Our campsites with pitches in the Netherlands

Cities of Art and History

A first visit to the Netherlands usually begins with a stroll along the canals of Amsterdam. The Dutch capital has a lot to offer, starting with its canals lined with narrow gabled houses. The city boasts 75 kilometres of canals spanned by more than 1,000 bridges. Art lovers will love Amsterdam. The city is home to some of the finest museums in Europe, including the Rijksmuseum, which houses paintings by the great Flemish masters, including Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch.

In a different style, Rotterdam is an open-air museum of contemporary architecture. Completely razed during the Second World War, the city was rebuilt in the second half of the 20th century. As a result, the city boasts some original buildings, such as its impressive covered market. As night falls, photographers will be delighted to snap a few shots of the skyline that stretches around the Erasmus Bridge, a sight not to be envied in Manhattan.

The seat of Parliament, The Hague is often referred to as the political capital of the Netherlands. This seaside resort with its old-fashioned charm is dotted with Art Nouveau buildings that bear witness to its opulence in the early 20th century. The Scheveningen district is undoubtedly the most elegant on the seafront, with its luxurious hotels. When visiting The Hague, be sure to visit the Mauritshuis. This museum houses one of the finest collections of Dutch painters.

While art is usually experienced in the cities, one of the country’s most important museums is located in the heart of the 5,400-hectare De Hoge Veluwe National Park. The Kröller-Müller Museum houses collections spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. Among other things, it has a large number of paintings by Van Gogh, making it a must-see for admirers of the painter with the severed ear during a camping holiday in the Netherlands.

As well as the big cities of the West, the Netherlands has a plethora of pretty little towns, less famous than Amsterdam but still full of charm, such as Maastricht. Nestling among the rolling hills of Limburg, Maastricht has a rich heritage dating back to the Romans.

Camping in the Nature in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for its vast fields of tulips, which stretch as far as the eye can see during the spring flowering season. The Keukenhof gardens, near the town of Lisse, offer one of the world’s largest floral displays, with millions of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils in bloom, creating a dazzling show of colour that will delight photographers. But this is just one aspect of the Netherlands’ natural riches. The north-east of the country boasts superb landscapes of lakes and canals that criss-cross the lush green countryside. Elegant traditional sailing boats, the Skutsje, sail on these lakes, and you can also hire boats without a licence to explore these vast stretches of water and discover the North of the Netherlands from a different angle.

The Netherlands is also home to some stunning coastal landscapes, most notably the Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique park is famous for its expanses of mudflats, dunes and diverse wildlife, offering visitors the chance to explore unspoilt coastal ecosystems and discover a variety of migratory birds. In the north of the Netherlands lies a string of islands known as the Wadden Islands, some of which can be visited and are ideal for long walks on fine sandy beaches. The island of Texel, the largest, can be reached by ferry.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park, with its 5,400 hectares inland, is an oasis of unspoilt nature. Located in the Veluwe woodlands, the park is renowned for its vast expanses of forest, moorland and dunes. Visitors can explore the park by bike (1,800 bikes are available free of charge to take advantage of the 40 km of cycle paths that criss-cross the park), following the many signposted trails, or set out to discover the local wildlife, including deer, wild boar and foxes. De Hoge Veluwe is the perfect destination for a camping holiday in the Netherlands, surrounded by nature.

cheese country

Let’s be honest, you don’t go to the Netherlands for the food. The country does, however, have a few surprises in store for food lovers. Cheeses such as Gouda and Edam are high on the list of Dutch gourmet specialities. If you get the chance, visit one of Holland’s folkloric cheese markets (Kaasmarkt). The one in Alkmaar is a must!

Don’t forget the mills

Les moulins font définitivement partie des clichés qui circulent le plus sur les Pays-Bas. Avec plus de 250 moulins, essentiellement répartis dans l’Ouest du pays, serait dommage de ne pas en admirer quelques-uns lors de vos vacances en camping en Hollande. C’est à Kinderdijk que vous trouverez le plus beau paysage de moulin des Pays-Bas. Ces 19 moulins destinés à assécher les polders sont classés au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO composent un des grands classiques des paysages hollandais. Nul doute que vous ferez une des plus belles photos de vos vacances en camping aux Pays-Bas.

