Camping in the South of France
Exploring Southern France
Why do we love camping holidays in Southern France? Of course it starts at the beach. As most things tend to do in Southern France. The Cote d'Azur, or the French Riviera - whatever you want to call it - is where the burnished blue of the Mediterranean meets the pastel coloured hotels, sleek marinas and golden sands of the French coast.
Travel further and you'll discover ancient hilltop villages, intoxicating fields of lavender and peaceful countryside inhabited by wild horses and exotic birds. Paradise on earth? We'd say you were pretty close.
Best places for camping holidays in South of France
We’ve campsites, villages and resorts in the south of France perfectly situated to explore the wider region's beaches, cities, historic sites and lively resorts. Find out where you can go, and where you should explore …
Our favourite Southern France beaches
Southern France boasts some of Europe's most stunning coastlines. On the Riviera, the golden sands of Cap d'Agde offer family-friendly bathing while the sophisticated beaches of Cannes and Nice blend natural beauty with glamour. In Languedoc-Roussillon, discover the artistic haven of Collioure with its sheltered bays framed by colorful buildings.
Corsica features some of the Mediterranean's most pristine beaches, with Porto-Vecchio's Palombaggia often compared to Caribbean shores with its white sand and turquoise waters. For something completely different, the Atlantic beaches of Gironde and Landes offer wild surfing conditions and seemingly endless stretches of sand backed by pine forests.
Best things to do in Southern France
Historic wonders
The Riviera and Provence feature Roman ruins in lively Fréjus and timeless hilltop villages offering panoramic Mediterranean views. Languedoc & Roussillon is home to the legendary Canal du Midi and the ancient amphitheatre in Nîmes, while the Camargue is home to the white Camargue horse, one of the oldest breeds in the world roaming free across marshlands.
Ardèche and Auvergne showcase nature at its rawest and most awe-inspiring, with the Parc National des Cévennes and the Gorges du Verdon, Europe's 'Grand Canyon', offering mile after mile of super-sized scenery. The Pyrénées deliver breathtaking views from the Pic du Midi observatory with jagged peaks and big, big skies.
Gironde and Landes boast elegant Bordeaux with its UNESCO-listed architecture and world-class wines. Corsica blends historic wonders with rugged mountain landscapes scented with wild thyme and juniper, a real island idyll awaits.
Fascinating cities and towns
The Riviera's Nice is everything you’d expect it to be. All elegant promenade, glitzy boutiques and pastel-coloured perfection, while Cannes exudes even more glamour and sophistication. It’s good for a look, but we much prefer Provence's hilltop villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence. Here you’ll be transport you back in time with their medieval streets and panoramic views.
In Languedoc & Roussillon, vibrant Perpignan showcases Catalan culture, while arty Collioure’s galleries and beaches are sure to bring a smile to your face. Gironde's Bordeaux is a UNESCO masterpiece of wine and architecture, while chic Biarritz buzzes with surf culture and an infectious air of cool.
Corsica's Calvi sits alongside a stunning emerald bay, while Bastia's vibrant old town restaurants are the perfect place to soak in the island's lively spirit. Porto-Vecchio is a bit like the St Tropez of Corsica, blending historic charm with sizzling (and seductive) luxury
Great family days out
Southern France delivers endless adventures for families across every sun-baked region. The Riviera and Provence bring the beach-based fun at Cap d'Agde and the old town explorations at the Roman ruins of Fréjus. In Languedoc & Roussillon youcan cruise the Canal du Midi or take unforgettable horse treks to spot wild Camargue horses roaming free across marshlands and lagoons.
Holidays in Ardèche and Auvergne are all about the great outdoors: kayaking under the cathedral-like arch at Vallon Pont d'Arc and hiking the spectacular Gorges du Verdon - perfect for hot air balloon rides too!
Gironde and Landes are cycling heaven, with routes around the lovely Lac d'Hourtin, as well as swimming in pine-fringed lakes, and horse riding through forests. Climbing the Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune, offers truly unforgettable panoramic views. Corsica combines pristine beach days with hiking in the scented hills - the best of both worlds!
Travelling to Southern France
Ferry
You can drive through France from northern Channel ports, with the Riviera around 10-11 hours from Calais, or take the more scenic route via ferry to western ports like St Malo and drive south. For quicker access, catch a ferry to Cherbourg or Caen and drive to Bordeaux in around 6-7 hours. There's also an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao. From there, it's an easy drive into Southern France in well under two hours.
Train
You can also ride the TGV high-speed train, which connects Paris to major Southern cities like Nice, Marseille, Montpellier, and Bordeaux in just a few hours, with onward connections throughout the region.
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