Summer vacations by the sea are the dream! There's no need to head off under exotic coconut palms: France is particularly well-supplied with charming coastlines, both on the Mediterranean, with the magnificent Côte d'Azur, and on the Atlantic Ocean, not forgetting the beaches of Normandy to the north and the coast of Corsica to the south.
Why choose a seaside campsite?
Choosing a campsite by the sea is the assurance of a stay in nature, a complete change of scenery from the rest of the year, a relaxing, sunny and rejuvenating stay, with your feet in the sand and the sea. There are many campsites by the sea. In fact, these campsites were the pioneers of camping in the wake of the introduction of paid vacations. Some holidaymakers have been loyal to a particular Côte d'Azur campsite for generations, returning year after year with their own habits and neighbors. Shared barbecues, children playing together, it's one big family at these friendly seaside campsites.
What can you expect from a seaside campsite?
That it be... by the sea! Taking the car every day to get to the beach, even just a few kilometers away, is a real obstacle course, between preparations, gathering the troops and traffic jams. Even if the sea is just a stone's throw away, the presence of a water park is always appreciated, for its playful side, or even a simple swimming pool. And of course, you need shade. So be sure to check that the pitches are in a pine forest and that the rentals are air-conditioned, which is most often the case in 5-star and 4-star campsites.
Our selection of the best seaside campsites in France
Here are a few hand-picked suggestions... Of course, our selection is not universal! Many other seaside campsites in France deserve to be in this Top 7. We've made this selection to highlight campsites from different regions and in different styles, all of which have been tested and validated by Le Petit Futé.
- When you choose a campsite in Le Lavandou, you're sure to enjoy magnificent surroundings.
Camping de Pramousquier is a pleasant and affordable 2-star campsite offering terraced pitches in a park with a view of the sea and Ile du Levant. We recommend bungalows with covered outdoor terraces and garden furniture, or mobile homes with semi-covered outdoor terraces and garden furniture. More unusual are the BB tents: Canadian tents on stilts for 2 to 4 people. A friendly atmosphere, just 400 m from the sandy beach of Pramousquier.
Tempted? See also our article What to do in the Var? 23 must-sees and Which campsite to choose in the Var? Here are 10 not-to-be-missed establishments!
- There are half a dozen 5-star campsites in Fréjus, just under a dozen 4-star campsites and very few very affordable campsites.
We've selected one in the 3-star category, simply called Camping le Fréjus, even though it's 6 km from the sandy beaches of Fréjus. In compensation, this camping-caravanning site offers a verdant setting on a 7-hectare estate, with a superb view of the Roquebrune rock, one of the most beautiful spots in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur. The aquatic area includes a paddling pool for children, a main pool, a special pool dedicated to the 3 waterslides, not forgetting a covered and heated pool, weather permitting. Numerous activities are organized from April to September, supervised by specialized entertainers. You can also explore the region's most beautiful villages.
- Cassis campsites are among the best seaside campsites in France.
The surrounding area offersa charming village and port, and of course the calanques and their creeks. Only one campsite is located in the commune itself. Les Cigales, a modest 2-star campsite, offers the same friendly, quiet atmosphere as the larger, more luxurious campsites. It offers basic services, but has the advantage of being just a few minutes' walk from the sea and very affordable, in a highly sought-after area just a stone's throw from the calanques. You're in the shade of the pine forest. Children's playground, grocery store and snack bar.
- The majority of campsites in Hyères are 4-star.
This picturesque town, facing the islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant, offers a charming landscape full of places to visit. The majority of 4-star campsites here are of the highest quality. The Parc et Plage campsite has developed an original concept of open-air hotel, entirely pedestrianized, favoring calm and serenity. Facing the îles d'Or, 80 m from the beach and 300 m from the village of l'Ayguade, this natural campsite offers luxury, new-generation mobile homes with terraces ranging from 9 to 40m2, set in landscaped, unoverlooked plots in a 5-hectare park. Free entertainment for all ages is organized in July and August.
- There are many campsites in the Vendée with Les Sables d'Olonne and a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean renowned for its beauty.
The 4-star Pomme de Pin campsite is a jewel with direct access to the beach and a Premium Quarter with private spa. You'll fall in love with the superb facilities and charming welcome. Superb aquatic area with 500 m² sand lagoon, swimming corridor, 500 m² heated pools, paddling pool, water games, 70 m waterslide. Lodges on stilts. Entertainment, wellness area, restaurant.
See also our articles Which campsite to choose in Vendée? 10 must-see establishments ! and What to do in Vendée? 13 must-sees.
- The campsites in the Bassin d'Arcachon are numerous and of excellent quality.
It's one of the best seaside campsites in France. Les Viviers-Siblu village campsite invites you to enjoy a superb vacation. In the heart of an immense pine forest, you can choose between pitching your tent, renting a mobile home, a cabin or a Coco Sweet. The campsite is built around play areas and a superb supervised pool complex . The sea tickles summer guests on the pool side of a virtually private beach. Bicycle hire, canoeing, minigolf, free kids' clubs, entertainment... Discover all the things to do in and around Arcachon!
- With campsites in Corsica, you're never far from the sea.
Camping des Îles, which has just been awarded its fourth star, is the southernmost campsite in France and one of the best in the south. Despite its idyllic location, it offers affordable rates and a family welcome. A beautiful site 4 km from Bonifacio and 900 m from Piantarella beach and its famous kitesurfing spot. From this beach, you can walk across the sandbar to the island of Piana, a protected breeding ground for seagulls and other migratory birds.
See also our article dedicated to Where to go on beach vacations? The best destinations
