A paradise for walkers and sports enthusiasts

With 1,250 kilometres of Grande Randonnée (GR) trails and 5,300 kilometres of Promenades et Randonnées (walks and hikes), Aveyron is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Ask at your campsite reception. They’ll be able to tell you which are the most beautiful walks around you. The region is also a delight for lovers of white-water sports and the great outdoors. The hiking trails are ideal for mountain biking, while the Dourbie, Tarn and Lot rivers are ideal for canoeing. The cliffs and rocky outcrops of the region are also renowned among rock-climbing enthusiasts. At the confluence of the Tarn and Dourbie rivers, Millau is famous for paragliding. In the evening, as the sun sets, it’s not unusual to see dozens of sails colouring the blue skies of southern Aveyron.

Camping le Muret, between the Viaur and Aveyron gorges

Camping Le Muret is a small campsite with 44 places, including 34 camping pitches, in the heart of the Ségala countryside. This is authentic countryside, nicknamed the land of 100 valleys because of its location between the Aveyron and Viaur valleys. The small lake at the heart of the campsite adds to the charm of the place, especially at the end of the day when the rays of the setting sun are reflected on its surface. The campsite restaurant serves local produce to remind you that Aveyron is also a land of good food.

Camping le Val de Saures between Lot and Truyère rivers

Situated at the confluence of the Lot and Truyère rivers, Val de Saures campsite awaits you in the village of Entraygues in Aveyron, a delightful medieval town. It offers 103 places on 96 pitches spread over 2.6 hectares of shady grounds. Close to the shops, it’s the ideal destination for motorhome users, who won’t need to move their vehicle to get to the village.

Campsite Via Natura les Cerisiers near Millau

At the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn, Les Cerisiers is a delightful campsite on a human scale with 80 places, including 70 camping pitches. A member of the Via Natura association, this campsite nestles in an exceptional natural setting at the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn. It is set in 2.5 hectares of wooded grounds. There are some 300 trees of around fifty different species. The Tarn, which borders the campsite, offers a pleasant swimming beach for all the family.

Campsite in Aveyron with heated swimming pool: Les Prades in the Gorges du Tarn

Camping Les Prades enjoys an idyllic location in the spectacular Gorges du Tarn. It has two private beaches where you can go swimming or children can play in the river. Although it has a unique natural environment, this 4-star campsite also has all the comforts you could wish for, with a heated swimming pool, spa, bar and restaurant.

Camping le Roc qui Parle in the Dourbie valley

Le Roc qui Parle campsite nestles in an exceptional setting in the heart of the unspoilt Dourbie valley. The campsite slopes down to the river Dourbie, where campers can enjoy a refreshing swim. Two kilometres away, the village of Nant offers shops and restaurants in the shadow of its medieval covered market. The campsite offers 70 spacious, green pitches.

Campsite with swimming pool in the dourbie valley: les 2 Vallées at the gates of the village of Nant

Just outside the village of Nant, in the Dourbie valley, you’ll find Les 2 Vallées campsite. This campsite has a heated swimming pool and access to the Durzon river which runs alongside. The village of Nant is within walking distance of the campsite. It is a charming medieval village with shops (butcher’s, baker’s, supermarket, etc.) and several restaurants around the medieval covered market in the centre of the village. It will be particularly attractive to motorhome owners, who won’t have to move their vehicle during their stay in Aveyron.

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Find the programme of the roof tent festival on the website www.rttfestival.com.

Selection of campsites around Huriel in the Allier

The roof tent festival offers you a campsite where the atmosphere promises to be festive during these three days in Huriel. However, if you are looking for a little more peace and quiet, we have a selection of campsites around Huriel with pitches for caravans, tents, motorhomes and, of course, roof-tents.

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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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Our campsites in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Une sélection de camping dans les Pyrénées-Orientales pour vos vacances en camping avec votre caravane, votre tente ou votre camping-car.

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A new layout for the TakeOff folding caravan

To show us around the factory where the TakeOff folding caravans are produced and to tell us more about them, we met Maarten de Roos, managing director of the Campfire Group, which owns the Easy Caravanning and Holtkamper brands. He talked about the desire to create a hybrid product between the folding caravan and the traditional caravan with the TakeOff: a caravan that is as easy to tow as a folding caravan, but as quick to set up as a traditional caravan. We were also given the opportunity to present the new layout with a semi-fixed bed offered by TakeOff. This new layout was born out of a request from the brand’s first users. You can now choose between the two interior layouts with the semi-fixed bed or the two benches facing each other.

