Camping: why we love it more and more
Camping is coming back into fashion! And with good reason: camping has come a long way and keeps on modernising.
Still have a few doubts about spending your holidays at a campsite? We'll clear them up in no time! Find out here why camping is winning over more and more people.
Because it has moved with the times
Let's be honest: most campsites today are a world away from Patrick's idea of a holiday!
These days, most campsites are vast, fully equipped and extremely modern. There are even 5-star campsites which, on top of everything else, offer:
- A reception service in three foreign languages
- Heated toilet and shower blocks
- Quality optional services (massage, hairdresser and more)
- A swimming area
- Internet access
- 24-hour booking
There is in fact a rating framework for campsites, and it keeps evolving. Since 2019, for example, it has covered the cleanliness of the rental units, internet access from the second star upwards, the removal of squat toilets and other criteria. The rules are therefore getting tougher and scrutiny is greater.
Finally, camping doesn't necessarily mean a tent. Plenty of campsites let you hire a motorhome or a small bungalow. The very idea of camping is becoming broader and broader.
Because it brings us closer to nature
This is one of the great advantages of camping. You are usually right in the heart of nature, and if you're in a tent on top of that, the experience is even more immersive.
Many people describe camping as "freedom". You're on a secure site and you can head back to your "accommodation" whenever you feel like it. You can spend the night under the stars, go for a night-time walk or sip a hot chocolate by the fire.
Because you meet loads of people at a campsite
It's a simple fact: campsites are so big that you're bound to meet people. If you're a regular, it's true that you'll run into a few familiar faces from one year to the next. But most of the time, you'll be meeting new people!
That's one of the many upsides. In France, especially in summer, plenty of tourists flock to campsites, so you can discover a new language and a new culture. It's a way of extending your holiday and adding an unexpected cultural dimension to it!
Of course, you can also keep to yourselves if you'd rather have a quieter holiday. But don't forget that camping is about that too: good company and discovery! So, fancy heading off camping? We're just waiting for the warm weather to come back and then up goes our tent! And if you want to get away but not for long, why not try the idea of a micro-adventure?
Modern campsites offer far more than a traditional tent: here's what five-star establishments provide.
| Equipment or service | Available from 2-star | Available at 5-star |
|---|---|---|
| Internet access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated sanitary facilities and showers | ✓ | |
| Swimming area | ✓ | |
| 24/7 booking | ✓ | |
| Optional services (massage, hairdresser) | ✓ | |
| No squat toilets | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to sleep in a tent to go camping? No. Plenty of campsites rent out small bungalows or take motorhomes, and the idea of camping keeps getting broader. The tent is one option among others, not a requirement.
What does a five-star campsite offer that others don’t? A reception in three foreign languages, heated toilet blocks and showers, a swimming area, internet access and round-the-clock booking. On top of that come optional services such as massage or hairdressing. What you pay for is comfort and availability.
Has the campsite star rating changed? Yes, the assessment grid evolves over time. Since 2019 it covers the cleanliness of rental units, internet access from two stars upwards and the removal of squat toilets. The rules are getting tighter and so are the checks.
Is there internet on campsites? From two stars upwards, internet access is one of the rating criteria. At five-star sites it sits alongside the swimming area and round-the-clock booking among the advertised facilities.
Can you keep to yourself if you’d rather not chat with the neighbours? Yes. Nothing forces you to meet anyone, and a quiet holiday just with your own group works perfectly well. Encounters mostly happen when you go looking for them, though in summer the foreign visitors next door make it easy.
What if I only have two days free? Try a micro-adventure. One or two nights are enough for a change of scene, and camping suits that short format well. All that’s left is to wait for warmer weather and pitch the tent.
