Camping in France: What You Need to Know About Municipal Campsites

Municipal campsites, often located in a quaint village or town, are managed by the local mayor. The purpose is to benefit the local economy by encouraging an influx of seasonal holidaymakers whilst offering visitors a unique and intimate experience of rural French life, culture and endless opportunities to practise French language skills.

Often bringing visitors closer to nature, municipal campsites tend to be located in stunning natural settings whilst being just a short distance from popular destinations and tourist attractions.

Although most municipal campsites offer traditional camping pitches alone, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that some also offer alternative holiday accommodation, including chalets, static caravans and glamping.

If the concept of the municipal campsite sounds like something you would consider as your next holiday, the French have made it easy for you to choose with campsite suits your needs best with a handy star-rating classification system.

What you can expect on a one-star campsite

One-star campsites tend to be small and provide basic facilities, you can expect basic toilets and washing facilities, but with no guarantee that you will get a hot shower, but the prices reflect this, you can get a pitch of 70m2 for just a few euros a night.

What you can expect on a two-star campsite

On a two-star campsite, you can expect a reception, toilet and shower cubicles with hot water, washbasins and a slightly larger pitch with occasional access to power sockets for personal electrical devices.

What you can expect on a three-star campsite

With a three-star campsite, you can expect everything covered by a one and two-star site with a few added extras. You can expect a much larger pitch, a reception whereby the staff speak two additional languages other than French plus a playground, a shop, internet access and some may even have a swimming pool.

What you can expect on a four-star or five-star campsite

When you reach the top end of the star rating system, you can expect more luxurious facilities and amenities. These will include private washing cubicles with guaranteed hot water, designated areas for pot washing, communal cooking areas, a compulsory swimming pool, internet access and an eatery.

So, if you crave culture, language, history and countryside from your holidays, a municipal campsite could be the perfect fit for you and your family and your next adventure in France.

From shopping at the supermarket to sending a parcel at Post Office, finding your local dechetterie to who to call in an emergency—FrenchEntrée is here to help with every aspect of day-to-day living in France. Read our Essential Reading guides for advice on living in France, visit our Shopping zone or Pets zone, or brush up your language skills with our handy learning French resources.