Our campsites in the Netherlands

A selection of the best campsites in the Netherlands for holidays in a caravan, tent or motorhome.

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Our campsites on Lake Maggiore in Italy

Camping in caravan, tent or camper van in front of the Borromean Islands

In the 15th century, a large part of Lake Maggiore was given in fief to the Borromeo family, a wealthy Italian family. The latter gradually bought all the islands of the small archipelago that stretches out in the waters of the lake. It was therefore renamed the Borromeo Islands. It is composed of 5 islands of which only 3 can be visited: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Isola Bella is entirely occupied by the Borromeo Palace, a perfect example of the Lombard baroque style. The palace and its sumptuous gardens, built in the 17th century, still bear witness to the splendour of an era. Isolda Madre is home to one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Italy, covering 8 hectares. Isola dei Pescatori, finally, has retained its fishing village atmosphere despite the influx of tourists during the summer. One of the best views of the Borromean Islands can be had from the Mottarone (1491 metres) which stands on the shores of the lake. On the other side of the lake, the summit of Sasso del Ferro (1062 metres) also offers a wide panorama of the region. It can be reached by cable car from Laveno Mombello.

Stresa, the jewel of Lake Maggiore

Facing the Borromean Islands, the town of Stresa nestles on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy. This charming town has always attracted artists. Stendhal, Chateaubriand, Dumas, Dickens and Lord Byron spent time here. Hemingway even chose to set a large part of the setting of his novel A Farewell to Arms there. Stresa’s popularity peaked in the early 20th century, as evidenced by the Belle Epoque buildings facing the lake. During your camping holiday on Lake Maggiore, walk in the footsteps of these great writers as you stroll through the streets of Stresa.

Verbiana, the largest town on Lake Maggiore

Verbiana is the largest town on Lake Maggiore. Its district of Pallanza is a popular holiday destination. This district of Roman origin extends over a peninsula. It includes hotels, villas and parks as well as an elegant town hall built in the 19th century and supported by 32 arcades. The lakeside promenade offers beautiful views of the Borromean Islands. Not far away, the Intra district is the medieval centre of Verbiana. Its alleys are lively and contain many shops. Every Saturday morning the largest weekly market on Lake Maggiore is held in Piazza del Mercato and Piazza Don Minzoni. The beautiful park of Villa Taranto forms the border between the two districts. This park, which mixes English and Italian styles, is one of the most important botanical gardens in the world. It covers an area of almost 16 hectares and contains some 20,000 species of plants and flowers.

Cannero Riviera

With its terraced houses, hidden among vineyards, orange and olive trees, above the lake, Cannero Riviera has an idyllic setting. It is no wonder that such illustrious figures as Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria decided to stay here. During your visit to the Cannero Riviera, you will discover elegant villas, but above all a picturesque little port that has retained the charm of the past. Take advantage of your stroll in Cannero Riviera to go for a swim in the waters of Lake Maggiore. Nestled in a cove, the beach of Cannero Riviera is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Maggiore.

Cannobio, last stop before Switzerland

Cannobio is the last town on the lake before the Swiss border and is very popular with tourists. However, it wasn’t until the 21st century that this resort town had its heyday. The Romans were already staying here and in the Middle Ages a royal court took up residence here. The city has preserved elegant palaces built between the 17th and 19th centuries, stone testimonies of its glorious past. Its promenade with its old fishermen’s houses is one of the most beautiful on Lake Maggiore. The beautiful Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, in front of the old port, is one of Cannobio’s most popular places to live.

Our selection of campsites on Lake Maggiore

On the shores of Lake Maggiore, or close to the lake, find our selection of campsites for caravan, tent or motorhome in Italy.