In addition to its attractive character, the TakeOff should appeal to a number of caravanners as it meets a demand of the moment since it can be towed by small vehicles (including a Fiat 500, although we are not certain that it is necessary to tackle the Alpine passes with such a hitch) and electric vehicles. The impact on autonomy is relatively small, between 25% and 30% according to Maarten de Roos.

There is no doubt that this folding caravan, which will start to appear on campsites in France and Europe, will appeal to many with its modern design and ease of use.

The TakeOff is available in 3 versions, the TakeOff Active (from £16,495), the TakeOff Sport (£18,495) and the TakeOff Xcite (£21,895). All three versions are built on the same base, but the two more expensive versions offer additional options. The TakeOff Xcite comes with the X10T awning, designed in collaboration with Karsten. An optional extra on the other two models. Prices for all options are available on the Easy Caravanning website.

Website of Easy Caravanning : www.easycaravanning.com

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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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The Duö Hussarde roof tent on the road

The Duö roof tent was installed on the roof of our vehicle (a Citroën Berlingo) by the NaïtUp teams at the Alès factory. The Berlingo offers only three possibilities to position the roof bars. Two of them at the front of the vehicle, separated by only 70/80 cm. Fortunately, the tent requires roof bars separated by at least 70 cm (and 120 cm maximum). It is attached to the roof bars with a system of clamps that are tightened with a tool provided by NaïtUp (see photo). The first thing to notice, once in place, is that the tent is not that bulky. Even though it is 28 cm high at its thickest part, it is rather well shaped and does not take up more space than a simple roof box.

As soon as the tent is set up, it undergoes its first tests on the road. The main concern with this type of material is the increase in consumption. In addition to its weight of 55 kg, it also offers an additional wind resistance. On a country road, we are pleased to see that the average consumption hardly varies. On the motorway, even though strong winds and rain showers on the return journey slightly distort the comparison between the outward journey without the tent and the return journey with the tent, there is an increase in consumption of around 10%. This increase can be almost completely eliminated by driving at around 120 km/h instead of 130 km/h. It should be noted, however, that the test was carried out on a Berlingo, which is not the most profiled car on the market. The second concern was noise. Depending on the roof bars and what you load on the roof of the vehicle, sometimes vibrations or the whistling of the air can produce very disturbing noises. Nothing like that here. The tent is securely fastened, does not vibrate and there is no air whistling. In short, you quickly forget that you have a tent on the roof. Be careful, though, because between the roof bars and the tent, your vehicle has just gained almost 40 cm in height. It would be a shame to smash your tent against a gantry.

The NaïtUp Duö tent at the campsite

As we saw at the factory with the Quattrö, the Duö tent is very easy to unfold thanks to a jack system. It takes less than 30 seconds to open. On your own. And it doesn’t take much longer to fold it up. That’s a real advantage, especially when you’re staying at a campsite and use your car for sightseeing or shopping. It’s quick and easy enough to do so that it doesn’t feel like a chore every time you move the car. A cover is offered as an option by NaïtUp. It allows you to cover the mattress and the duvet if your tent is wet when folded. So you can go for a ride after a rainy night. I have not yet had the time to test the tent in these conditions, so plan a little addendum in a few days.

One of the advantages of the tent is its multiple openings, equipped with mosquito nets. Ideal for breathing in hot weather. We also opted for the cotton version, made by Cabanon. It’s a not cheap option (+350 €), but it gives a real touch of extra comfort to the tent which breathes much better this way.

Inside you have a space of 2.1 m x 1.2 m. On its own the tent is spacious enough. It can also be used by two people up to a maximum of 200 kg. You do have to be a couple in love, because two people are very close to each other on this 120cm mattress. But it works very well with two people. However, if there are two of you and both of you like to have space to sleep, you should opt for one of the Quattrö or Family models. A mattress option is offered by NaïtUp. We didn’t take it, opting for our Duvalay mattress which fitted perfectly in the tent as you can see on the video. A small padlock is supplied with the ladder when the tent is delivered. This allows you to attach the ladder to the tent to prevent a prankster from stealing it during the night.

first night of camping in the roof tent

The first night in the tent was really conclusive. In combination with the Duvalay mattress, the tent is very comfortable and the large openings are particularly appreciated, allowing you to enjoy the views from the high position. Once up, it even attracts curious onlookers and becomes a topic of discussion with the neighbours.

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