounded by nature at one of the best family campsites in France, where every day brings new opportunities for family fun. Whether you’re enjoying the serene countryside, stunning coastlines, or dramatic mountain views, these campsites are designed with families in mind. They provide the perfect backdrop for adventure, exploration, and creating cherished memories.
In this guide, we’ll explore why France is such a popular destination for family holidays, what makes these campsites special, and reveal our carefully curated list of the top 10 best family campsites in France. We’ll also share insider tips to help you choose the perfect site for your next adventure.
Top 10 Best Family Campsites in France
Over the years, we’ve visited countless campsites across France. Based on our personal experiences, here are our top 10 family-friendly campsites in France. Each offers unique features, and we’ve included links to help you book your ideal holiday.
- Saint Avit Loisirs, Dordogne
- Château de Lez-Eaux, Normandy
- La Baume, Côte d’Azur
- Domaine d’Inly, Brittany
- Domaine des Ormes, Brittany
- Camping Séquoia Parc, Charente-Maritime
- La Rive, Gascony
- Camping Le Pommier, Ardèche
- Le Clarys Plage, Vendée
- Camping Les Alicourts Resort, Loire Valley
10 of the Best Family Campsites in France
Below you’ll find more information about each campsite and then read on to find our more about what makes the best family campsites in France and which regions are most popular.
1. Saint Avit Loisirs, Dordogne
Nestled in the heart of Dordogne, Saint Avit Loisirs is one of the most loved campsites in the region.
It’s the kind of place where families return year after year, and we should know as we’ve been there three times!
The campsite’s water park is a real highlight, with several pools including a heated indoor one and a large lagoon-style pool that’s perfect for younger kids to splash around in.
In addition to the swimming pools, there are a number of slides and a brilliant splash park for younger children.
Beyond the pools, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, including archery, fishing, horse riding, a kids play area, cozy golf and multi sports court.
The campsite also has a lot of outdoor space where kids can just get out and play.
When you’re ready to explore beyond the campsite, the prehistoric caves at Lascaux and the medieval town of Sarlat are just a short drive away.
There’s also plenty of canoeing trips from places such as La roque Gageac and the Chateau Castelnaud which is a fantastic place to visit.
2. Château de Lez-Eaux, Normandy
For a blend of luxury and history, Château de Lez-Eaux in Normandy is hard to beat.
The campsite lies in the grounds of a historic château, with all the comforts of a modern campsite. You can read our Chateau Lez Eaux guide from when we visited in May 2023.
The indoor pool is great all times of the year with a number of water slides and a children’s area.
Meanwhile outside, you can relax by a second pool with views of the château’s beautiful gardens.
If your family enjoys fishing, the tranquil lake on-site is a perfect spot to spend a peaceful afternoon.
The campsite boasts a lovely bar, restaurant and takeaway and there’s a mini farm, tennis court and lots of outdoor space.
One of the great things about Chateau Lez Eaux is its close proximity to the cross channel ferries of Caen, Cherbourg and St Malo.
This makes it a firm favourite for those looking to holiday during Easter and May holidays or those not wanting to travel too far.
Another bonus is the short distance form some wonderful family friendly beaches and it’s a stones throw from Mont Saint-Michel and the poignant D-Day beaches and museums.
3. La Baume, Côte d’Azur
Nestled in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, La Baume in Fréjus is a fantastic choice for families seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.
This large and lively campsite is set amidst beautiful Mediterranean surroundings, offering a wide range of facilities and activities that cater to all ages.
The highlight of La Baume is its extensive water park, which includes multiple heated pools, thrilling water slides, and splash zones perfect for younger children.
For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, the site also features a serene lagoon-style pool surrounded by palm trees, creating a true holiday oasis.
La Baume is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with an excellent kids’ club that run daily activities tailored to different age groups.
There’s also various sports areas and a fantastic playground to keep the little ones entertained.
In the evenings, the campsite offers a variety of entertainment options, including live shows, outdoor cinema nights, and family friendly discos.
Beyond the campsite, the location of La Baume provides easy access to the golden beaches of the French Riviera, where you can spend a day soaking up the sun or exploring the charming coastal towns.
The historic town of Fréjus itself is rich in Roman history, with ancient ruins and a beautiful old town to explore.
For a day trip, the glamorous city of Cannes and the stunning Gorges du Verdon are both within reach, offering unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
4. Domaine d’Inly, Brittany
Domaine d’Inly is a fantastic family friendly campsite located in southern Brittany and is perfect for families who love to stay active.