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Our campsites for caravans, tents and motorhomes in the Landes

106 kilometres of beach near your campsite in the Landes

When one thinks of the Landes, one thinks above all of the Atlantic Ocean. It must be said that a single beach of fine sand hemmed in by dunes stretches for 106 kilometres without interruption. Ideal for basking in the Landes sun during your camping holiday on the Atlantic coast. Unless you prefer to indulge in the regional sport of surfing. The rollers of the ocean make the South Atlantic coast in France a popular destination for surfers from all over Europe to challenge the ocean waves. These 106 kilometres of beach are punctuated by 15 seaside resorts with different styles that will please everyone: Hossegor, the French surfing capital, Capbreton with its lively seafront, Biscarosse which is one of the largest seaside resorts on the coast, Mimizan and its gentle way of life, Seignosse, popular with sportsmen and women, Vieux-Boucau and its pedestrian shopping streets, Moliets and its golf course set on the dune, Messange and its large beaches Labenne and its blockhouses transformed into works of art, Vielle-Saint-Girons and its wild beaches, Lit-et-Mixe whose beach is one of the most beautiful in the Landes, the peaceful resort of Contis, Soustons, divided between the ocean and the marine lake, Ondres and its very natural seafront or Tarnos, the most southern of the Landes seaside resorts. There is something for everyone near your campsite by the ocean in the Landes.

Nature holidays on a campsite in the Landes

Set back from the coastline lies the vast pine forest of the Landes. A preserved natural area, punctuated by lakes that offer a pleasant alternative to the Atlantic Ocean when it is a little too rough. You will have plenty of time to discover this forest on foot or by bike. There are some 600 kilometres of cycling and walking paths. Rarely have you had so much fun cycling with your family. To fully appreciate the charms of the Landes forest, you can go for a walk in the Landes de Gascogne regional park. This natural park invites you to discover the authentic Landes during a canoe trip on the Leyre, this small river which ends its course in the Bay of Arcachon and offers almost 90 kilometres of waterways in the depths of the forest, in a tunnel of vegetation, a visit to the Marquèze ecomuseum which plunges you into the life of the Landes of 150 years ago, or the Arjuzanx National Nature Reserve, where the cranes come to winter.

votre camping en bord de lac dans les landes

While the waves of the Atlantic Ocean are a delight for surfers, some prefer the calm waters of the lakes set back from the Landes coastline. These lakes, nestled in a forest setting, are ideal for water sports and swimming. The lake of Cazaux-Sanguinet is the second largest lake in France with its 55 km². It is bordered by numerous beaches as well as small marinas and water sports centres. It is linked, via the coastal canal and the Biscarosse lake, to another large lake, the Parentis-Biscarrosse lake, which covers 35 km². In addition to these two large lakes, the Landes hinterland is dotted with smaller and larger lakes such as Lake Léon, where you can take the Huchet Stream, Lake Hossegor with its fine sandy beaches and the Port-d’Albret marine lake at Vieux-Boucau. Wherever your campsite in the Landes is, there will always be a lake nearby to go swimming in.

The Landes, a land of culture and tradition

Of course, nature is the number one asset of the Landes. However, the traditions and cultural riches of this region should not be forgotten. Wellness and gastronomy are on the agenda for your camping holiday in the Landes. For wellness, the Landes can count on its 5 thermal spas. Dax and Saint-Paul-lès-Dax are home to 16 of the 19 thermal baths in the Landes. This is the perfect way to get back in shape after a few good things during your stay in the Landes. Because the Landes is also a region of good food, proud of its culinary traditions. Among the emblematic dishes, there is of course duck and all its variations (confit, foie gras, etc.), but also asparagus and Armagnac. You can combine gastronomy and heritage during your camping stay in the Landes in New Aquitaine. From Labastide d’Armagnac, one of the most beautiful bastides in the Landes, built in the 13th century, a walk takes you from castle to castle on the large estates where the delicious brandy is produced.

Our selection of campsites in the Landes

A selection of the most beautiful campsites in the Landes for holidays in a caravan, tent or motorhome.

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OUR CAMPSITES AROUND THE GULF OF MORBIHAN

The Gulf of Morbihan extends over a little more than 40 km² between Vannes to the north and Arzon and Sarzeau to the south. Its chiselled granite shores form as many capes, points and outcrops from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the sumptuous landscapes of the gulf. To discover this enchanting spectacle, a cameo of blues and greens changing with the light, a hundred kilometres of marked paths are as many threads to play the tightrope walker between sea and land. Dozens of hours of iodised walks are in prospect. For cycling enthusiasts, a cycle route links Vannes and Arzon. Eventually, this will be connected to the cycle route that will lead from Roscoff to Nantes. For water sports enthusiasts, the Gulf of Morbihan has a lot to offer. Sailing, kite-surfing, scuba diving, sea fishing, kayaking, etc. The list is long. No chance of getting bored during your camping holiday in the Gulf of Morbihan.

