Tag: huttopia

Camping in the City of Lights: Our Stay at Camping de Paris

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When you think of Paris, camping probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind, right? Well, that’s exactly what we thought—until we pitched our tent at Camping de Paris, nestled in the leafy 16th arrondissement along the Seine. Suddenly, we discovered a whole new way to experience the City of Lights. It was affordable, gave the kids plenty of space to run around, and still kept us close enough to all the Parisian magic.

We were on our way back up north to catch our shuttle home, and as we were passing through, we decided to finally check Paris off our list. The kids were always talking about how they’d been to places like Bangkok but never actually visited Paris—so we made it happen, and camping turned out to be the perfect way to do it!

Everything We Needed, Right on Site

The campsite turned out to be way more spacious than we expected, with fantastic, clean facilities and a really relaxed atmosphere. There’s a central lodge where we could kick back, grab a drink, or even borrow a board game for some family fun. On top of that, there’s a restaurant, a handy grocery shop for essentials and during the warmer months, a food truck rolls in with tasty bites.

While we usually cooked up our own meals at our pitch, by the end of the trip, we’re always ready to switch it up and let someone else do the cooking. The on-site restaurant didn’t disappoint—it had a solid menu that catered to both the adults and the kids, making it the perfect spot to unwind without the hassle of grocery shopping or cooking.

We camped, but there are also chalets, wood trailers and pre-erected canvas tents so there are plenty of options if you’d prefer a little more comfort to an air bed and a little more convenience than having to put up a tent.

Easy Access to the City

The real bonus? Although we were surrounded by nature, getting into the heart of Paris was quick and easy. A shuttle bus runs directly from the campsite to Porte Maillot, where you can hop on the metro and reach major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in under 30 minutes.

We spent our days sightseeing and our evenings winding down on the campsite—letting the kids ride their bikes, enjoying an apperitif sitting outside our tent in the warmth of the evening and enjoying the rare calm you don’t usually associate with big city trips.

Note: the shuttle doesn’t run too late in the evening, so we made sure to plan our returns accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Our stay at Camping de Paris gave us a completely different kind of Parisian experience. It was relaxed, affordable, and genuinely memorable. We still got to see all the famous sights, but we also had time to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the things we love about camping. We initially booked it because there weren’t any other camping options as close to the centre, but I was really surprised at the quality of the site and the facilites available, all so close to one of the most iconic capitals in the world.

If you’re a family looking for a base that’s calm, convenient, and a little unconventional, we highly recommend it and we’d definitely go back. Paris has never felt more accessible.!

Great Campsites in France (That Aren’t Yelloh Village or Huttopia)

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Looking for smaller, local campsites in France? Skip the big chains. Discover these absolute gems

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When we go camping—whether it’s in the UK or across Europe—we almost always skip the big-name chains. Sure, we’ve stayed at a Huttopia now and then when choices are limited, but our most memorable camping holidays have always come from those small, locally owned campsites tucked away in the French countryside.

There’s just something special about them. They’re quieter, more personal, and often full of unexpected charm. Don’t get us wrong—we’re big fans of a good swimming pool, a pizza van, and a decent playground for the kids. But you don’t need to book a spot at a massive resort like Yelloh! Village to find those things. In fact, many of the independent campsites in France we’ve stayed at have offered just as much fun, with a whole lot more character.

We’ve spent years camping across France, and it’s become one of our favourite ways to travel. With all that experience comes confidence—not just in knowing where to look, but in being able to find incredible campsites on the fly, without having to book everything in advance. And some of our best stays have been those spontaneous finds, often off the beaten path.

So if you’re looking to explore smaller campsites in France, here are some campsites we’ve personally stayed at—and absolutely loved.

Camping Le Moulin d’Onclaire

We stumbled across Camping Le Moulin d’Onclaire by pure luck after our original campsite turned out to be a total disaster—and honestly, it was an absolute gem of a find. Tucked away in the pretty village of Coux, just a few minutes from Privas, this riverside gem is set around a 17th-century mill and has a peaceful, laid-back vibe that immediately won us over. There’s a pool to cool off in, a little bar and games area to unwind, and even a restaurant serving proper Ardèche-style food in summer. The pitches are spacious, the staff are lovely, and there’s a mix of nature, comfort, and charm that made it feel like a hidden treasure. We didn’t plan to stay here—but we’re so glad we did. We extended our stay and we’d definitely go back.

L’Orangerie de Beauregard

We stayed at L’Orangerie de Beauregard at the end of our trip, and it was the perfect way to unwind. The facilities are absolutely pristine, with everything from the heated pool, the play park to the mini-market kept in tip-top shape. What really stood out, though, was the lovely atmosphere—it’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at home. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying a quiet moment in the beautiful woodlands, there’s a real sense of peace and tranquillity here.

Camping des Bastides

If there’s one campsite our kids keep asking to return to, it’s Camping des Bastides. Set in the peaceful Lot-et-Garonne region, this site has everything to keep them entertained. From the fun water slide and pool to the playground with a bouncy castle and trampoline, there’s no shortage of activities. With seasonal events like football, boules, and live music, the whole family can join in the fun. Plus, the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it a spot we’ll keep coming back to for years to come.

Camping au Bois Dormant

Camping Au Bois Dormant in Chauffour-sur-Vell offers the perfect balance of nature and comfort. Set in a peaceful oak forest, we had a huge pitch and we felt like there was plenty of space for our kids to roam freely. With an outdoor pool, waterslide, sports facilities, and games room, there was no shortage of activities to keep them entertained. The campsite also hosts fun events like karaoke and barbecue nights. Our kids got very into the karaoke! Plus, with nearby attractions like the villages of Collonges-la-Rouge and the Gouffre de Padirac, there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area.

Camping La Serre

If you’re on the hunt for a peaceful getaway where nature is the star of the show, Camping La Serre in Aigues-Vives is an absolute gem. Seriously, it’s one of the most beautiful campsites we’ve ever stayed at. Each pitch feels like your own little secluded spot in the middle of nature, giving you that perfect off-the-grid vibe, but with all the creature comforts you want. The pool is the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring and the on-site restaurant serves up some great pizza.

There’s a great variety of accommodation, too—whether you prefer a spacious pitch, a cozy glamping tent, or a mobile home, you’ve got options. What makes this place really stand out is its commitment to sustainability. It’s a certified LPO refuge, with meadows full of orchids and butterflies, creating a super peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hiking through the Pyrenees, or treating yourself to some yoga, Camping La Serre is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Camping La Viste

Camping La Viste in Rousset is another gem we stumbled upon when our plans took an unexpected turn—and we’ve been back twice since! It’s walking distance from the stunning Lac de Serre-Ponçon, this campsite offers the perfect balance of action and relaxation. There are two outdoor pools, including one with a water slide that the kids absolutely loved. Plus, there are great pizzas for a speedy dinner, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring and swimming.

We can’t get enough of camping in France — we keep finding ourselves going back again and again! It’s easily one of the best spots in Europe for campers, with an amazing variety of campsites to suit every style and budget. If you’re planning your next trip, check out pitchup.com for ideas, and don’t be afraid to try some of the smaller, independent sites — they can be real hidden gems.

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