The water park is a major draw, with both indoor and outdoor pools, multiple water slides, and a splash zone for the little ones.
Even on cooler days, the indoor pool complex which comes complete with a tropical theme, slides and lazy river—keeps everyone entertained.
For a change of pace, the on-site equestrian centre provides horse riding lessons and guided trail rides through the Breton countryside.
You’ll also find a mini farm which is great at keeping little ones entertained. We would pop down and see the animals every morning or evening when we stayed.
If you like to cycle, then the campsite is really well placed. Just outside the campsite you’ll find a cycle trail that leads all around the area.
When you’re ready to explore beyond the campsite, the stunning coastline, medieval town of Vannes, and the island of Belle-Île-en-Mer are all within easy reach, not to mention the zoo and gardens at Branfere.
5. Domaine des Ormes, Brittany
Another gem in Brittany, Domaine des Ormes offers a wide variety of activities set within the grounds of a historic château.
It’s one of the best and most popular campsites in northern France and it’s not hard to understand why.
This campsite is fantastic for families, with an extensive water park that includes several outdoor pools, a wave pool, and even an indoor tropical dome with a heated pool.
There’s no shortage of adventure, with tree-top courses, a zip line, horse riding, and a golf course all available on-site.
Beyond the campsite, the medieval town of Dinan, the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, and the beaches of the Emerald Coast are all just a short drive away, making Domaine des Ormes an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region.
When we visited we had a couple of days out exploring some of the local attractions. If you love animals then we can highly recommend the aquarium at St Malo and Aligator Bay which can be found near to Mont St Michel.
Both were fantastic days out and our kid simply loved looking at all the alligators, fish and turtles.
6. Camping Séquoia Parc, Charente-Maritime
Set in the expansive parkland of Charente-Maritime, Camping Séquoia Parc is a spacious and well-equipped campsite that’s perfect for families.
The large water park is a central feature, offering a lagoon-style pool, numerous slides, and splash zones that keep children entertained for hours.
The tropical-themed design, complete with palm trees and waterfalls, creates a resort-like atmosphere where relaxation comes easily.
For those who enjoy staying active, the campsite offers a whole range of different activities.
The kids’ club is great and offers a range of activities from nature-based crafts to adventure games.
When you’re ready to venture out, the island of Oléron, the historic town of La Rochelle, and the Atlantic beaches are all nearby.
7. La Rive, Gascony
La Rive is an ideal campsite for families who love water sports and outdoor activities.
Set along the shores of a picturesque lake, this campsite boasts an expansive water park that is sure to delight both children and adults.
The lake itself offers perfect conditions for swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and even windsurfing, with calm waters making it safe and enjoyable for families with young children.
You can either hire all the equipment or take your own paddle boards etc with you like we did. The sand is perfect for children to play on and the water it really shallow.
The park features heated pools, exhilarating water slides, and a relaxing lazy river that winds through lush, green surroundings.
La Rive also provides a kids’ club, offering daily activities that cater to different age groups.
In the evenings, the campsite hosts a variety of events, including outdoor movie nights and themed family parties, ensuring that the fun continues after a day of exploration.
When you’re ready to venture beyond the campsite, the nearby sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast provide a stunning backdrop for a day of relaxation.
You can also explore the vibrant local markets or take a trip to the famous Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
8. Camping Le Pommier, Ardèche
Tucked away in the Ardèche region, Camping Le Pommier is known for its lively atmosphere and spectacular water park.
This campsite is all about fun and adventure, making it a fantastic choice for families.
The water park here is one of the largest in the region, with multiple pools, thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a pirate-themed splash zone for younger children.
If you can’t find a pool or slide here that you like then we doubt you’ll find on anywhere else.
Beyond the water fun, the campsite offers a variety of sports activities. There are tennis courts, crazy golf, trampolines and much much more.
When the sun sets, the fun doesn’t stop—live shows, discos, and family-friendly performances keep the energy high well into the evening.
Nearby attractions include the stunning Gorges de l’Ardèche, the natural wonder of Pont d’Arc, and the local rivers offer more opportunities for outdoor adventures like canoeing and kayaking.
There are a number of different companies offering canoeing down the Ardeche.
Each offers different distances, just make sure you choose a distance you are happy with as on a hot day it can be quite tiring.