Boat tours also take you to the Gulf of Morbihan. This is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate all its charms. There are day and half-day cruises.

Discover the islands and islets from your campsite in the Gulf of Morbihan

One of the specificities of the Gulf of Morbihan is the numerous islands and islets that make up its landscape. Take advantage of your stay on the campsites of the Gulf of Morbihan to discover them. Legend has it that these are the tears of fairies driven out of Broceliande. There are more than 30 of them. If the majority of these islands are private and cannot be visited, some of them welcome you for beautiful walks. The islands of Sept Îles and Berder are accessible on foot at low tide. The tour of each of them takes about an hour. Several of the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan are inhabited. The Ile aux Moines is only 5 minutes away from the Port-Blanc pier (Baden). It is the largest of the islands in the gulf but also a real natural paradise. The scents of the sea mingle with the essences of camellias, fig trees, mimosas and fuchsias. With its 7 km length and 3 km width, it is ideal for cycling or walking. There are no less than 14 hiking trails. During your walks, you can see many migratory birds nesting on the island. Off the coast of Vannes, the island of Arz is in fact an archipelago made up of 8 islands. The largest one, crossed by coastal paths, is also worth a visit. It is accessible from Vannes and Séné. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.

The heritage of the Gulf of Morbihan

If the Gulf of Morbihan seduces above all by its natural beauty, one should not forget to visit the charming towns and villages that dot its shores. Vannes in particular is worth a visit. This city built in an amphitheatre at the bottom of the gulf has a beautiful old medieval town built around the cathedral of Saint-Pierre. It is surrounded by ramparts. You will be able to admire very beautiful coloured half-timbered houses and elegant private mansions.  In addition to Vannes, Auray is one of the towns to visit in the gulf. The port of Saint-Goustan has a real cachet with its old buildings and restaurant terraces. It has preserved its authenticity and its medieval architecture. It is very pleasant to walk around, but you can also admire it from the heights.

Gulf Week

Every odd year, more than a thousand traditional and classic boats from all over Europe meet for the Semaine du Golfe. A beautiful spectacle not to be missed during your camping holiday in the Gulf of Morbihan. As the tides change, elegant riggings and other boats call in at around fifteen ports where festivals, exhibitions, entertainment for children, etc. are organised. Don’t forget to book your stay at a campsite in the Gulf of Morbihan so that you don’t miss out on the event.

Our campsites in the Gulf of Morbihan

A selection of campsites in Brittany for caravans, tents and motorhomes around the Gulf of Morbihan.

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Lakeside campsites for swimming

On most of the lakeside campsites on the We Love Camping website you can dive into the lake waters to swim and cool off on hot summer days. Some lakeside campsites even have private beaches and gently sloping beaches. Something for the children to enjoy! From campsites in the Vosges to campsites in the Landes, via the Charente or Brittany, there is something for everyone. So let yourself be tempted.

Lakeside campsites for fishing

On some lakeside campsites you can enjoy fishing. Whether you prefer fishing from the lake shore or fishing from a boat, there’s always a lakeside campsite to suit you.

Water activities on a lake

Some lakes are large enough for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and pedal boating. If you like water sports, choose a campsite from our selection of lakeside campsites to practice your favourite sport. You will find campsites on the shores of Lake Biscarosse, which is famous for sailing, or campsites where you can use the campsite’s canoes to go for a ride on the lake. All you have to do is choose the lakeside campsite that best suits your needs.

Our selection of campsites by a lake

A selection of lakeside campsites for your caravan, tent or motorhome holiday.

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A selection of campsites near the Ars waterfall.

