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As we proceed RVing in international locations worldwide, we are able to’t assist however discover all of the completely different facilities and particulars that make every expertise and every nation distinctive. Campervan campsites in France are simple to seek out. There are “motorhome stopovers” and free locations to remain across the nation.
However on this submit, we dive into official campsites at campgrounds or what within the States you may name “RV parks.” In France, these campgrounds can be known as “tenting,” which is fairly fortunate for us English audio system!
We now have to start out with what’s EASILY essentially the most stunning campervan campsite I’ve ever seen.
Did We Discover the Finest Campsite in France?
We discovered it. Effectively, perhaps not the most effective campsite in France, however what can solely be often known as essentially the most stunning campsite views on the planet.
Watch the video to completely recognize the views of this campground within the French Alps.
What are French campsites known as?
Campgrounds in France are sometimes called “tenting.” For instance, a campground in Carcassone can be known as “Tenting Carcassone.” Equally, we stayed at Tenting de la Forêt – Lourdes and Tenting Cimes Chamonix. This interprets roughly to Forest Campsite – Lourdes and Peak Campsite Chamonix (within the cities of Lourdes and Chamonix, respectively). Very easy.
This makes it extraordinarily simple to make use of Google Maps to seek for campgrounds within the space you’re trying to camp. Simply search “tenting,” and these campgrounds will come up.
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How a lot does a French campsite price?
Pricing in France is slightly completely different than in American campgrounds.
You’ll be charged per individual and per service, like in case you want electrical energy. In our video, for instance, the campground prices 7,80€ per grownup, 0€ for our child and three-year-old, 6,60€ for the “allotment,” aka our campsite, and 4,20€ for electrical energy. That’s 26,40 € per night time, which was about $25 at our present conversion price.
We typically didn’t pay greater than $30/night time for a campground (and we at all times paid the additional bit for electrical energy).
Most campsites cost related costs, and also you’ll usually discover a pricing chart on the campground web site.
What To Anticipate at Your French Campsite
When you pay for electrical energy, that’s the primary amenity you’ll get at your campsite.
French campsites are very minimal. You’ll be parked usually within the grass (sometimes unlevel since a lot of France is hilly and mountainous). There can be a divider between your campsites and your neighbors. Within the above video, it was hedges. Nevertheless, most campsites we stayed at after this one used vines to separate websites. Sure, like vines rising grapes to make wine. Welcome to France. 🍷
The vines present a lot much less privateness than hedges however give off that quintessential French vibe you’ll love. (Stroll to the campground bakery—it in all probability has one—and seize a croissant to finish the French vibes.)
That’s about it in your precise campsite.
Personally, I like the minimalism of French campsites versus American websites. With tiny RVs overseas, the unlevel floor is much less of a problem. European RVs don’t want full hookups as a result of they’re constructed otherwise. Plus, parking within the grass provides you a way more genuine “tenting” expertise.
Associated: 16 Variations Between RVing in America and RVing Overseas
What Facilities to Anticipate When Tenting in France
So what facilities are you able to count on in case your campsite is simply unlevel grass and perhaps electrical energy (in case you paid additional for it)?
It relies upon.
Each campground is completely different.
Each campground we camped at provided:
- A restaurant or bakery (seasonal)
- Playground (in all probability a couple of)
- Bathe home
- Bathhouse (Usually separated from showers)
- Dump space for cassette bathroom
- Contemporary water fill
- Tent tenting space
- Dishwashing station
Most campgrounds we camped at provided:
- Laundry
- Dump station for gray water
- Bus tickets, shuttles, or different native transport companies
- Youngsters toilet*
- Operating water (rivers, streams, creeks, and so forth)
*Youngsters showers, child bathtubs, decrease entry sinks, and decrease entry bathrooms and urinals are widespread throughout southern European campgrounds.
Facilities you’ll typically discover:
Many of the campgrounds we noticed have been “mother and pop,” which means owned by locals, not an enormous tenting chain. This implies each campground was arrange otherwise and provided a variety of attainable facilities. In additional touristy areas, we discovered extra facilities obtainable (particularly swimming pools).
One different observe: Laundry can be obscenely costly. We paid about $9 per load each time we did laundry!
Do French Campgrounds have WIFI?
Sure. I imply, no. Sort of?
Almost each campground stated they provided wifi (usually free).
Nevertheless, connecting was extraordinarily tough, and the sign wouldn’t be very robust if we did join. So that they provided wifi, but it surely wasn’t dependable.
We relied on SIM playing cards as an alternative and used our telephones as scorching spots after we wanted to make use of our computer systems. I particularly used Airalo on my telephone, an eSIM possibility the place you may designate your nation, what number of days you’ll want the SIM, and the way a lot information you’d like. Airalo solely presents information, not calling.
I bought the one-month EU-wide plan for my iPhone and didn’t use all my information. I continuously streamed movies and music and nonetheless had loads of information left over. (Then again, my husband obtained a bodily SIM from Orange for calling choices. His whole prices have been greater than mine, however we did make telephone calls to campgrounds on his telephone, so it was value it to have each.)
Are French Campsites Open Yr-round?
Relying on the realm, sure. Nevertheless, most shut for the winter in our expertise. We stayed at one park close to the Pyrenees on the final night time they have been open for the season (October seventh).
Swimming pools additionally shut for the season. We arrived in France in mid-September, and all of the swimming pools have been closed on the campgrounds.
Do French Campground Employees Communicate English?
Sure.
While you go to a international nation, you have a tendency to select a couple of phrases you’ll want to know for journey. The place is the prepare station? One cappuccino, please. Excuse me. I’m sorry. Thanks.
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Equally, this may also be the extent of English that campground employees can converse. You’ll meet trilingual or multilingual employees who can converse fluent English with you. (Keep in mind to be affected person! You’re usually speaking to a Swede fluent in Swedish, French, and English or a German fluent in German, French, English, and Spanish, and so forth.)
However typically, particularly outdoors of main vacationer areas, you’ll discover that employees speaks simply sufficient English for his or her job. They’ll ask in case you want electrical energy, how many individuals, what dates, and so forth. They’ll normally get you arrange at a campsite with no downside, but it surely’s tougher in case you attempt to have a dialog outdoors of that.
Making an attempt to speak over the telephone if making a reservation was the hardest communication barrier, however we may at all times perceive one another face-to-face.
Total, the language barrier was by no means a significant subject—and we converse mainly no French.
Ought to I Make Reservations for France Campgrounds?
We made zero reservations earlier than flying to France, however in case you’re visiting within the excessive season (summer time) or have sure spots the place you actually wish to camp, I’d advocate making advance bookings. You could discover that on-line reserving may also be obtainable in English (or your most popular language).
Campervan Campsite in France
France is commonly heralded as essentially the most camping-friendly nation in Europe. We positively discovered that to be the case. (And the views don’t stink both!)
For extra campsite choices, learn: 5 Tenting Choices in France (Free & Paid!)