9. Le Clarys Plage, Vendée
Le Clarys Plage in Vendée is a fantastic campsite that strikes the perfect balance between activities and relaxation.
The water park is a major draw, featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, a range of exhilarating water slides, and a splash zone specifically designed for younger children.
The campsite’s location near the sandy beaches of the Vendée coast makes it ideal for families who love the beach, with plenty of opportunities for bodyboarding, beach games and having fun.
The beach can be walked within 5-10 minutes and there’s also a free car park.
Children will love the large adventure playground, which includes climbing structures, swings, and slides, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy games on the multi-sports court.
When it’s time to explore, the nearby town of Saint-Jean-de-Monts, the expansive Vendée coastline, and the famous Puy du Fou theme park offer plenty of family-friendly attractions.
10. Camping Les Alicourts Resort, Loire Valley
Camping Les Alicourts Resort is located in the picturesque
Loire Valley.
It is a large and well-equipped campsite that offers a perfect setting for an active family holiday.
The water park here is a highlight, featuring a variety of slides for all ages and an outdoor wave pool that mimics the ocean’s ebb and flow.
The campsite’s lake is ideal for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while the sandy beach area is perfect for a bit of relaxation.
On=site you’ll find a kids’ club that offers a range of activities, including sports and creative arts, ensuring that children have a fun and educational experience.
There’s also a really big children’s playground, lots of table tennis tables and pétanque.
In the evenings, families can enjoy live music, themed parties by the lake, and other family-friendly shows.
Nearby, you can visit the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley, such as Château de Chambord, enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards, or explore the historic town of Blois with its charming streets and vibrant markets.
What Makes the Best Family Campsites in France?
Finding the right campsite is key to a memorable family holiday. Here’s what sets the best family campsites in France apart:
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Splash zones, playgrounds, and supervised activities.
- Exciting Water Features: Heated pools, lazy rivers, and thrilling slides.
- Convenient Locations: Proximity to beaches, lakes, and cultural attractions.
- Safety and Comfort: Lifeguards, clear paths, and quiet evening zones.
Why Families Love Camping in France
France is a dream destination for families. Here’s why it’s so popular:
- Diverse Landscapes: From beaches to mountains, every region offers unique beauty.
- Family-Oriented Culture: Child-friendly campsites, restaurants, and attractions abound.
- Accessibility: Easy to reach from the UK and Europe by ferry, plane, or road.
- Rich History and Culture: Interactive museums, castles, and historical landmarks.
- World-Class Cuisine: Delicious food options for all ages, from crepes to cheese.
Which Regions of France Are Most Popular with British Families and Why?
The regions in France most popular with British families include Brittany, Normandy, Dordogne, Côte d’Azur, Vendée, and the Loire.
Brittany is a top choice for British families due to its easy access via ferry, allowing a stress-free journey with the convenience of bringing your car.
Its wide sandy beaches and family-focused campsites, complete with pools and playgrounds, make it ideal for a relaxing holiday.
Normandy, also close to the UK, offers charming seaside towns and safe, spacious beaches where children can explore.
The region’s campsites are well-equipped with family-friendly amenities, and its rich history and D-Day sites provides plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Dordogne is perfect for adventurous families, offering canoeing, hiking, and ancient castles in a peaceful, natural setting.
It’s a region where every type of family can find something exciting to do.
Côte d’Azur appeals to those seeking sun and sea, with its warm beaches and numerous family resorts offering pools, kids’ clubs, and entertainment. It’s the ideal mix of relaxation and adventure.
Vendée is known for its sunny, sandy beaches and easy drive from the UK, making it a hassle-free destination for families.
With calm waters and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s perfect for younger children, while nearby attractions like Puy du Fou add extra fun.
The Loire Valley, or the “Garden of France,” is loved for its fairy-tale castles and serene countryside.
Easy to reach from northern France, it’s a great spot for families to unwind and enjoy cultural experiences that create lasting memories.
Finally
France offers an abundance of family friendly campsites, each with its own unique charm and amenities.
Whether you’re looking for luxury by the beach, adventure in the mountains, or relaxation in the countryside, there’s a campsite in France that will meet your family’s needs.
From the historical regions of Normandy and the Loire Valley to the sun drenched coasts of Vendée and southern France, these destinations provide the perfect setting for unforgettable family holidays.
So, why wait? Pack up the tent, book a mobile home, and get ready to create cherished memories at one of the best family campsites in France!