A waterfall that must be earned

Nestled at the bottom of a valley at 1380, the Ars waterfall is a waterfall that must be earned. It can only be reached after a 4-hour round-trip walk and a 600-metre climb. And yes, we are in the mountains! It is necessary to foresee walking shoes to go and admire this beauty which is longed for. The route starts in the thermal village of Aulus-les-Bains, in the Garbet valley. You will find a car park near the tourist office. The path is pleasant and offers nice views well before you reach the Ars waterfall. Although it is a steep climb, the hike is accessible to all, provided you are well equipped and walk at your own pace. Even though the trail is mostly shaded, after 2 hours of hiking, you will love the spray from the waterfall. A real refreshing shower!

The Ars waterfall is divided into three levels. It first cascades down the mountain in a fairly narrow waterfall before widening and forming curtains on the rocks on the next two levels. Spectacular from a distance, it is well worth getting close to. It is at its feet that it expresses all its power.

A waterfall at its best in spring

Like many waterfalls, the Ars waterfall is at its most beautiful in spring, when it is fed by the melting snow from the Pyrenean peaks. If you have the opportunity to stay on a campsite in the Ariège at this time of year, take the chance to admire it at its peak. However, even if you come to the Ariege during the summer, the Ars waterfall remains spectacular in all seasons.

Our campsites in Ariège near the Ars waterfall

A selection of campsites around the Ars waterfall for a holiday in a motorhome, tent or caravan.

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Discover our campsites in the Cévennes

Camping in the Mont Lozère massif

It is in Lozère that the Cévennes have their highest point. In the Mont Lozère massif, the Finiels peak rises to 1699 metres. Although the sides of the massif are wooded, its heights are covered with heather. During the summer, the heather forms a mauve carpet as far as the eye can see. The ascent of the Finiels peak will require some effort, but what a reward at the top! The Finiel peak offers a sumptuous panorama that encompasses the Cévennes valleys and, if the sky is clear, the Mediterranean and the Alps in the distance. If this part of the Cévennes is especially renowned for its natural riches, its heritage also deserves your attention. The medieval village of Génolhac in the north of the Cévennes is well worth a visit during your camping holiday in the Lozère in the Cévennes. The narrow streets of this 11th century village tell the story of the Camisards. In the 18th century, following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV, Protestant peasants from the Cévennes went to war against the government. There are many memorial sites in the Cévennes that proudly bear witness to this fight for freedom.

Camping around Mont Aigoual

The other summit of the Cévennes is the Mont Aigoual. This peak reaches 1567 metres. It is the link between the Grands Causses and the Cévennes. As on the Mont Lozère, its wooded slopes contrast with its bald summit topped by a weather observatory. It must be said that the Aigoual is situated on the watershed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the first rocky buttress on which the clouds coming from the Mediterranean crash. Besides, Aigoual means “water” in Occitan! So many reasons to set up a weather observatory here. From the tower of the latter, you can enjoy a superb panorama. Mount Aigoual is a protected natural area and an invitation to practice outdoor sports. With the Pôle nature 4 saisons du massif de l’Aigoual, you will have access to a wide choice of activities to try during your camping holidays in the Gard or in Lozère. Interpretation trails, mountain biking, horse riding, orienteering or geocaching in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.

At the foot of Mont Aigoual, from the village of Meyrueis, you can visit the Jonte gorges, which have their source on its slopes. Less known than their neighbours of the Tarn in which the Jonte flows, these gorges are just as much worth a visit. Especially if you like bird watching. Many vultures nest in their cliffs. The subsoil is also worthy of interest with the magnificent Dargilan cave and its 2000 m² petrified waterfall, unique in the world.

Following the Corniche des Cévennes road

To drive from the Lozère part of the Cévennes to their southern slope in the Gard, nothing beats the Corniche des Cévennes road between Florac and Saint-Jean-du-Gard. This road was built at the request of the king during the Camisard war in order to monitor troop movements. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that it offers so many beautiful views of the Cévennes valleys. Don’t miss those of Saint-Laurent-de-Trêves, the Col des Faïsses or the Col de Saint-Pierre which are among the most beautiful. If you have time, stop in the picturesque medieval village of Barre-des-Cévennes.

Camping in the Cevennes in the Gardons valley

The Corniche des Cévennes road leads you to Saint-Jean-du-Gard following the route taken by Stevenson and his donkey. You are now in the Gardons valley. The Gardons are in fact 7 rivers which constitute a complex hydrographic network. They have their source in Lozère and cross the Gard before flowing into the Rhône. They are often named after villages built on their banks: Gardon de Saint Jean du Gard, Gardon de Sainte Croix Vallée Française, Gardon de Saint Martin de Lansuscle, Gardon de Saint Germain de Calberte, Gardon de Saint Etienne Vallée Française, Gardon de Mialet, Gardon d’Anduze and Gardon d’Alès. Between Anduze, Miallet and Saint-Jean-du-Gard, there are many opportunities for fishing and swimming in white water. No doubt you will appreciate the pure waters of the Gardons to refresh yourself during your camping holidays in the Cévennes and the Gard. The Cévennes steam train from Saint-Jean-du-Gard to Anduze is an original way to discover the landscape of this beautiful region. This authentic steam train will take you on a journey through time, stopping off at the Bambouseraie in the Cévennes. This is an opportunity to visit the largest bamboo garden in Europe. This botanical garden is home to more than 1000 varieties of bamboo, trees and remarkable plants. A real haven of greenery and tranquillity.

To learn a little more about the Cévennes, the Maison-Rouge, in Saint-Jean-du-Gard, is a museum dedicated to the Cévennes identity. Housed in a former spinning mill, it looks back at the Cévennes of yesterday and today.

A show to admire at night while camping in the Cévennes

One of the advantages of camping is living in the open air. A real plus in the Cévennes. Indeed, once night falls, a real spectacle is offered to you. Since 2018, the park has been labelled an International Starry Sky Reserve. With 3,560 km², it is even the largest of the 13 European reserves. Thanks to this label, a sustainable and non-polluting public lighting system has been put in place, allowing you to fully enjoy the magnificent starry skies during your camping holidays in the Cévennes. The show at the door of the caravan!

Our campsites in the Cevennes

A selection of campsites for holidays in a caravan, tent or camper van in the Cévennes.

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firenze, city of arts

The biggest problem on your first camping holiday in Tuscany is how to reconcile the desire to take your time and enjoy the gentle way of life that pervades the whole region, strolling through the colourful markets or sipping a glass of chianti in the shade of an olive tree in the cobbled piazza of a medieval village, with the desire to see as much as possible. For a long time now, Tuscany has been a land of artists. And few places in the world can boast such a wealth of masterpieces. Its cities, in particular, contain architectural treasures left over from the great hours of the Middle Ages and especially from the Italian Renaissance. Here, each façade, each fountain or each church is a source of wonder. It must be said that in the 14th and 15th centuries, when Italian art was lighting up Europe, Tuscany was home to, or saw the passing of, all the greatest creators of the time. Sculptors, painters or architects, all seem to have made an appointment to turn the region into a real museum. If all the cities can boast one or more monuments of great beauty, our preference is for Firenze, Pisa or Siena. Firenze is the jewel of the region. The entire city is a veritable museum with some of the most spectacular Renaissance monuments and the world’s finest collection of Renaissance and medieval paintings. Here, the glorious past of the city where the Medici ruled is present at every corner. Its cathedral, with its sumptuous pink, white and green marble façade, is one of the most famous monuments in the country, and the Palazzio Vecchio, the city’s traditional seat of government, offers a glimpse of 14th-century Florentine magnificence. Such a profusion of masterpieces has one unfortunate consequence, however: the influx of tourists from all over the world. For these must-see sites, remember to book your place in advance.

pisa, a leaning city

In Pisa, the Piazza dei Miracoli, dominated by the famous Leaning Tower, has a cathedral (Duomo) which was once the largest in Europe. Its facade, with its green and ivory marble stripes, served as a model for the Romanesque churches of Tuscany. If you look closely at the city, you will be surprised to discover that, although it owes its reputation to its tower, it is the whole city that is leaning. The soil of the city is in fact composed of a mixture of sand and clay which makes it particularly loose. The medieval architects did not take this into account. Thus, without reaching the inclination of the tower, the Duomo or the Palazzo Agostini also lean. So do many of the bell towers in Pisa. But this does not detract from their majesty.

Siena, medieval city famous for its Palio

Siena, on the other hand, is a medieval city where Gothic triumphs over Renaissance art. Its cathedral, in particular, is a jewel of its kind. However, the main interest of the city lies in its maze of cobbled streets and its historic centre, where traffic is prohibited wherever possible. If Siena can be visited at any time of the year with the same pleasure, discovering the city during the Palio, its mythical horse race where the different districts of Siena compete, is a unique experience. For those who are not afraid of crowds!

tuscany, land of good food

Alongside these large towns, Tuscany has a multitude of small towns and medieval villages, often perched on the hills. Although their architectural interest is more or less great, they often have a more authentic charm than the large Tuscan cities. However, towns and villages are only one of the many aspects of Tuscany. You have to leave them to discover the rich countryside where vines and olive trees are grown. For the land is an essential element of Tuscan culture. It is synonymous with good things. The region has 8 DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wines, including the famous Chianti. But don’t hesitate to move away from these most famous appellations and try some of the less prestigious wines, which hold some tasty surprises, especially off the Etruscan coast, south of Livorno.

Nature tuscany

Because of the exceptional artistic heritage of its cities or the finesse of its agricultural production, we often tend to forget that Tuscany is also a region where nature holds an important place. This small piece of Italy has three national parks: the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi (the largest and best preserved forest in Italy), the Parco Nazionale den Apenino Tocano Emiliano (which encompasses the Apennines) and the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano, the largest marine park in Italy. According to legend, Venus was born in the latter, throwing jewels into the sea on occasion. These would have become the islands of the archipelago off Piombino, the largest being the island of Elba. He reminds us that Tuscany has a large coastline dotted with Etruscan archaeological sites and seaside resorts where it is good to come and bask in the sun and taste some seafood specialities.

our campsites for caravan, tent or motorhome in Tuscany

We offer you a selection of campsites in Tuscany for your holiday in a caravan, tent or motorhome.

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This eco-responsible association brings together independent campsites with less than 120 pitches that place people and the environment at the heart of their commitment.

In addition to the friendly atmosphere that reigns on these campsites, their philosophy can be summed up in a few points:

• to promote the local heritage
• to offer you preserved sites and accommodation that is integrated into the landscape
• to reduce the environmental impact as much as possible
• to encourage the discovery of the local fauna and flora
• to discover local customs through folklore or gastronomy
• promote local employment by highlighting the region’s craftsmen
• encourage soft means of transport such as bicycles and electric vehicles
• to preserve living spaces for the local fauna on the campsite, in collaboration with associations such as the LPO (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux – French RSPB)

Situated in the heart of magnificent landscapes, among the mountains of the Alps or the Pyrenees, in the Périgord, the Vosges or the Morvan, in the Gorges of the Tarn or the Jonte, etc., the Via Natura campsites offer you a camping holiday close to nature.

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Sumptuous landscapes in the heart of the Alps

The Vanoise National Park is above all characterised by its high peaks. The park is home to more than 100 mountains over 3000 metres and 18 peaks over 3500 metres. The highest point is the Grande Casse with its 3855 metres. It is followed by the Mont Pourri (3779 metres) and the Grande Motte (3656 metres). The wide range of altitudes in the Vanoise (from 1,280 metres to 3,855 metres) offers very contrasting landscapes, from green valleys to peaks covered in eternal snow. From your campsite in the Vanoise, your walks will take you to the mountain pastures, around crystal-clear mountain lakes, to the discovery of waterfalls, in forests as well as on the glaciers. The Vanoise massif is distinguished by its ice cap, the largest in the Alps. These ice caps remain visible in summer despite the beautiful climate that bathes the park. It is indeed sheltered from the rains coming from the Ocean by the Prealps and the Belledonne mountain range and benefits from a very nice sunshine. The road itineraries are rare in the Vanoise, the most beautiful sites are only accessible to hikers. The Iseran pass, which is accessible by car, offers superb panoramic views of the park and the Alps. The latter, at 2770 metres, is the highest road pass in the Alps. A mythical stage of the Tour de France, it is a real challenge for cyclists. However, if you are not ready to tackle the 7% slopes, many rental companies now offer electrically assisted bikes. You can dream of being Hinault or Anquetil without making too much effort. Closed for a good part of the year because of its snow cover, it generally opens at the beginning of June. Whether by bike or by car, don’t miss the opportunity to go there during your camping stay in the Vanoise.

A preserved fauna and flora

The Vanoise Park was originally created in 1963 to preserve the Alpine ibex. This was a success, as there are now 2600 of them. However, this is not the only attraction of the park, which has 1200 animal species, 107 of which are protected. Among the most emblematic are the chamois, the golden eagle and the bearded vulture. And of course the marmots which will accompany you during your walks. The flora of the Vanoise has nothing to envy to the fauna. If France has around 5000 species of vascular plants, the Vanoise Park alone is home to nearly 1700. And this for only 0.5% of the national territory! This incredible variety is due to the great diversity of soils and the altitudinal amplitude of the park. A free atlas of rare plants in the Vanoise, which can be downloaded from the park’s website, will help you to recognise them during your hikes. Among the most sought-after plants is the famous Venus hoof orchid. Don’t hesitate to share your photos on the We Love Camping website if you see one during your stay in the Vanoise.

The Vanoise, a hiker’s paradise

There are few roads in the park. The Vanoise is best discovered by hiking. The park has more than 400 kilometres of marked trails that will delight hiking enthusiasts. The majority of these hikes are generally possible from June to the end of October. However, we can never be sure of a late or early snowfall. Some tours are short and easy and can be done with children. Others, on the other hand, require a good physical condition. The park has published practical information sheets to download for the most popular hikes. Those who want to take their experience further can embark on multi-day hikes. There are many refuges where you can sleep at altitude. Some chairlifts and ski lifts in winter sports resorts remain in operation during the summer, allowing you to start your hikes at altitude. Among the most beautiful itineraries, the Vanoise glaciers tour above Champagny-le-Haut can be done with the family. The Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise, on the other hand, should be reserved for experienced hikers and requires several days of walking (from 4 to 7 days depending on your level). It does however offer some unforgettable views. If you wish to venture out on a glacier hike for the first time, it is often advisable to be accompanied by a mountain guide. There are many such guides in the Vanoise and they will allow you to fully enjoy this magical experience. Don’t hesitate to ask at the reception of the campsite where you are staying with your tent, caravan or camper van. They will be able to advise you on the best guides in the region.

Outdoor and white water sports in the Vanoise Park

The Vanoise National Park, with its unspoilt and varied landscapes, lends itself perfectly to the practice of outdoor and white water sports. In winter, of course, it is skiing and winter sports that take precedence. In summer, a much wider choice is available with canoeing, kayaking, rafting or canyoning in the rivers of the Vanoise (Isère, Doron de Bozel, etc.) or climbing, Via-Ferrata, paragliding or mountaineering in the relief of the park. Road cycling will take you up the slopes that have forged the legend of the Tour de France. If you prefer mountain biking, the Vanoise offers you some very nice differences in altitude as well as numerous hiking trails to explore.

A heritage to discover

If the main asset of the Vanoise Park is its spectacular landscapes and its natural expanses, the region is also home to a heritage that deserves to be discovered. There is of course the rural heritage of the Alps with some charming villages such as Pralognan-la-Vanoise, Bonneval-sur-Arc or the hamlet of l’Ecot, but also more surprising sites such as the Esseillon forts. The Esseillon barrier was built at the very beginning of the 19th century (between 1815 and 1830) by the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia to protect itself from France. It is made up of 5 forts staggered along the width of the valley. Each fort is named after one of the members of the royal family: Marie-Christine, Marie-Thérèse, Victor-Emmanuel, Charles-Albert and Charles-Félix. None of these forts has ever had to undergo the test of fire. Now classified as historical monuments, three of these forts have been restored. The Marie-Thérèse Redoubt houses the Vanoise Fortified Heritage Interpretation Centre.

Our campsites near Vanoise National Park

A selection of the best campsites for caravans, tents and motorhomes in or near the Vanoise.

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